Underdog to Wonderdog is a makeover series from Animal Planet focusing on dogs living in shelters that need special help. Each showcased pooch is rescued, groomed, trained, and rehabilitated. It is then adopted into a loving home. The new owners are given a customized dog house. The series will air Saturdays, beginning Jan. 3 at 8:00pm e/p. Jan. 3, 8:00-9:00pm e/p, CBS premieres a new prank show from the pro-team of Ashton Kutcher & Jason Goldberg ("Punk'd"). "Game Show in My Head" is called that because the contestants wear an ear piece while show host Joe Rogan ("Fear Factor") instructs them to perform a daring task in Los Angeles. They hope it's funny. There are five pranks per contestant, worth $5,000 each. If someone doesn't complete one, they lose the money they've won. A bonus round will give the contestants a chance to double their winnings. Superstars of Dance premieres Sunday, Jan. 4, 9:00-11:00pm e/p on NBC, but will air Mondays, Jan. 5 through Jan. 19, 8:00-10:00pm e/p. The Season Finale is Monday, Jan. 26, 8:00-9:00pm e/p. This talent show is from the producers of So You Think You Can Dance.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
TV Premieres January 3 - 4
A Perfect Victorian
All this bad weather has me dreaming about life in a milder climate, perhaps Sonoma, California! Starting January 1, 9:00pm ET, you and I will be able to enter the 2009 HGTV Dream Home Giveaway for a chance to win the gorgeous Victorian-style home in Sonoma, the heart of California wine country. The grand prize includes the luxuriously furnished home, plus a new 2009 GMC® Acadia – a package worth more than $2 MILLION! Tune In to HGTV and HGTV.com on New Year's Day 9:00pm ET / 8:00pm CT for more about this stunning residence. The Dream Home finale is March 15, 2009.
Monday, December 8, 2008
DVD Reviews
DVD Reviews
• Adventures from the Book of Virtues: A Christmas Carol for Annie
• America's Greatest Monuments: Washington, D.C.
• Day of the Kamikaze / Eyewitness Kamikaze
• Hit Favorites: Snow Days
• Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
• Remembering Vietnam: The Wall at 25
• Stories from the Vault: Season One
• Strawberry Shortcake: Holiday Dreams Collection
• Thomas and Friends: The Great Discovery
Newsletter 12-01-08 - TV and Holiday Highlights
Screen Scene Newsletter If you believe you are receiving this newsletter in error or wish to stop getting it, scroll down for the unsubscribe link. In This Issue: Monday, check out Animal Planet's Dogs 101, 8:00-9:00pm e/p. The series looks at these dog breeds: beagle, bichon fise, boxer, dachshund, and Newfoundland. ABC Family airs "A Night of Dr. Seuss" on Monday. 7:00 – 7:30pm - Dr. Seuss on the Loose; 7:30-8:00pm - Dr. Seuss' The Hoober-Bloob Highway (ABC Family premiere); 8:00-10:30pm & 10:30pm - 1:00am e/p - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Live Action) (Jim Carrey). Dec. 1, ABC broadcasts Shrek the Halls at 8:00pm, followed by the beloved classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 8:32pm e/p. Back-to-back new episodes of Samantha Who air at 9:02pm and 9:31pm e/p. At 10:01pm e/p, Denny learns his Alzheimer's is progressing and Alan fights for his right to try an experimental medicine on Boston Legal: Juiced. The Polar Express airs Tuesday on ABC Family, 6:00-8:30pm & 8:30-11:00pm e/p. Dec. 2 at 8:00pm e/p, it's the perenniel favorite Santa Claus is Comin' to Town on ABC. Then, According to Jim begins its eighth season with back-to-back Christmas episodes at 9:00pm & 9:30pm e/p. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 8:00-9:00pm e/p, NBC airs "Christmas at Rockefeller Center." Jane Krakowski (30 Rock) and Al Roker (Today) co-host the extravaganza. Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert, The Radio City Rockettes, Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog will appear for the tree lighting. The speical features performances by Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, Tony Bennett, Neil Boyd, The Jonas Brothers, Harry Connick Jr., David Cook, Rosie O'Donnell and the Broadway Kids, Faith Hill, Rascal Flats and Solange Knowles and surprise guests. NBC's New York flagship station WNBC, and the NBC Hartford station WVIT, will both air an additional live hour of the special locally from 7:00-8:00pm e/p before the start of the network broadcast. CBS has filled Wednesday night with favorite seasonal specials: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, 8:00-9:00pm e/p; The Grammy Nominations Concert Live, 9:00-10:0pm e/p; and The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, 10:00-11:00pm e/p. Cars airs on ABC Family, Dec. 3, 6:00-8:30pm & 8:30-11:00pm e/p. FOX Network premieres Secret Millionaire Wednesday, Dec. 3, 8:00-10:00pm e/p, and Thursday, Dec. 4, 9:00-10:00pm e/p. It will then air Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:00-10:00pm e/p through Dec. 17. Secret Millionaire also airs on E! Canada. This heart-warming unscripted series moves some of America's wealthiest people to some of the poorest places in the country. Accustomed to lavish lives with mansions, personal jets, yachts, and the finest hotels, they will be living as do the underprivileged. Their new neighbors think it's a documentary being filmed, not a reality TV show. We will see the millionaires' reactions to those around them and the satisfaction they get for giving some of their fortunes to those who truly deserve and need the money. At the same time, we'll see individual lives of both rich and poor changed forever because of the good they do. TNT broadcasts A Christmas Story, Wednesday, 8:00-10:00pm & 10:00pm - 12:00 midnight e/p. Thursday, 6:00–8:30pm & 8:30-11:00pm e/p ABC Family presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Johnny Depp. NBC's Thursday night lineup for Dec. 4 is a repeat of My Name is Earl: Reading is a Fundamental Case at 8:00pm e/p. While reading to a group of kids, Earl shares how he and Randy righted one of their wrongs. At 8:30pm e/p, it's Kath & Kim, with Maya Rudolph guest starring as Phil's life coach. The co-workers try to figure out how to spend a $4,300.00 surplus on The Office at 9:00pm e/p. The Christmas spirit overcomes the staff on 30 Rock Christmas Special at 9:31pm e/p. Alex and Sarah are in a bad accident, while Morris and Banfield are snowed in at a Nebraska conference in ER: Let It Snow at 10:00pm e/p. Thursday beginning at 10:01pm e/p, watch Barbara Walters Presents the 10 Most Fascinating People of 2008 on ABC. Among this year's newsmakers interviewed are Tom Cruise, Miley Cyrus, Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Tina Fey, Will Smith, and Michael Phelps. Frosty Fridays begin during Nick Jr. on Nickelodeon, airing every Friday before Christmas, starting at 9:00am e/p. The Dec. 5th featured premiere is Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! - A Great and Grumpy Holiday / The Friday, NBC airs the first in a series of holiday countdowns, when it premieres Greatest Holiday Moments: TV & Film Countdown from 8:00pm to 9:00pm e/p. At 9:00pm e/p, Lipstick Jungle airs "Bye-Bye, Baby." Dateline NBC returns with new investigative reports at 10:00pm e/p. Merry Christmas Drake & Josh reunites Drake Bell and Josh Peck in a holiday comedy sure to please the kids. Bell also performs "rockin'" renditions of Jingle Bells and The 12 Days of Christmas. The two-hour movie repeats Sunday, Dec. 7, 7:00-9:00pm e/p. The CW broadcasts Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer Friday, at 8:00pm, followed by The Story of Santa Claus at 9:00pm e/p. Survivorman airs the repeat of "Siberia" on Friday, Dec. 5 at 8:00pm e/p. "Deep Woods" episode premieres at 9:00pm e/p on Discovery Channel. Over on Animal Planet, Whale Wars continues to battle whalers with back-to-back episodes at 8:00pm and 9:00pm e/p. Disney Channel Saturday Snow Days begins Dec. 6 at 6;00am e/p and continues every weekend through the month. More holiday episodes and encores of Saturday's programming air Sunday, beginning at 7:30am e/p. Among the specials this week are My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Super Sleuth Movie, 8:30-9:30am and the premiere of Imagination Movers: Present Problem at 10:00am e/p. ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas presents a marathon of holiday movies and episodes beginning at 7:30am e/p Saturday and Sunday. ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas Schedule >> Adventure is in store on Crusoe: Hour 7 - Heroes and Villains, Saturday at 8:00pm e/p. The Big 12 Championship Game airs live from Kansas City, Missouri on ABC, Dec. 6, 8:00-11:30pm ET. Discovery Channel presents "America's First Nations - Ep. 1," Saturday, 10:00-11:00pm e/p. This new documentary series looks at the formation of the Americas' first democracy created when a warrior chief united tribes of what is now the Northeastern United States into the Iroquois Confederacy. The Amazing Race 13 concludes on Sunday, Dec. 7, 8:00-9:00pm e/p on CBS. The Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Front of the Class premieres at 9:00pm e/p. It is based on the true story of Brad Cohen (Wolk) who, after being challenged by Tourette Syndrome from a very young age, defies all odds to become a gifted teacher. The movie stars Patricia Heaton ("Everybody Loves Raymond"), Treat Williams ("Everwood") and Jimmy Wolk ("The Spiral Project"). Sunday, Dec. 7, ABC airs Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - Ty Pennington Behind the Scenes at 7:00pm e/p. Pennington looks back on his favorite moments, including the funniest and the near-disasters. At 8:00pm e/p the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition crew rebuilds a dilapidated home for The Devries Family of Albert Lea, Minnesota. Bree tries to show Andrew she now accepts him as he is, while Lynette goes to extremes to protect her falsely accused son, and Dave begins to lose his grip on Desperate Housewives at 9:00pm e/p. A medical emergnecy brings the family together for Thanksgiving dinner on Brothers and Sisters: Sliver, at 10:00pm e/p. The ESPN Bowl Selection Special airs Sunday, 8:30-11:00pm ET. The Librarian series airs Sunday on TNT: Quest for the Spear, 4:00-6:00pm; Return to King Solomon's Mines, 6:00-8:00pm; and the premiere of The Curse of the Judas Chalice, 8:00-10:00pm e/p, which repeats at 11:00pm e/p. At 10:00pm e/p, Leverage premieres with limited commercial interruption. Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People), Gina Bellman (Coupling), Christian Kane (Into the West), Beth Riesgraf (Alvin and the Chipmunks) and Aldis Hodge (Friday Night Lights) are a team of criminals who band together to take revenge against those who use power and wealth to victimize others. (Sounds like AMC's Hustle, which was very good.) TV Land airs a marathon of classic Christmas television show episodes Dec. 7 beginning at 9:00am and continuing throughout the day into the wee hours of Monday. During December most PBS stations will broadcast the new documentary "Panda Tales" and Celtic Woman The Greatest Journey Holiday Special. Check local listings for broadcast dates and times.
Vol. VII, Issue No. 10
Dec. 1, 2008
* TV Highlights
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TV Highlights
Dec. 1 - Dec. 7
'Tis the season for great programming - and a time to put your DVRs to full use as networks air timeless holiday specials, new episodes, and television premieres. Catch some shows online...
Super-Special Gift at 1:30pm e/p.
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Have a great week, everyone!
Peggy Smith
Family Screen Scene
http://familyscreenscene.com
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving 2008 Newsletter
Screen Scene Newsletter If you believe you are receiving this newsletter in error or wish to stop getting it, scroll down for the unsubscribe link. In This Issue: There are all kinds of things to do and preparations to make, from Thanksgiving Dinner/Help Lines & Websites to watching Thanksgiving Day Parades, Thanksgiving specials and marathons, and DVDs. Take a minute to learn 10 Fun Facts about Thanksgiving Day. Find outdoor cooking and recipes for Grilled, Smoked, or Fried Turkey, including Grilled Apple Slices with Brown Sugar Butter. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airs from 9:00am to 12:00 noon ET on NBC and CBS. In Detroit, insteady of Macy's Thanksgiving Day, the NBC Affiliate, WDIV Channel 4, will air America's Thanksgiving Day Parade, 9:00am - 12:00 noon ET. The latter will be syndicated across the nation beginning around 10:00am ET (check local listings for the channel carrying it where you live.) Truthfully, the Detroit parade has a more 'hometown' feel to it. Nickelodeon kicks off its Superstuffed Weekend with an encore of iCarly: iGo to Japan, 7:00-8:30pm e/p. Then, it's the premiere of the Naked Brothers Band's first animated special, The Supetastic 6, at 8:30pm e/p. Rosie Live! features comedy, music, and celebrity guests, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 8:00pm e/p on NBC. Part 2 of Deal or No Deal's Thanksgiving special episode airs Nov. 26 at 9:00pm e/p on NBC and E! Canada. A Minnesota woman tries to outsmart the banker, but her nerves may get the best of her when her family is placed in a cage with turkeys - the animal she is most afraid of. Nov. 27, Food Network will repeat "Dear Food Network" episodes focusing on holiday cooking tips, problems, failures and successes: "Thanksgiving Disasters" - 10:00am e/p; "Thanksgiving Turkey" - 11:00am e/p; "Thanksgiving Desserts" - 12:00 noon e/p; and "Thanksgiving Leftovers" - 1:00pm e/p. Survivor: Gabon - I Was Put On The Planet For This Show is a special behind-the-scenes episode airing on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 8:00-9:00pm e/p on CBS and Global. At 9:00pm e/p, it's a repeat of last year's "Grissom's Divine Comedy" on CSI and CTV. Eleventh Hour: Resurrection, the series premiere, repeats at 10:00pm e/p on CBS and 'A' in Canada. ABC repeats A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving at 8:00pm e/p, followed by Grey's Anatomy: Dream a Little Dream, 9:00-11:00pm e/p. For a truer picture of the Pilgrims and their quest than tradition provides, watch Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower, Thanksgiving Day, 9:00-11:00pm ET on History International. ABC Family airs a marathon of Christmas movies Nov. 27 beginning at 12:00 noon e/p. Then, The Notebook airs at 8:00pm e/p. Four new episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants air Nov. 28, 8:00-10:00pm e/p on Nickelodeon. During the 8:30 episode, catch a sneak peek at Nick's new cartoon series, The Penguins of Madagascar Based on the characters from the movies, this series will premiere in 2009. A one-hour episode of Back to the Barnyard will air Saturday, 8:00pm e/p on Nickelodeon, followed by two new episodes of Mighty B! at 9:00pm and 9:30pm e/p. Sunday, Fairly OddParents airs new episodes at 8:00pm and 8:30pm e/p on Nickelodeon. Check out our Thanksgiving Weekend TV Highlights for more marathons, movies, sports, and holiday ideas episodes. 12 Eco-Friendly Gifts for Kids & Families >> The Christmas Toy Movie is a holiday classic available for the first time on DVD. Filled with wonderful songs by Jeff Moss, the heart-warming movie is still a delightful Christmas story from the master puppeteer, Jim Henson. It is filled with laughter, a few tears, thrills, and adventure. As the Jones family toys try to rescue one of their own from being frozen forever, they learn that there are more important things than being a child's favorite toy: love, friendship, and helping others. The Christmas Toy Synopsis >> Peggy Smith
Vol. VII, Issue No. 9
Nov. 26, 2008
* Barbara Walters Special
* Thanksgiving
* TV Highlights
* Green Toys and Games
* Kids & Family DVD Reviews
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A Bit of Inspiration: If the Pilgrims in Plymouth and the colonists at Jamestown could survive hunger, famine, scurvy, and a lack of shelter, we can face and overcome our current economic crisis. Many thanks to the Native Americans who helped the European settlers.
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Barbara Walters Special
You have to give Barbara Walters credit for her ability to interview anyone about anything. Wednesday at 10:01pm e/p, tune in to to ABC for "Barack Obama: The Barbara Walters Interview." President-Elect Obama and his wife, Michelle, will talk about their future in the White House. Most importantly, Obama will discuss the economy.
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Thanksgiving Day!
On the fourth Thursday of November, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It's a time for family - not just parents, brothers and sisters - but grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, too, not to mention our friends! It's also a wonderful day filled with humongous balloons, big stars, beautiful floats and marching bands!
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TV Highlights
Watch a rebroadcast of "Modern Marvels: The Turkey" Wednesday at 7:00pm e/p on The History Channel.
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Green Toys and Games
Family Screen Scene has selected 12 toys, games, kits, and books that encourage an understanding of nature and the environment, or are manufactured to be as "green" as possible. Each is a traditional favorite of kids, whether a science set, arts and crafts kit, board game, doll house, vehicle, or activity book.
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Wintry Children's DVDs
Hit Entertainment and Lionsgate released two cool family DVDs: Pingu's South Pole Adventures and Shaun the Sheep: Off the Baa!. Both are slapstick comedy for all ages. They are almost silent and the dialogue is grunts, baas, or penguenise. As children watch, they create their own narrative for the action, which helps develop language and communication skills. But, really, the comic adventures on both DVDs are just plain funny! Bonus features include character galleries for both series. Pingu also includes a DVD-rom computer game.
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Happy Birthday Anne and Mike!
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Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Family Screen Scene
http://familyscreenscene.com
Friday, October 24, 2008
Newsletter 10-24-08 - Scream Scene - Sid The Science Guy - Passengers - High School Musical 3: Senior Year - Elections for Kids: Classic Cartoons
Screen Scene Newsletter If you believe you are receiving this newsletter in error or wish to stop getting it, scroll down for the unsubscribe link. In This Issue: Find a great Halloween-themed DVD for kids and families in our Scream Theatre guide. Find online stories of the strange and bizarre, as well as ghost stories in Scream Scene's Scary Stories. Find the legends behind pumpkin symbols, coloring pages, pumpkin carving templates, instructions, and other Halloween crafts in Jack-o-Lantern's Pumpkin Patch. ABC Family's 13 Nights of Halloween is back with spooky movies for all ages every night from Oct. 19 through Oct. 31. Saturday and Sunday, there will be a marathon of scary movies beginning at 11:00am e/p each day. Titles include Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus, Tim Burton's Corpse Bride, Casper Meets Wendy, the Scooby Doo! movie series, Teen Witch, the Addams Family movies, and others. HIT Entertainment has released Halloween Spooktacular DVD. Each episode of this collection of Halloween stories and activities is not scary and written for preschoolers and early elementary age children. The seasonal episodes are from Barney, Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam, Angelina Ballerina, and Bob the Builder. Scholastic and Fox Home Entertainment have released three Goosebumps DVDs from R. L. Stine's writings: One Day at Horrorland; Monster Blood; and A Night in Terror Tower DVDs. Cartoon Network is airing Goosebumps episodes Monday through Thursday, 8:00pm e/p through Oct. 30th. Playhouse Disney's Big Halloween Party is Saturday Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26, from 6:00am to 12:00 noon e/p both days. New episodes of Happy Monster Band, Imagination Movers, and Charlie and Lola will air Saturday, during their regular times. ABC will air It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 8:00-9:00pm e/p. The Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween, with Linus hoping that he will finally be visited by The Great Pumpkin. Charlie Brown is invited to a Halloween party. Food Network will air Halloween specials throughout the week. The Secret Life of .... Halloween airs Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7:00pm e/p. Learn how candy corn is made so there three colors in it and that medieval revelers prepared a cake with special treats baked in it. Other FN highlights include it's Paula's Party - Halloween Party, Oct. 25, 8:00pm e/p; Food Network Challenge - Spooky Cake & Candy Cookoff, Oct. 25, 9:00pm e/p; Food Network Challenge - Haunted Gingerbread House, Oct. 25, 10:00pm e/p.; and Food Network Challenge - Outrageous Pumpkins, Oct. 26, 8:00-9:00pm e/p. Of course, History Channel will air Haunted History of Halloween on Sunday, Oct. 26, 7:00pm e/p. History Channel also presents MonsterQuest Saturday and Sunday: The Real Hobbit - Oct. 25, 8:00pm e/p; MonsterQuest - Giant Killer Snakes - Oct. 25, 9:00pm e/p; MonsterQuest - Boneless Horror - Oct. 25, 10:00pm e/p; MonsterQuest - America's Lochness Monster - Oct. 25, 11:00pm e/p; MonsterQuest - Unidentified Flying Creatures - Oct. 26, 8:00am e/p; MonsterQuest - Mega Hog - Oct. 26, 9:00am e/p; MonsterQuest - Swamp Beast - Oct. 26, 10:00am e/p; and MonsterQuest - Chupacabra - Oct. 26, 11:00am e/p. Nickelodeon will also air specials in the next week. Saturday, Oct. 25, kids will see repeats of iCarly - iScream on Halloween - 7:30pm & 8:00pm e/p; Drake and Josh - Alien Invasion, 8:30pm e/p; Zoey 101 - Haunted House, 9:00pm e/p; and Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide - Halloween; Vampires, Ghosts, Werewolves and Zombies, 9:30pm e/p. Sunday, Oct. 26, it's The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius - The Incredible Shrinking Town, 1:00-2:00pm e/p; Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide - Halloween; Vampires, Ghosts, Werewolves and Zombies; 7:00pm e/p; iCarly - iScream on Halloween; and oey 101: Curse of the PCA, 8:00-9:00pm e/p. More Halloween TV Highlights >> On Oct. 23, 1958, a Belgian magazine's comic series introduced a little blue gnome, who interspersed its conversation with the word "smurf" and its derivitives. The characters became an international phenomenom. On the day before their 50th anniversary, it was announced that the Smurfs will be a part of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 27. There will be both a balloon and a float. The latter will feature Papa Smurf, Smurfette, and a Smurf home. This year's Holiday Ambassador for Macy's is Horton from the Dr. Seuss book and animated feature film, Horton Hears a Who. The parade is broadcast on NBC, 9:00am to 12:00 noon in all time zones. CBS also airs the event. High School Musical 3: Senior Year Synopsis, Photos, and Cast >> WDSHE released School House Rock! Election Collection this DVD includes several American government and history cartoons from the award-winning short-form animated learning series. Still relevant in today's world, each three-minute episode uses humor and catchy tunes to succinctly explain our system of self-government. Ironically, the series premiered during the United States' bicentennial year, which was another turning point in our country's history. One of the most significant lessons in "I'm Gonna Send Your Vote to College," which effectively explains the Electoral College process. The limited edition DVD also has an "Election Tracking Kit." Stickers in the kit can be used to track the actual voting results in our 50 states as returns come in on Nov. 4. WHV released You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown. This episode originally airing on ABC in 2006 and will air again on Oct. 28th when ABC broadcasts It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 8:00-9:00pm e/p. Charlie Brown runs for school president, but realizes he cannot win. So, he throws his support to Linus. All is well, until Linus begins talking about the Great Pumpkin. Elections for Kids Guide >> There's still time to order from BuyCostumes.com Peggy Smith
Vol. I, Issue No. 7
Oct. 24, 2008
* Scream Scene Halloween Highlights
* Kids TV - Sid the Science Kid, Happy Smurfday
* Movies - Passengers, High School Musical 3: Senior Year
* Elections for Kids - Classic Cartoons
* AD: Halloween Costumes, Props and More
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Halloween
Boo! It's that time of year! Check out Scream Scene's Haunted TV Highlights for today's and upcoming movies and special episodes.
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Kids TV
PBS KIDS prepares little ones for Halloween and its sweet treats by premiering Sid the Science Kid Health themed episodes Oct. 20 - Oct. 24. Preschoolers will learn why it's important to brush teeth everyday, eat more than sweets, exercise, and wash your hands. Check local listings for broadcast times on your local PBS Station.
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Passengers
In Theaters: Oct. 24, 2008
Drama / Horror / Supernatural / Thriller
Columbia TriStar
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including some scary images, and sensuality. (Parents strongly cautioned.)
A plane crashes and only five passengers survive. Claire (Anne Hathaway) is a therapist assigned to guide them through their grief. The survivors' accounts vary. Some say there was an explosion. The airlines denies this claim. Of the surviving passengers, Eric, is more withdrawn than the others. Claire is attracted to him, and begins a romance. Her professional reputation is on the line, but that cannot stop her. Then, the other survivors begin disappearing. Claire realizes that Eric may have the answers to what is happening. Determined to find the truth, she will stop at nothing unravel the mystery, no matter what the consequences.
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High School Musical: Senior Year
In Theaters: Oct. 28, 2008
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Rated: G (General audiences.)
The story focuses on growing up and making life altering decisions during the last months of high school. The audience will watch as the friends face the pressures of the last year in high school, from planning for the prom to finals, graduation, and becoming young adults. Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) realize they will soon be separated. To express and share their emotions with the rest of the school, they put on a show! Things are complicated when Sharpay, Ryan, Kelsi and Troy are up for the same Juilliard scholarship. Only one can receive it. Sharpay, of course, is determined to find a way to elminate the competition. Chad faces his own dilemma when Troy begins questioning the plans they had made. Now, he must re-evaluate the future he thought was a certainty. While her friends are busy making decisions, Taylor is in her element as she runs the school newspaper, prepares for her graduation, and dates Chad.
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Elections for Kids
Warner Home Video (WHV) and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) have released DVDs featuring classic lessons on our system of self government.
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Costumes & More
BuyCostumes is a leading internet costume and party supply store. They have thousands of costumes from baby and kids to Renaissance, Santa suits, and mascots to adult, plus size, and theatre costumes. They also carry a wide variety of makeup and accessories to make your costume complete. The store's party supplies range from wedding to Halloween and birthdays. You'll find favorite characters, as well as traditional costumes and parties themes. The website features a video fashion show and costume of the week.
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Have a great week!
Family Screen Scene
http://familyscreenscene.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Smurfy Blue Skies
On the eve of the 50th Smurfday of the Smurfs, Macy's and Sony Entertainment announced that they will have their own balloon in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day ParadeR. It will be the beloved Belgian cartoon characters' first appearance in the famed event.
The tiny blue gnome will grow from three apples tall to 47 feet high, 38.7 feet wide, and 57.6 feet long. The body of the balloon will be filled with 15, 050 cubic feet of helium.
A "smurfariffic" float will follow on the heels of the balloon. Papa Smurf and Smurfette will ride on the float, which will also feature one of the Smurfs' legendary mushroom shaped homes from Smurf village. The house will be an inflated balloon.
"Without a doubt, the sky will be blue this Thanksgiving," said Amy Kule, producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "We are thrilled to help The Smurfs celebrate their 50th Anniversary with a new giant balloon that will be one of the highlights of this year's Parade. Following closely behind this flying wonder will be the ubiquitous mushroom village float holding the classic characters everybody remembers so well: Papa Smurf and Smurfette." Kule continued, "We are pleased that following this inaugural flight, a whole new generation will have a chance to get to know and love the Smurfs for many more decades to come."
Hendrik Coymsan, CEO of Lafig Belgium s.a., added, "To celebrate their 50th anniversary, the Smurfs have been touring throughout Europe with the 'Smurf Happy Birthday Project,' supporting UNICEF's mission to 'bring education to all the children of the world'. At this coming Thanksgiving, the Smurfs will appear for the first time in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. This will be one of the highlights of their 50th anniversary year. The Smurfs are proud to have been invited to make this special appearance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and to greet three generations of fans in America. Smurfs are only three apples high, but in
the Big Apple at Thanksgiving they will be super-sized! It will be a unique experience."
Juli Boylan, senior vice president, worldwide consumer products for Sony Pictures Entertainment, commented, "We are thrilled to be celebrating the Smurfs' 50th Smurfday in America, and the giant character balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the perfect highlight for this milestone. People all over the world love the Smurfs and the parade is the perfect time and event to celebrate 50 years of Smurfing."
The first Smurf appeared in a cartoon on October 23, 1958 in the Belgian magazine Spirou. The cartoon was set in medieval times and featured Johan and Peewit. The heroes suddenly hear a voice, "Can't you look where you smurf? You nearly smurfed me!" Just then, a small, blue gnome stepped out from behind a rock.
The 82nd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airs nationally on NBC from 9:00am to 12:00 noon in all time zones. The telecast reaches more than 50 million viewers, while approximately 3.5 million spectators watch it from the streets of the Big Apple.
Macy's Department Stores are celebrating their own anniversary, as it marks 150 years in New York City.
The 2008 Macy's Holiday Ambassador is none other than the environmentally-conscious, helpful elephant, Horton from Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!
Source: Macy's press release.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Newsletter - Turbo Dogs - qubo - Beverly Hills Chihuahua - Animalia
Screen Scene Newsletter In This Issue: Kids TV Emmy-winning Bindi Irwin continues the second leg of her "American Road Trip," Bindi: The Jungle Girl Oct. 4 at 5:00pm e/p on Discovery Kids Channel. The colorful video postcard is both funny and informative. Family Movie In spite of some critics' early reviews knocking it, this movie may be a funny adventure movie that families will enjoy seeing together. There will be spectacular Mexican scenery and its ancient ruins. Audiences will get a message about tolerance, self-worth, and responsibility. Beverly Hills Chihuahua Synopsis, Cast & Fun Facts About the Production >> TV Highlights At 9:00pm e/p on Oct. 3, CBS and Global TV premiere The Ex-List. Bella Bloom (Elizabeth Reaser, Grey's Anatomy is in her 30s and a successful business owner. She's also unmarried. One day, a psychic informs Bella that she has already dated her future husband, but doesn't tell her who it is. Furthermore, Bella has only one year to find him or she will be single forever. At a bachelorette party for Bella's sister, Daphne (Rachel Boston, American Dreams), the psychic gives her a tip - Bella will find her soul mate if she revisits her past relationships and sorts through the mistakes. Bella is doubtful, but begins analyzing every liason and failed romance. Her friends help her dissect her past. "High Exposure" is the fifth season premiere of Numb3rs, Oct. 3, 10:00pm e/p on CBS. When two rock climbers are killed, Don and the team search for the killers. Meanwhile, Charlie decides if he should get his FBI clearance reinstated and Agent Nikki Betancourt (Sophina Brown - Shark) joins the team. Lou Diamond Phillips ("La Bamba") returns as Agent Ian Edgerton. America's Funniest Home Videos returns Sunday, Oct. 5 at 7:00pm ET on ABC and, in Canada, "A." Children's DVD The series subtly shows the importance of strong communication and literacy skills. The episodes encourage viewers to be knowledge seekers to solve problems. The library is the center of knowledge for both our world and that of Animalia. The stories show the value of using books to find solutions - sometimes with facts and sometimes by triggering creative solutions from our imaginations. The value of team work and overlooking each others differences is also demonstrated. In addition to first four episodes from the series, the release includes informative and interesting featurettes. "Animalia Book to Screen" features an interview with author Graeme Base, who discusses how he lost an advertising job and turned to illustrating which led to the book. "The Animation Process" shows the various steps required to transport Base's illustrations to television. Both are excellent extensions of the series, showing kids and their parents the creative process behind writing a successful book and producing a hit educational cartoon series. Halloween DVDs for Kids
Vol. I, Issue No. 6
Oct. 3, 2008
Kids TV - Turbo Dogs
Family Movie - Beverly Hills Chihuahua
TV Highlights
Children's DVD - Animalia
The Rising popularity of qubo is due in part to its entertaining children's programming and its efforts to win the trust of parents. Joining qubo's line-up is Turbo Dogs, a racing action series that encourages fair play and literacy. Turbo Dogs premieres Friday, Oct. 3, at 3:30pm ET on ION; Saturday, Oct. 4, at 12:00 Noon ET on NBC; and Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8:00am ET on Telemundo.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
In Theaters Oct. 3, 2008
Adventure / Comedy / Kids / Family
Walt Disney Studios Films
Rated: PG for some mild thematic elements (Parents cautioned.)
Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore) is a Beverly Hills Chihuahua living the poshest of lives. She is so content with the life she leads that she barely notices that the gardener's Chihuahua, Papi (voiced by George Lopez), is passionately in love with her. But when an irresponsible dog-sitter loses Chloe on a weekend vacation to Mexico, Chloe embarks on her own adventure in the country of her ancestors. Meanwhile, Papi is desperately searching for his beloved.
CBS and CTV premiere the fourth season of Ghost Whisperer Friday, Oct. 3, 8:00pm e/p. During the season premiere, "Firestarter," Jamie Kennedy will be introduced as a series regular, portraing Pscyhology Professor Eli James. Jay Mohr (Gary Unmarried) will make a guest apperance as Prof. Rick Payne.
Animalia: Welcome to the Kingdom
The first Animalia DVD has been released on standard and Blu-ray by Porchlight Entertainment.
Get Goosebumps!
As a child, I loved scary stories and spooky movies and TV episodes, similar to R. L. Stine's books. Scholastic and Fox Home Entertainment have released three Goosebumps DVDs based on Stine's writings: One Day at Horrorland; Monster Blood; and A Night in Terror Tower DVDs. The first title is part of the Stine's HorrorLand series that also includes books and video games. The Goosebumps book and television series receives a great deal of criticism from some parents' groups. Nevertheless, they are entertaining scary stories for the preteens who love this genre. Stine's stories seem to be inspired by O'Henry's surprise endings and Twilight Zone's twists and turns.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Desperation of Desperate Housewives
• Ep. 501 - You're Going to Love Tomorrow RecapDesperate Housewives Ep. 501 - You're Gonna Love Tomorrow
So, five years after the Season 4 Finale we learn not only the fate of many of the residents of Wisteria Lane, but why these women are as desperate as ever.
Edie is desperate to show the women who froze her out five years ago that she is a happy, well adjusted woman, with a great new husband. Having Edie comment on her appearance makes Gabrielle desperate to change her appearance and that of her daughters. Bree is stealing Kathryn's restaurants for her first cookbook and we learn she is desperate because of Danielle's actions. Susan's guilt over a fatal accident that wasn't her fault has led to a separation from Mike. Lynette's wild twins have grown to be juvenile delinquents who have not yet been caught. And there's one desperate man - Dave, Edie's new husband, whose rage issues have him released from police custody only if he's in a doctor's care and on medication...
The season opener for Desperate Housewives seemed stronger than the past three seasons, not quite as intriguing as Season One, but interesting enough. It is, after all, a soap opera, which means one must toss away disbelief at times. This time, the season opener didn't seem to have anything particularly unrealistic, such as somebody locked in a basement room.
One of the best moments was Edie meeting Mrs. McCluskey at her welcome home/we forgive you party, greeting the senior lady with, "Mrs. McCluskey! You're still alive!" I was almost as happy to see one of my favorite characters on Desperate Housewives. Remember in Season One when she was kind of mean and lonely. Her character development has been one of the best on the series' five years.
Another great moment was Gaby's retort to Edie's comment about her frumpy appearance by telling her, "I have two children - for breakfast." Gabrielle has not lost her sassiness, nor her daring mean streak, which she demonstrated by making her overweight daughter run beside the car to burn off all the cake she ate at a birthday party. Gabrielle is different, though. Still determined, still demanding, still selfish, she has a new softness and a new vulnerability. A perfect mother? No. A loving mother? Yes. And, it seems, a stronger relationship with Carlos, who is still blind. He is still the man of the house.
Bree eating humble pie when Kathryn uses her tactics to show a local television crew that Bree is a fraud were humorous. She fakes a strained wrist. Bree's clumsiness making Kathryn's spun sugar topping causes it to splash and burn the reporter. When Kathryn was satisfied everyone knew, she steps up to complete the recipe. Victorious.
Also funny was Gabrielle's daughter, Juanita, demonstrating some of her mother's feistiness by rebeling from the "game" of running alongside the car, by getting on a bus when her mother wouldn't let her in the car.
One definite flaw was the dialogue and actions of Juanita, who at age 4 1/2 years old, seemed more mature than her age and a little too familiar with the bus system for a preschooler.
Some sad moments included Bree working in her kitchen remembers the day Danielle, recently married to a lawyer, arrives at the house and takes back her son. As Bree begs her to let her continue raising her grandson because he's all she has left, Danielle angrily tells her she'll have to find something else to do. Orson interrupts her memory and asks her to come to bed. She has work to do. He tells her he can't tell her how to run her own business. "It's your baby." Softly, Bree whispers, "Yes, it is." This was more heartbreaking than Susan's anger at Mike over not having a mechanic check the brakes, instead of himself. Apparently, Susan believes that had the brakes been working properly, she could have stopped the car in time and prevented the fatal accident. It seems it wasn't her fault, but the other driver's as she crashed into the Delfinos' car. This is lost on Susan, though, and it ultimately leads to one too many fights for Mike, who walks out on her.
The most romantic moment was when Carlos comforting Gabrielle, sincerely told her how in five years or fifty, she'll always be beautiful.
Kathryn appeared to be just jealous of Bree's approaching fame, until we learn that not only did Bree steal some of her partner's recipes, she hadn't even bothered to learn how to do some of Kathryn's cooking techniques. Do we see a plagerism law suit on the horizon? Or, will Bree do what the honest woman she believes herself to be do and share in the success?
The Scavos' are their same seles, although it's clear their restaurant is successful. Unfortunately, Porter and Preston have been hosting Monday night poker nights without their knowledge. This becomes Lynette's wakeup call - She is running out of time to transform her youngest sons into productive adults. In typical Tom fashion, he agrees to back her discipline descions, but actually finds Porter's and Preston's actions fun and cool. In the end, because he loves her, loves his sons, and knows his wife is right, he comes through with a firm hand. Marc Cherry said earlier this year that he knows many fans like this family and want things to work out for them. He has said he'll honor the fans wishes. Does that include the twins?
The season premiere set up the storylines through May. Bree's new national career and how it effects her family and Kathryn will be one. Susan and Mike's relationship will be another. Will they reconcile, or will she find her happiness with Jackson, the house painter? Will Lynette and Tom tame their wild brood - and stay married? Will Mrs. McCluskey figure out what Dave is up to?
Which brings us to Edie's new husband. Will Mrs. McCluskey figure out what he's up to? Will he break Edie's heart? What are his rage issues and what did he do that required he be place on medication and in the care of a doctor, with whom he must check in every week? It has something to do with the residents of Wisteria Lane, one in particular. As the mystery begins, I'll venture a guess that somebody on that street did something to his family to hurt him badly. Perhaps when he was younger, so older residents don't recognize him? Perhaps it was to a family member who lived there while he resided somewhere else? Does it have something to do with Bob and Lee. It's rumored they'll be back and there will be a reveal about them later this season.
The theme was the passage of time and how at some point in our lives, we ask ourselves what happened to our lives, whether we're pleased with how things are turning out or whether we're unhappy with our lives.
Time will tell how these stories will be resolved and if the fifth season can continue as strongly as it started.
• Ep. 502 - We're So Happy You're So Happy
• Desperate Housewives Season 5 Episode Guide & Rumors
Friday, September 26, 2008
Newsletter 09-26-08
Screen Scene Newsletter In This Issue: Kids TV Elections for Kids TV Highlights Sunday, Sept. 28th is a big premiere night. The Amazing Racing returns for its 13th installment, one week after winning its sixth consecutive Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. The season premiere is 8:00pm e/p on CBS. The action starts in Los Angeles, where the teams begin the first leg of their global journey. They travel to Salvador, Brazil, but must face a frightening Detour. "Glory Days" is the season premiere of Cold Case, 9:00pm e/p on CBS and, in Canada, "A." The 1937 murder of a football player is re-examined when evidence surfaces that he was actually killed later than believed. Bobby Cannavale returns as Narcotics Cop Eddie Saccardo. The season premiere of The Unit follows Cold Case on CBS at 10:00pm e/p. The military team tries to unravel an assassination plot as the women are relocated from the base to safety. ABC broadcasts a two-hour season premiere of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, 7:00-9:00pm e/p. Then, it's the return of Edie Britt on Desperate Housewives at 9:00pm e/p. All the main adult characters are back as the series moves forward five years. The Scavo children are older, so new actors have been cast for their roles. At 10:01pm e/p, the Walkers embark on a dramatic weekend getaway together on the season premiere of Brothers and Sisters. With a full-season order from NBC, things are looking up for Chuck - that is if he can survive Ep. 201! In the season premiere on NBC, Monday, Sept. 29, 8:00pm e/p, "Chuck and the First Date," Academy Award nominee Michael Clarke Duncan guest-stars as Colt, a menacing operative. Chuck prevents Colt from obtaining the Cipher -- a device that would ultimately lead to a new Intersect. With his assignment completed, Chuck asks Sarah out for a date. What he doesn't know is that Casey has other plans for him. Happy Birthday, Barney! Since 1988, the loveable purple dinosaur has entertaining children with songs and dance. But, each episode stresses positive behavior and friendship, as well as learning how to count, recite ABC's, and reading. Because Barney is a stuffed toy that comes to life through a child's imagination to embark on a new adventure, the show also promotes creativity. Many of Barney's first fans are now parents whose own children are drawn to the comforting character. HIT Entertainment, the producers of Barney & Friends, has released a DVD of favorite moments from the twenty years the show has been on video and television, including the very first one - a home movie! The Best of Barney - 20th Anniversary Collectors' Edition >>
Vol. I, Issue No. 5
September 26, 2008
Kids TV - Bindi: The Jungle Girl Season Premiere
Elections for Kids
TV Highlights
Barney: 20th Anniversary Collection DVD Review
Emmy-winning Bindi Irwin returns for a second season of Bindi: The Jungle Girl beginning Sept. 27 at 5:00pm e/p on Discovery Kids Channel. The new episodes begin with "American Road Trip" across U.S. desert states. The colorful video postcard is both funny and informative.
We've updated our guide for the 2008 Presidential race. Find resources that explain the branches of our government, as well as classroom and online activities that encourage children to learn about the candidates and how issues effect campaigns. Both PBS KIDS GO! and Nickelodeon's Nick News with Linda Ellerbee have special episodes or events that demonstrate the electoral process, while encouraging children to participate in discussions. Most of these resources are geared for K-8 students, although some are for secondary school students. Elections for Kids Guide >>
Catch a repeat of The Mentalist Friday, Sept. 26, on CBS at 8:00pm ET, before the Presidential Debate on foreign policy.
Peggy
Family Screen Scene
http://familyscreenscene.com
Monday, September 15, 2008
Halloween DVDs for Kids and Family
Halloween began as a pagen harvest festival and considered the Celtic New Year. As Christianity took root, the Church instituted All Hallows Day, more commonly known in modern times as "All Saints Day," celebrating the lives and miracles of all the Catholic Church's saints. The night before All Hallows Day became known as "All Hallow Even," the evening before All Hallows Day. "Hallowe'en" replaced the Gaelic custom of dressing up as ghosts and spirits on October 31st. They believed a door between our world and the spirit world was opened for that day only. Evil spirits invaded the world to wreck havoc on human beings. The costumes were believed to appease the spirit world, lessening the destruction they brought. Since then, Halloween has become a day of revelry for all ages, and an opportunity to "play dress-up" as adults. Costumed children go begging door-to-door, calling "trick or treat," delighting their neighbors with their costumes, ranging from angels to devils and monster. Thankfully, the "trick" part of this custom is no longer considered acceptable.
Another favorite part of Halloween is watching scary movies, television episodes, and cartoons. Here are some of our old and new favorites for kids and family.
Scholastic and Fox Home Entertainment have released three Goosebumps DVDs based on R. L. Stine's writings: One Day at Horrorland; Monster Blood; and A Night in Terror Tower DVDs. The first title is part of the Stine's HorrorLand series that also includes books and video games. The Goosebumps book and television series receives a great deal of criticism some parents' groups. Nevertheless, they are entertaining scary stories for the preteens who love this genre. Stine's stories seem to be inspired by O'Henry's surprise endings and Twilight Zone's twists and turns.
Each episode of HIT Entertainment's Halloween Spooktacular DVD collection of stories and activities is not scary and written for preschoolers and early elementary age children. The episodes cover a variety of Halloween topics, including choosing a costume, safety carving and handling pumpkins, what to expect while trick-or-treating, good manners for trick-or-treating, owning up to one's mistakes, being a good friend, cooperative play, and slightly spooky ghost stories. Episodes are taken from Barney, Angelina Ballerina, Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam, and Bob the Builder. A Fifi and the Flower Tots bonus episode is also included.
Nickelodeon Films and Paramount Pictures finally did justice to a movie adaptation of a children's book series when it released The Spiderwick Chronicles. When his parents separate, Jared Grace, his twin brother Simon, sister Mallory, and his mother, Helen, move from New York to a mysterious old house in the country. It is owned by their great great uncle Arthur Spiderwick and great aunt Lucinda. The brothers and sister soon learn that the Field Guide their elderly uncle wrote isn't a fantasy. These creatures actually exist! The only way a human can see these creatures is through a special seeing stone, or by being spat in the eye by an icky goblin. The Grace children desperately try to keep the key to the Unseen World out of Mulgareth's evil hands. As the Graces develop their powers and face these magical, sometimes frightening beings, they overcome their personal conflicts.
Don Knotts was best known for his roles as the suspicious, bumbling deputy in The Andy Griffiths Show and the suspicious, bumbling apartment manager in Three's Company. But, he also made a name for himself in family comedy movies, the best of which is The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
The magical adventure The Little Vampire is a delightful children's fantasy film, complete with flying cows. Kids will watch as an underdog gains confidence as he helps his new friends overcome a huge obstacle and evade a klutzy vampire hunter. The parents are loving and caring, but bemused at Tony's make-believe vampire friends - until they are introduced. In the end, good conquers evil. Those who were thought to be evil weren't so bad, after all. They were just stuck in a bad situation and needed a little help getting out of it. The acting and writing is remarkably good, compared to many kids' movies of this genre. The story keeps the attention of the kids. And, adults will catch themselves laughing along with the kids.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Lovely Stories
Based on three novels by Elizabeth Gaskell, Cranford follows the lives of villagers in a remote Midlands market town as the modern age encroaches on it. The story is follows the lives of the early-Victorian backwater from June 1842 through May 1843, beginning with the nearly simultaneous arrivals of Mary Smith, whose mother was from Cranford, and Dr. Frank Harrison, a doctor fresh out of medical school who is joining his cousin's practice. Cranford is populated with a remarkable number of aging spinsters and widows. "All the householders above a certain rent are women." Men take a backseat to the influence the women wield through their control of the village's social life. Cranford is absolutely charming. The comedy of manners is now on DVD. Cranford Miniseries DVD Full Review >>
Shiny Surprises for Kids
In Zakland: The Shiny Surprise, children's entertainer Zak Morgan takes kids and families on a kaleidoscopic adventure into his world of magic, music, song, and puppets. His clear and concise lyrics are filled with humor as they guide children to dealing with emotional issues, including jealousy over the attention a parent gives another sibling. Each chapter of the DVD is filled with catchy music with meaningful lyrics. This is one DVD that will be played over and over to the delight of young and old. Great for rainy day inspiration, as well as dealing with negative emotions. Zakland: The Shiny Surprise DVD Review >>
Family Comedy
TBS's family comedy returns for its second season Thursday, June 12, 9:00pm e/p. Engvall is best known for his comedy acts, particularly Blue Collar Comedy Tour and the former WB TV series, Blue Collar Comedy. He adjusts his routine for the sit-com, which is one of the rare truly family sit-coms on broadcast or cable network television. It is warm-hearted, always humorous, and sometimes hilarious. It is also a show that most parents will feel comfortable watching with their kids.
