Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury, on Fox
The dragons leave town as the villagers of Berk prepare for the upcoming winter festivities in the world broadcast premiere. Featuring Hiccup, Astrid and Stoick, this touching holiday special is based on the DreamWorks film "How to Train Your Dragon."
New Releases for the week of December 16 - 22
Total Recall
In a post-apocalyptic world, Douglas Quaid leads a simple life but dreams of something more. He turns to Rekall, a company that provides its clients with exciting artificial memories, but before he can be treated, soldiers storm the building intent on killing him. Exhibiting surprising abilities, he escapes the soldiers only to find that his beautiful wife is also trying to kill him. When the real-life version of the woman who has been haunting his dreams turns up, Douglas must separate the truth from the lies if he is to save himself and the woman he loves.
Director: Len Wiseman. Stars: Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bokeem Woodbine, Bryan Cranston. 2012. 118 min. Action.
Trouble With the Curve
Gus Lobel is an aging baseball scout who’s been hiding the fact that he’s losing his eye sight. When the organization he works for begins to feel that he’s losing his edge, an old friend scores him one last gig, a chance to prove himself and keep his job. Accompanied by his daughter, Gus sets out on a journey that will challenge his perceptions and change his life.
Director: Robert Lorenz. Stars: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, Matthew Lillard. 2012. 111 min. Drama.
The Good Doctor
Dr. Blake, a young British doctor, transfers to a California hospital where it becomes clear that his charming personality is only skin deep. When Diane, an 18-year-old with a kidney infection, becomes Blake’s patient, she supplies him with the power and control he’s been longing for. When Diane begins to get better, Blake goes to great lengths to keep her by his side.
Director: Lance Daly. Stars: Orlando Bloom, Riley Keough, Taraji P. Henson. 2011. 91 min. Thriller.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
School is out and romance is in the air. When Greg discovers that his crush, Holly, teaches tennis lessons at the local country club, he and his best friend sign up for lessons. In order to spend as much time with Holly as he can, Greg tells his father that he has landed a job at the country club, a lie that soon complicates his life. Greg tries to keep his life together as his schemes begin to unravel.
Director: David Bowers. Stars: Zachary Gordon, Steve Zahn, Robert Capron, Peyton List. 2012. 94 min. Family.
Survivor: Philippines, on CBS, Global
Weeks of intense competition come to an end as the finalists face off in one last tribal council in the two-hour season finale. Immediately following the reveal, Jeff Probst hosts a reunion special in which the players discuss various aspects of the game.
Recaps for the week of December 10 - 14
Michelle Stafford as Phyllis, Peter Bergman as Jack Abbott and Daniel Goddard as Cane Ashby in "The Young and The Restless"
The Bold and the Beautiful
Chaos reigns at Forrester Creations when Stephanie's final wishes for the company are enacted. Brooke and Taylor each vow that their family will win the fashion competition as Rick and Thomas go head-to-head after the esteemed position. As Bill grows suspicious of Taylor getting too close to his family, she stumbles upon a secret that could bring down the Spencers. Meanwhile, Bill and Brooke talk about how close they've gotten on their trip to Aspen after Katie makes a surprising confession to the both of them. Brooke shares memories of Stephanie with Eric and later reminisces with her sisters about their mother and past holidays. Caroline makes an admission to the wrong person and Katie makes serious accusations towards Taylor.
Days of Our Lives
Daniel is forced to perform emergency surgery on Jennifer when her appendix is about to burst, and in her delirious state she confesses her love to him. With steady hands tending to Jennifer, Daniel realizes both that the injection really did cure his hand tremors and that he returns her affections. Chad spills about Gabi's involvement in Melanie's kidnapping to Sonny, who in turn warns Will to stay away from her. As the real father of Gabi's baby, Will becomes uncomfortable when he's roped into being Nick's best man at their wedding. Gabi makes a slip in front of Rafe, Sami and Hope about how long she's been pregnant, but Nick covers by saying it happened shortly after they met. Brady gives Kristen a bracelet and their feelings grow deeper as they carry on their secret affair.
General Hospital
AJ spars with Sonny in the boxing ring and tells him he plans to get back everything he lost, including a relationship with Michael. Kelly Monaco's "Dancing with the Stars: All Stars" partner Val Chmerkovsky makes a special guest appearance as a boxer who gives Sonny and Shawn a run for their money. Sabrina and Felix encounter a roadblock trying to get Lucy Coe's help reviving the Nurses' Ball. Meanwhile, Anna's relentless quest for the truth brings her close to a momentous discovery. Johnny tells Connie he can't keep up their bargain anymore, while Maxie prepares for a serious conversation with Dante and Lulu. Molly is over the moon when she and TJ learn her book will be published. McBain and Robert pay a visit to Duke's hotel room and Patrick sees Robin.
The Young and the Restless
Chelsea slaps Adam after she catches him locking lips with Sharon, but he explains that she caught him off guard. Against Adam's wishes, Chelsea rats Sharon out about the fire and Victor and Nikki discuss pressing charges. Leslie introduces Neil to her brother Tyler, a graphic designer, and suggests he would be an asset to Jabot. Meanwhile, Avery opens up to Nick about her infidelity in a previous marriage, and he reveals more about his past with Sharon and Phyllis. Jack tells Phyllis to back off when she calls him out on his dependence on pain pills after he misses an important meeting. Victoria decides to go to Jamaica with Billy to work on their marriage. Chloe convinces Kevin to return the money he'd stolen from Tucker's TagNGrab account.
Elf, on CBS
Holiday hilarity ensues when Will Ferrell plays an average-sized person who was raised as an elf in the North Pole. This modern-day Christmas classic follows a grown-up Buddy as he sets out to find his biological father in New York City.
Yes, Virginia, on CBS
When a playmate tells Virginia O’Hanlon that Santa Claus doesn't exist, she sets out to uncover the truth. This animated special is inspired by the true story of a girl who wrote to the New York Sun in 1897, asking whether or not there really was a Santa.
Glee, on Fox, Global
As the predicted Mayan Apocalypse approaches, Brittany and Sam live their lives to the fullest in this special holiday edition. Elsewhere, Artie has a life-altering holiday dream, and Jake and Puck spend some quality family time together for Hanukkah.
Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2012, on ABC
In what has become an annual tradition, Barbara Walters interviews the top newsmakers of the past year. This year's list includes "Fifty Shades of Grey" author E.L. James, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Olympic gold medallist Gabby Douglas.
Raising Hope, on Fox, Citytv
Convinced that the end of the world is near, Virginia uses her couponing skills to secure a stockpile of supplies. Also, Jimmy decides to make this Christmas the best one yet for Hope, while Maw Maw tries to check a few things off her bucket list.
Michael Bublé: Home for the Holidays, on NBC, Citytv
Crooner Michael Bublé presents the sounds of the season with the help of celebrity friends such as Elmo, Rod Stewart and Blake Shelton. The special also employs a little Hollywood magic in a duet with Bing Crosby.
