NBC will be celebrating the 2011 Christmas Season sometime in December with a Musical Variety 1 Hour TV Special Starring Michael Buble.
My goodness, it's been a long time since there has been a truly good Christmas Music Special. There have been some attempts in years past - but nothing (I'm sorry to say) that have come close to the old tapes I've seen of Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Lawrence Welk, Andy Williams, Pat Boone, The Osmonds, Doris Day, etc... Christmas Specials!
Hopefully, Michael Buble's Christmas Special will have a Classy and Nostalgic Christmas Feeling. He has a beautiful, soulful voice and I truly look forward to hearing his Christmas Music!
Tony Oller ... Tyler McFarland Faith Ford ... Jody Michael L. Covington ... Coach Green Alyssa Shafer ... Lucy Joe Adler ... Corey Christopher Tavarez ... Alex Erin Smith ... Crissy Zack Mines ... Dugan Steve Coulter ... Cornelius Michael H. Cole ... Peter Curtis Tommy Cresswell ... Joe Nabb Dane Davenport ... Nick Burris Julie Ivey ... Rachel Dixon Katie Adkins ... Meghan Chase Wainscott ... Aaron Joe Crosson ... Parent Joel Johnson ... Ross Christopher Marrone ... Murphy Frank Warlick ... Mr. B Ethan Major ... Young Corey Andy Velo ... Driscoll DE Michael Albanese ... Defensive Lineman
PLOT:
Mysterious footage captured on an old video camera shows star quarterback Tyler McFarland that some of his teammates have been bullying Cory Walker, the new transfer student. Standing up for Cory may just cost him everything. Will he do the right thing?
Movie Review:
Great Movie for family viewing! Very Strong! Good Acting by both adults and teens, and children. Loved Faith Ford in this! She was fantastic... loving, caring, gentle, and kind, as a Mother and school principal.
I was totally impressed and pulled into the story of this small town school where the captain of the football team was the principal's son, Tyler, who just happened to be handsome and clean-cut, with this All American boy look. He's close to his best buddies, who also play football.
Tyler has it all - great family - Dad, Mom, and Little Sister, a blonde girlfriend, friends, good grades, great social jock status, etc... Then a new boy comes to school, whose name is Cory. He lives in the foster care system and doesn't have family, friends, or anything like that. But, he likes to read and play football. He's a strong kid, but the other boys on the football team (some of Tyler's best friends) begin to bully him around.
Tyler founds out and has the dilemma of whether to tell the truth and get his friends get kicked off the team or let it go and let the bullies win. He chooses to do the right thing, which doesn't make him popular with his teammates or girlfriend.
In the end, things eventually turn around and Tyler becomes friends again with his old buddies. Tyler doesn't change - they do.
It truly is an inspiring story with a lot of little stories mixed in to keep it lively and interesting - such as Tyler's little sister., who is also reading. I thought she was so adorable and refreshing. She was cute and sweet without being over the top mushy, like most young kids in made-for-tv movies.
The only thing I found to be annoying was the fact that this little girl had this old video camera that worked on and off and when she looked through the viewfinder she could see events or moments that had passed or moments to come. That was strange and really made absolutely no sense. the rest of the story was so good and interesting that I did my best to overlook that.
I loved that the story was mainly about a very close-knit family who loved and cared for one another. The Mother and Father seemed very close, loving, and supportive of one another and their children. The parents and children seemed close - the Mother always read to the daughter at night (even though she could read to herself) and at night they would say to each other, "I Love You More" - "No, I Love You More." And, the son would often talk to his parents and come to him with his decisions and problems. The brother and sister were close, as well. They would talk to one another on the way to school often, and he called her Moonbeam, affectionately. It was ver sweet, but never over-done.
I also liked that the story was about defeating bullys. The kid who was being bullied wasn't a wimp, at all - so it showed you that anyone can be a target. Even with so much to loose, it was great to see Tyler choose to do the right thing.
Good story! Great Message! Very strong! Highly recommend for family and classroom viewing!
See or Skip:
See, with your family or Teachers, please play this one for all your students!
This is the night when fans of "It's a Wonderful Life" from all over the U.S. will stop all their plans just to be in front of their screens tonight to see Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey... the Richest man in Town!
Oh, we all have the movie on dvd - many of us have several copies, but just to watch it again when we know the rest of America is watching, too.... is something special!!!
I thought I would share some favorite IAWL photos below...
Plus there's a 2 minute Video of the Movie Trailor below the images...
Enjoy!
This movie is a gift to everyone who watches it... for the story shows that God designed us - each and everyone, for a purpose!
