A star-studded, underseen crime thriller movie is on TV tonight

Stephen Porzio

The film comes from an Oscar-winning director.

Our TV movie pick for tonight (Saturday, 7 September) is U Turn, the star-studded 1997 neo-noir crime thriller film.

Directed by Oscar-winner Oliver Stone (JFK, Platoon), it sees another Oscar winner Sean Penn play Bobby Cooper, a drifter in debt to a violent gangster whose car breaks down in the small desert town of Superior, Arizona.

While there, he meets a young woman (Jennifer Lopez) and her much older spouse (Nick Nolte), each of whom approach Bobby to kill the other for money.

Also featuring amongst its cast a young Claire Danes and Joaquin Phoenix, along with Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Voight, U Turn was not a box office hit upon release and received mixed reviews from critics.

We’d argue, however, that the movie’s great cast, sweaty atmospshere, dark comedy elements and twisty plot make it well worth seeking out.

Airing tonight/tomorrow morning on the channel Legend at 12.45am, U Turn is also available to rent on Rakuten TV.

Here are the other movies airing on TV tonight:

Forrest Gump – Sky Showcase – 9pm

“Life’s a box of chocolates, Forrest.”

Starship Troopers – ITV4 – 9pm

It’s humans versus alien bugs in this cult action sci-fi satire from legendary filmmaker Paul Verhoeven (Basic Instinct, RoboCop).

Gemini Man – Film4 – 9pm

Will Smith faces off against a younger Will Smith in this flawed but interesting action flick from director Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Hulk).

Pineapple Express – Comedy Central – 10pm

Two stoners (James Franco and Seth Rogen) go on the run after one of them witnesses a murder in this action comedy.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge – BBC One – 10.25pm

The fifth and final entry to date in the swashbuckling franchise.

Hard Target – Legend – 10.50pm

Jean-Claude Van Damme uncovers a sinister group of wealthy men who hunt the homeless for sport in this action film that was Face/Off director John Woo’s first English-language movie.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – Film4 – 11.15pm

Basically Tim Burton’s version of X-Men.

Jaws 3 – ITV4 – 11.25pm

Dennis Quaid stars in this shark sequel that was released in 3D in theatres.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood – Channel 4 – 11.35pm

Quentin Tarantino’s most recent and maybe best movie.

Read more: