New Releases for the week of December 01 - December 07
The Wolverine
While living out his days as a recluse in the Yukon, Logan, the Wolverine, is contacted by a fellow mutant on behalf of an officer he rescued during the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. After learning the officer, Yashida, is now dying of cancer, Logan travels to Japan to visit the ailing man who wants to repay his life debt. Soon, Logan finds himself in a life-or-death battle that forces him to confront his inner demons and struggle with immortality.
Director: James Mangold. Stars: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima. 2013. 126 min. Action.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
Seemingly ordinary teenage girl Clary Fray discovers that she is a descendent of a long line of Shadowhunters, a group of warriors tasked with protecting our world from demons, and has inherited special powers from her mother. When her mother disappears, Clary must join forces with others like her to rescue her. But to find her mother, Clary will have to navigate an alternate New York called Downworld, where dangerous demons, warlocks, vampires and other deadly creatures roam.
Director: Harald Zwart. Stars: Lilly Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan, Kevin Zegers. 2013. 130 min. Adventure.
The Smurfs 2
In an attempt to harness the all-powerful smurf-essence, the evil Gargamel creates a couple of Smurf-like creatures he calls the Naughties. When he realizes that only Smurfette knows the spell that will turn the Naughties into real Smurfs, Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and takes her to Paris, where he is admired by millions who believe him to be the world’s greatest sorcerer. With the help of their real world friends, the Winslows, Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy and Vanity will have to return to the real world to save Smurfette before it’s too late.
Director: Raja Gosnell. Stars: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Katy Perry, Brendan Gleeson, Hank Azaria. 2013. 105 min. Family.
Drinking Buddies
Luke is in a serious relationship with his girlfriend of six years, while Kate is trying to play it cool with her music producer boyfriend. Despite their relationships, Luke and Kate flirt and drink while working at a Chicago brewery. The pair are perfect for each other, and the more they drink, the blurrier the line between “friends” and "more than friends” becomes.
Director: Joe Swanberg. Stars: Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick, Ron Livingston, Jason Sudeikis. 2013. 90 min. Comedy.
Late Laughs for the week of December 1 - 7, 2013
Conan: Conan O'Brien
Yesterday, everybody gained an hour from daylight saving time. Well, now you're about to waste one, so it's going to come out perfectly even.
This weekend had the first YouTube awards. Eminem won. Second runner-up was a cat walking across a piano.
On Sunday, the New York City Marathon was won in both the men's and women's divisions by Kenyans. Coming in a close second were some other Kenyans.
Holiday hijinks: Christmas specials are taking over the airwaves
Cameron Mathison and Jennie Garth star in "Holidaze"
Holiday hijinks: It's December at last, and we all know what that means: the airwaves are already filled with festive holiday specials, and there's a lot more to come before we hit the big day on Dec. 25.
The hills are 'live': NBC's 'The Sound of Music Live!' is a highlight of holiday programming
The cast of "The Sound of Music Live"
With glittering Christmas lights popping up everywhere and fake snow and jingle bells adorning shop windows across the country, there's no denying it's holiday time again. NBC gets festive this week with a number of specials, including a highly anticipated live version of a beloved musical.
Recaps for the week of November 25 - 29
Arianne Zucker stars in "Days of Our Lives"
The Bold and the Beautiful
Brooke goes to her sister Katie and pleads with all of her heart that they never let Bill get between their relationship again. Soon thereafter, Bill decides he wants to be with Brooke and makes his best attempt to persuade her to come back to him. Wyatt surprises his father when he asks Bill for a significant favor. Later, Wyatt and Quinn have a heartfelt discussion about their past and how much change their family has gone through recently. Hope takes planning Thanksgiving festivities into her own hands when she extends the guest list to some unfavorable guests. Aware of the potential for drama, Eric instructs everyone to be on their best behavior for the holiday. Rick and Caroline celebrate their engagement with loved ones, while Pam and Charlie bond as they prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Hope requests that each person at the table set their differences aside and say something positive about the person sitting to his or her right.
Days of Our Lives
Sami and Kate put aside their differences and work together to stop Gabi and Nick from moving to New York. Will and Sonny have a blowout over the Gabi situation, while Gabi gets wise to Nick's scheming ways. Sami, Kate and Gabi later experience a terrifying shock and struggle to keep things from getting even more out of control. Gabi has mixed emotions as she considers sharing her big secret with Will and Sonny. Meanwhile, Nicole is surprised when she has to interview Eric for her first assignment as a TV reporter. Brady gets a tip as to Kristen's whereabouts, and Hope pays EJ a visit with a search warrant. JJ decides he needs to make things right after witnessing an awkward exchange between Jennifer and Daniel at a Thanksgiving party. Caroline gives Victor a piece of her mind over the way he exposed her grandson.
General Hospital
Friends and family gather as Patrick and Sabrina's wedding day commences. Patrick has trouble believing Ava's wild claims, and later someone urges him to call off the wedding. Lulu, Dante, Maxie and Spinelli struggle to deal with the aftermath of the judge's ruling in baby Connie's custody case. Someone is poised to get the upper hand against Faison to thwart his next act of deception. Rumors about Robin start to circulate amongst the residents of Port Charles, but people have trouble believing they are true. Sabrina walks down the aisle, intent on marrying the love of her life Patrick, but it's anyone's guess if she'll end the day as Mrs. Drake.
The Young and the Restless
Nikki finally reveals the truth about her being Dylan's mother during a big family dinner at the club, where Dylan is also dining with Avery. Tensions rise as Dylan and the rest of Nikki's family demand answers. Michael worries about Fen being in prison next to him, but Paul assures him he has a plan to get Michael's conviction reversed. Billy runs into Kelly outside the support group meeting and they bond over their tragic losses. Mason almost gets caught using Devon's credit card, but he plays it cool and Devon invites him to get drinks. Adam tells Victoria that he wished people would stop hounding him when she asks for an update on Delia's hit and run. Meanwhile, Noah tells Sharon he's not happy about Victor hiring Kyle. Ashley shows up at the Abbott mansion and surprises everyone for Thanksgiving.
The Flight Before Christmas, on CBS
A young reindeer dreams of becoming an ace flyer like his father in this animated holiday program. Featuring the voices of Norm MacDonald and Emma Roberts, the special follows the reindeer and his friends as they attempt to thwart the evil plan of a wolf.
Garth Brooks, Live From Las Vegas, on CBS
Garth Brooks treats viewers to a special live performance of his long-running hit show at the Wynn Las Vegas in this two-hour concert special. Brooks shares his story and talks about the artists who influenced his career.
Q: I remember seeing Thomas Gibson from "Criminal Minds" in a miniseries on PBS about a bunch of friends living in San Francisco. Do you know what it was called? And can I find it on video?
Believe it or not, "Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City" is 20 years old this year. That's bad news if it makes you feel old, too, but good news if you want to watch it again, since it was released on DVD a few months ago to commemorate the anniversary.
Lady Gaga and the Muppets' Holiday Spectacular, on ABC
Pop star Lady Gaga goes backstage with the legendary Muppets to offer viewers a unique take on the classic holiday special. Including performances from Gaga's new album, the special will feature appearances by Sir Elton John and RuPaul.
Big names, small screen: The Hallmark Hall of Fame brings another all-star cast to primetime
Andy Garcia and Mary-Louise Parker star in "Christmas in Conway"
Christmas is on its way and prime time is starting to roll out all sorts of programming to get us into the holiday spirit.