Don’t overlook these lesser-known and classic films airing May 15-21.
All times ET.
May 15
Serenity (2005)
When Joss Whedon’s short-lived, but much-loved, series Firefly was canceled, fans were left without a proper goodbye. With Serenity, Whedon gives the perfect ending, without alienating any newbies. Full of intense action, drama and excitement that could only be captured in full-length film form, Serenity is a must-see. SCIFI, 6:30pm
May 16
McCabe and Mrs. Miller (1971)
Robert Altman directs this thoughtful Western about a dumb cowboy (Warren Beatty) who teams up with a savvy madam (Julie Christie) to build a whorehouse in the Pacific Northwest. When a mining operation wants to buy McCabe’s holdings, things gets ugly. This film also features songs by Leonard Cohen. On the list of the 10 greatest Westerns as compiled by the American Film Institute. Retro, 10:15pm
May 17
Outbreak (1995)
Forget swine flu! Here’s the bug you have to really worry about. This film features Dustin Hoffman as a CDC germ expert trying to stop an epidemic in a small California town. Yes, his long “don’t drop that bomb” monologue near the end is about as exciting at John Galt’s speech in Atlas Shrugged, but the rest of the film is chillingly acted with top-notch suspense. AMC, May 17, 7pm
May 20
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
Not in the same league as the two films on which it is built, this installment has young John Connor all grown and finding himself once again at the center of a battle of machines from the future that are on a mission to eliminate him. Could have been better, but for those itching to see Terminator Salvation, this should get you back in the mode, as it were. AMC (HD), 8pm
May 21
Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
The inspiring story of a girl from a struggling family in South Los Angeles who makes an unlikely spelling-bee champion. On her way to the national level of competition, she has to overcome the demons in her life that threaten her chances on her path to success and victory. Lifetime, 9pm
And one more for those who get HBO:
May 16
Get Smart
No one could possibly replace the lethally funny combination of Don Adams and Mel Brooks in the original series, but Steve Carell fans can still enjoy his re-invention of the role in this film — and Anne Hathaway in the Barbara Feldon role of Agent 99. But look out for Bernie Kopell (who played the original 86’s arch-nemesis Siegfried) in a brief appearance. HBO (HD), 8pm
© 2005 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Credit: Sidney Baldwin.