Merry Christmas, Everybody!!!
God's blessings to You All!!!
This is truly the best night (December 11th, 2010) of Television ... with It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Meet me in St. Louis, An Old Fashioned Christmas, A Boyfriend for Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, The Santa Clause 3 : The Escape Clause, An Avonlea Christmas, Holiday Inn, and so much more!!!!
Nancy Travis ... Trish / Cindy Jackson Pace ... Mikey Kremer Cameron Deane Stewart ... Justin Kremer Jana Lee Hamblin ... Cindy Kremer Philip Winchester ... Jake Yara Martinez ... Molly - the Angel Betty Moyer ... Phoebe Elijah Nelson ... Toby Sarah Willey ... Head Cheerleader Shanga Parker ... Coach Kellums Tra'Renee Chambers ... Nurse in Clinic Will Cuddy ... Cool Dude Guy Timi Rutter ... Woman at Carnival
PLOT:
A Walk in My Shoes makes viewers stop and think, What would I learn if I stepped into someone else's life? Stressed-out high school teacher Trish Fahey (Nancy Travis, Three Men and a Baby, Becker) can't understand her students' lack of effort in the classroom and why their parents don't seem to care. This is especially true of Justin Kremer (Cameron Deane Stewart), a popular, skateboard-loving, basketball star who is under performing in her class. Trish has him suspended from the basketball team and quickly chalks up the situation as a case of bad parenting.
This perspective dramatically changes when Trish meets Molly (Yara Martinez, My Own Worst Enemy), a mysterious stranger intent on helping her see things differently. After a car accident, Trish wakes to find herself living the life of Cindy Kremer, the woman she has rashly judged and criticized. Molly helps Trish discover that there is more to the story and learns a powerful lesson that affects everyone she interacts with, including her husband, daughter and the Marine next door. No one is left unchanged.
Movie Review:
At times, this movie was very interesting and thought provoking... and at other times, I found it be very strange.
I'll do my best to explain... there could be some Spoilers - so be ware!
Trish Fahey (Nancy Travis), a very busy, by the rules, teacher - is totally not understanding to her husband, children, or students lives and feelings. Well, she is in a small car accident, visited by a woman, who I believe was an Angel (but acted very strangely throughout the rest of the movie) and poof suddenly Trish is not herself anymore... but instead, she is Cindy, the Mother of one of her students. She quickly adapts herself into this new life as a waitress and a widowed Mother of two boys. Her growing relationship with these boys is the best part of the movie and realizing their emotions and feelings since the passing of their father.
A new neighbor moves in next door to them - Jake, a Marine, and I think - surely he and the mother (Cindy) are meant to get together...as he bonds with both boys and takes the family in when they are evicted from their home, but no - that doesn't happen. He is often visited by this same angel, a woman named Molly, who also visited Trish - but she is often quite weird. In one scene she is dancing around and there is no music or reason for her to be doing it. The marine seems strangely attracted to her. It's just very odd.
There were some aspects that were interesting - especially about the teacher, Trish, who is literally walking in the shoes of this mother, Cindy, and doing her best to live her life and keep everything together. She helps the oldest boy, Justin, deal with his past and he finally writes his English paper about what event changed his life. Of course, it was about losing his father. She also learns that her actual daughter is more interested in arts and dancing than in academics, and realizes how much her husband needs just to talk to her at the end of the day.
I don't think most children would stick with this movie - I think it would be way too complicated and confusing for them - as the storyline jumps around a lot. It's interesting, at times, but it is rather slow moving at other times. In the end, which was only a few weeks later, I'm guessing, Trish returns back to her normal life, but she is changed now, and she and her husband anonymously help out Cindy Kremer and her sons- so they can keep their home, and the Marine living next door to them, that just moved in - is suddenly all packed up and moving away. As he drives down the road - the angel or mysterious stranger, Molly, appears next to him and then, they go to the fair. And, that's the end.
*Note: This is not a Christmas Movie: however, in one beautiful, touching scene, the young boy, Mikey, and Jake (the Marine/Neighbor) put beautiful Colored Christmas Lights on the house because the boy wants his father to see them from Heaven. Mikey asks Jake, Do you believe in God?, and Jake says, Yes, then Mikey asks, Where was God when my father died?, and Jake says gently, Right beside him.
I was touched by this scene... I wish the rest of the movie could have been more like this moment.
See or Skip:
Maybe, see it on TV, but skip getting this one on DVD.
The following is a press release from NBC, in regard to their upcoming Holiday and Christmas Cartoons airing on their Network throughout October to December.
