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Niagara Frontier Publications, November 16, 2009
Television audiences can rock around the Christmas tree this year with their favorite celebrities. Just in time for the holidays, Hollywood heavyweights will be making spirits bright with a dozen animated specials. The festivities begin with DreamWorks’ “Merry Madagascar” (Tuesday, Nov. 17, 8 p.m. on NBC). The all-new special continues the big screen adventures of Central Park “zoosters” Alex (Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Melman (David Schwimmer) and Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) as they try and assist Santa Claus (Carl Reiner) after he crash-lands on their island. As Jolly Old St. Nick tries to recover his memories, and figure out the whole reindeer, sleigh and presents thing, a humorous rivalry ensues between the North Pole and South Pole factions. Rock, who is well known for his adult stand-up comedy, said making a family film, “Kind of gets you with a younger, I mean, you know, you get some of that ‘Hannah Montana’ money. So, you know, you get in with the kids and that definitely can’t hurt,” he told “Behind the Screens.” In all seriousness, the actor said, “I’m obviously already in, you know, with DreamWorks and (executive) Jeffrey (Katzenberg) and all that. I just want to work with the people. They do really good stuff.” At this time of year, Rock enjoys watching the classics. “I like the ‘Grinch that Stole Christmas’ and I like the ‘Charlie Brown Christmas’ thing,” he said. Holiday specials set to air in coming weeks include: ‘Shrek The Third’ – Friday, Nov. 20, 8 p.m. on ABC; The affable green ogre (Mike Myers), his true love, Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), and trusted sidekick, Donkey (Eddie Murphy), discover what Christmas is all about. ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ – Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22, 8 p.m. on TBS The “king of sinful sots” tries to ruin Christmas for the little Whos of Whoville in this Dr. Seuss standard. ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ – Thursday, Nov. 26, 8 p.m. on ABC; In the Turkey Day masterpiece, Chuck and his pals have a non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner (think toast, Ping-Pong table and popcorn). Then, the “Peanuts” gang stages a Christmas program at their school. ‘The Incredibles’ – Saturday, Nov. 28, 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5, 8 p.m. on NBC A new family favorite, retired superheroes Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) stage a comeback to fend off the evil Syndrome (Jason Lee). ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer’ – Wednesday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m. on CBS On Christmas Eve, Santa seeks someone to guide his sleigh through a treacherous winter storm. That someone just so happens to have a shiny red nose. The storied cartoon features the popular Christmas song of the same name. ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town’ – Monday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m. on ABC A genial mailman answers questions about Santa Claus. Fred Astaire and Mickey Rooney lend their voices to this 1970 stop-motion animated tale. ‘Yes, Virginia’ – Friday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m. on CBS In a new animated version of the most famous newspaper editorial of all time, 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon (Beatrice Miller) ventures out in New York City to see if there really is a Santa Claus. Neil Patrick Harris, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Alfred Molina all voice supporting characters. ‘The Flight Before Christmas’ – Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 p.m. on CBS Niko the Reindeer seeks to join “Santa’s Flying Forces” and fend off evil wolves in this broadcast. Emma Roberts and Norm MacDonald lend vocal support. ‘Frosty The Snowman’ – Friday, Dec. 18, 8 p.m. on CBS; The “jolly happy soul” looks to outlast warmer weather, and spread cheer among his builders. Jimmy Durante and Jonathan Winters, respectively, narrate these stories. All programs are subject to change, so avoid a lump of coal, and check your local listings. |
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