NBC PRESS RELEASE:
NBC AND DREAMWORKS ANIMATION BRING ONE-OF-A-KIND ANIMATED PROGRAMMING TO AUDIENCES AT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH NEW ORIGINAL SPECIALS: 'SCARED SHREKLESS' AND 'KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY SPECIAL'
NBC Will Rebroadcast 'Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space' on October 30 and 'Merry Madagascar' on November 24 and December 4
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - September 7, 2010 - NBC and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) today announced that the network will offer special holiday treats for audiences of all ages this year with the studio's brand new original animated half-hour TV specials, "Scared Shrekless" and "Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special."
"NBC is proud to team with DreamWorks Animation to broadcast such quality holiday programming that includes some of their many popular film characters," said Angela Bromstad, President, Primetime Entertainment, NBC and Universal Media Studios. "These animated specials will provide top-flight family entertainment for fans of all ages."
"Scared Shrekless" features the lovable ogre, Shrek, and all of his friends from DreamWorks Animation's blockbuster feature film franchise, which has generated nearly $3 billion in worldwide box office. The Halloween-themed television special is scheduled to air on NBC on Thursday, October 28 from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. ET.
"Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special" is a fun-filled seasonal television special in which Po the Panda celebrates his favorite holiday alongside his pals from the #1 animated film of 2008, "Kung Fu Panda". This special can be seen on Wednesday, November 24 from 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. ET and again on Saturday, December 4 from 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. ET. DreamWorks Animation plans to release both of its new holiday TV specials into the home entertainment market in 2011.
"NBC brings quality holiday programming to viewers year after year and we are thrilled to add original DreamWorks Animation programming to their mix yet again in 2010," said Ann Daly, Chief Operating Officer of DreamWorks Animation. "We look forward to families and friends coming together around the TV to enjoy new holiday-themed tales inspired by the very same characters and worlds they know from our beloved films."
NBC will also rebroadcast DreamWorks Animation's hit holiday special, "Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space" on Saturday, October 30 from 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. ET and "Merry Madagascar" twice: Wednesday, November 24 from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. ET and Saturday, December 4 from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. ET.
Halloween is Shrek's favorite holiday, and this year he's planning a night of frights - all done ogre-style. Instead of the usual tricks or treats, Shrek challenges Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots and the other fairy tale characters to spend the night in Lord Farquaad's haunted castle telling scary stories. The last one to be scared "Shrekless" will win.
The Winter Feast is Po's favorite holiday. Every year he and his father hang decorations, cook together, and serve noodle soup to the villagers. But this year Shifu informs Po that as Dragon Warrior, it is his duty to host the formal Winter Feast at the Jade Palace. Po is caught between his obligations as the Dragon Warrior and his family traditions: between Shifu and Mr. Ping.
Released from NBC.
See the Christmas TV Schedule Page for a more outlined schedule detail of these Holiday and Christmas Cartoons.
The Winter Feast is Po's favorite holiday. Every year he and his father hang decorations, cook together, and serve noodle soup to the villagers. But this year Shifu informs Po that as Dragon Warrior, it is his duty to host the formal Winter Feast at the Jade Palace. Po is caught between his obligations as the Dragon Warrior and his family traditions: between Shifu and Mr. Ping.
Shrek ... Mike Myers Fiona ... ? Donkey ... Dean Edwards Puss in Boots ... Antonio Banderas
PLOT:
Halloween is Shrek's favorite holiday, and this year he's planning a night of frights - all done ogre-style. Instead of the usual tricks or treats, Shrek challenges Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots and the other fairy tale characters to spend the night in Lord Farquaad's haunted castle telling scary stories. The last one to be scared "Shrekless" will win.
INSPIRED BY THE HIT FEATURE FILM 'SHREK'- -When Halloween arrives, Shrek (Mike Myers) cannot wait to start celebrating his favorite holiday -- ogre style. Instead of the usual tricks or treats, Shrek challenges Donkey (Dean Edwards), Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) and the other fairy-tale characters to a scary storytelling contest. Before the night of frights can begin, they learn that they must all spend the night in Lord Farquaad's haunted castle. The last one to be scared "Shrekless" will win.
Movie Review:
Coming...
Please Note: I don't usually promote a lot of Halloween programming... especially anything filled with scary scenes not suitable for families. I do, however, usually share when Charlie Brown or Winnie the Pooh's Halloween Specials are on - because they are decent, cute, and fun for family viewing. I am hoping this new cartoon special will fall into this category - though, please know, I have not seen this myself, and it could be scary for children.
NBC and Walmart have teamed up to create Family Movie Night TV Movies. Secrets of the Mountain was their first attempt - airing first this spring, on April 16th, 2010.
Paige Turco ... Dana James Barry Bostwick ... Henry Beecham Shawn Christian ... Tom Kent Allison Graham ... Brandi James Adelaide Kane ... Jade Ann James Crawford Wilson ... Jake James Rachel Pattee ... Young Dana Kayla Carlson ... Maddie James Elisabetta Fantone ... Carolyn Thacker Andreas Apergis ... Nigel Fowler Frank Schorpion ... Colin James Paulina B. Abarca ... Judge Christian de la Cortina ... Antonio Huerta
PLOT:
from NBC:
Family business leads to an adventure of a lifetime for single mom Dana James (Paige Turco, “The Agency”) and her three kids when the family faces a series of mysteries and a dark secret that drives them deep into danger. When Dana receives news that someone is interested in buying the mountain cabin she inherited years ago from her beloved Uncle Henry (Barry Bostwick, “Spin City”), she sees a weekend trip to sign the papers as a chance to reconnect with her children. But the family encounters unknown twists as they uncover pieces of a puzzle -- and they learn that someone is determined to stop them from solving the riddle at any cost. Also starring Shawn Christian (NBC's “Days of our Lives”).
Movie Review:
Even while I was watching this, I half expected Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) to jump out in one of the scenes and save the day! Just Kidding, of course.
This Movie was promoted as a wholesome Family Movie, and while there are sweet Family Moments, I must caution you with with some off the violence in this.
The TV Rating was TV-PG-V... and the Violence began at the beginning with an intense car chase and a vehicle going over the side of a Mountain, then bursting into flames. It is presumed that Uncle Henry has died in this crash.
When Dana and her three children, Jake, Jade, and Maddie visit the Mountain Cabin that her Uncle left her - they are suddenly greeted by Uncle Henry, who is holding a shotgun. He quickly puts it down and we learn his story and the Secrets of the Mountain. The kids convince their Mom and Uncle Henry that they must stay and discover all the secrets before the Mountain is sold to Nigel Fowler, an evil man.
Late one night, Nigel threatens Dana in a Shed near the cabin. There is a struggle between Jake and Nigel on a bridge as they are inside the Mountain. Jade and Jake are rescued from falling into a deep pit. Inside the Mountain, they come across many skeletal remains. Maddie imagines that the Indians stayed to guard their god, a golden image. Her Mother tells her that they are not going to stay as she pulls her along through the the tunnel of the skeletons. When they find the Indians golden idol, the trap door is shutting and that evil man, Nigel Fowler, is fighting to get the gold and he hits Dana over the head and she cannot escape. As the trap door is nearly shut, Maddie thinks quickly and places her beloved hard safari-style hat under the door before it completely closes. Dana is eventally rescued by her handsome lawyer and friend, Tom Kent.
Before they can completely escape the inside of the Mountain, though, there is a cave-in and they are blocked by a wall of rocks. Uncle Henry saves the day now and rescues them from the other side.
It seemed so strange to me, that after all of these Many years of his trying to find a way in the mountain, Uncle Henry, finally had found the way in, but decided not to go. I guess they needed him on the outside for this rescue. I also found it strange how the Mother & Children didn't stick together while they were inside this very scary mountain. The mother would often stop and have a conversation with one of her children along the way, while the others walked on, as if it was just a hike, or something.
What is good?
Uncle Henry, first of all. He is clever and wise... one of those great older relatives that draw children in to their wonderful old tales and stories.
Dana, the Mom... it is evident, that even though, she is a busy working single mother, that she loves her kids.
The children -
Jake and Jade are twins, but they are pretty opposite. Jake is athletic, while Jade is more into artistic things. One scene shows him playing ball and her going her seperate way- singing with her guitar near the water. This was a nice moment - she has a lovely voice. This adventure rebuilds Jake and Jade's relationship back together.
Maddie, the youngest... she is so adorable and youthfully enthusiastic from the start... she makes everything fun!
I caution family viewing due to the violence mentioned above and the graphic showing of skeletal remains, which may be too scary for young viewers. Also, young viewers may not understand all the details of the Indians and their golden image.
The greatest lesson, however, in this film is... for Dana and her three children, all that is important to them is each other. The value and preciousness of life and their family, is more important than any gold.
See or Skip:
See, if you enjoy Indian Jones Style Adventures, but please read the review above. I think the violence might be too intense for younger children.
I can almost hear those Jingle Bells...
all over the U.S. will stop all their plans just to be in front of their screens tonight to see Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey... the Richest man in Town! 
America is watching, too.... is something special!!!