The Bill Engvall Complete Season One DVD was released May 20. Those who enjoy his stand-up comedy will find it's still thriving on the DVD bonus feature, "Ask Bill," a series of answers to fan mail.
For Father's Day, Bill provides insight into what it means to be a father and shares his favorite Father's Day gifts for great ideas for your own dad! Bill Engvall's Fatherly Advice >>
Classic Fun
Million Dollar Password premieres Sunday, June 1, 8:00-9:00pm e/p on CBS. Regis Philban will host it as contestants and their celebrity partners compete for a $1,000,000 jackpot. The first celebrities are Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother") and Rachael Ray ("The Rachael Ray Show"). Among the other entertainers participating is Betty White, who was a regular on the original Password series. She eventually married host Alan Ludden.
Hiding In Plain Sight
USA Network's newest crime drama, In Plain Sight, premieres Sunday, June 1, 10:00pm e/p. Mary McCormack stars as U.S. Marshal Mary Shannon, whose job it is to hide and protect witnesses so they can testify at the trial of the perpetrators of heinous crimes. In Plain Sight is an intriguing, unique crime drama with a touch of humor and a twist in each of the three episodes previewed. No stories are the same. Surprising secrets are revealed in each episode. in Plain Sight Full Review >>
Monday, May 19, 2008
Friendship and Honor
The Fourth Season Finale was way over the top, but still pretty good. The creative team concluded this year's theme of friendship in a bizarre way. They had already sent Edie Britt packing because she had been told by the ladies that she knew nothing about real friendship and they no longer wanted anything to do with her. Katherine Mayfair's mystery resolved. Her daughter, Dylan, died in a tragic home accident that she and her now deceased aunt conspired to conceal. They buried the five-year-old in the woods. Then, Katherine moved, went to Romania and adopted an orphan that looked like her deceased daughter. The Dylan we saw all year was not the same Dylan who was living on Wisteria Lane 14 years ago. In the end, Katherine killed her abusive ex-husband and was released because the murder was self-defense. This was one of the most unrealistic moments of all. Of course, in real life, it would gone through the courts, even if the charges were dismissed before going to trial. Nevertheless, the problem was resolved in a soap-operaish way. Wayne Davis, Katherine's ex-husband did kill Gabrielle and Carlos's drug-dealing roomer. But not before Gabrielle had found the drug money and lied to Ellie that the police had confiscated it when they raided the house. Thus, the Solis's financial problems are solved. Lynette was accused of child abuse, then arrested and thrown into jail. Tom had trouble facing the reality of the situation, but finally, after Lynette's chastisement, did what had to do. He tricked his tricky daughter into confessing what she had done. Kayla was sent packing to live with her grandparents 4 1/2 hours away from the Scavos family. Marc Cherry resolved one of the problems of the large family he wished he hadn't made so big. Mike and Susan battled over a name for their son. Finally, Mike settled it by insisting the infant be named Maynard for his honorable grandfather, who had started the first integrated school in Tennessee and helped Mike and his mother when Mike's father was sent to prison. Julie is heading to college, with a special internship in the summer. This causes Susan much angst and she lies in a feeble attempt to keep her daughter for three more months. After Katherine's confession that she had lied to Dylan all of her life, she fesses up and let's her daughter go. But not before Julie tells her that she, herself, is ready to spread her wings and fly. Julie tells Susan she's no longer needed there. Bree and Orson had not yet reconciled, in spite of Orson's persistant stalking. She won't until he goes to the police about what he did to Mike. He says he can't. The season finale was also filled with moments about honor. Orson publicly defends the honor of Bree when a spurned suitor who happens to be a respected minister decides to sermonize about the "temptress." Julie was honored for her intelligence when she was accepted at the school of her choice and invited to come early for a summer internship. Adam Mayfair honored his estranged wife by coming to her rescue and saving her and Bree muderous Wayne. Tom honored his wife by sending his deeply disturbed daughter to live with her grandparents. We also saw that some friendships are based on convenience. Ellie sold drugs out of Gabrielle and Carlos's house, feigned love for them, then threatened to throw acid on Gabrielle's face when she realized Gaby had found the drug money and was lying to her about it. Gaby, of course, showed her real concern was for herself and her husband by keeping the money, a kind of theft (although a lawyer might tell you that possession is 9/10 of the law and therefore, it might rightfully be considered Gabrielle's.) What are their fates? Marc Cherry had promised a twist that would change the show. That was a flash forward, a story telling device that proved successful for ABC's other cult favorite, Lost. Mary Alice zooms to the year 2013. We see the ladies playing cards. Bree's there, Lynette with her hair back, Susan, a plumper looking Gabrielle, and Katherine. The twist wasn't as dramatic as rumors had it. Marc Cherry had told reporters that he thought it might be fun to see how things out for this eclectic group in five years. The twist was really letting fans know that Dana Delaney has joined the cast on a permanent basis. She had rejected the part of Bree Van de Kamp when Marc Cherry was first casting the show. Now, we have two Brees... Tom and LYnette are still together, having trouble with preteen sons. Gabrielle is having trouble with two young daughters who love to play dress-up just like mommy. No Carlos (doesn't mean he's gone, just not in that scene, anyway.) Bree is about to get a book published and seems to be the new Marth Stewart. Orson and she are still married, and Andrew seems to be her agent or assistant. Katherine is alone in a bedroom, talking to Dylan, who is in Paris and called to tell her that her boyfriend proposed. Susan, though, was a shocker. She has a new husband and they kiss like a cover of a romance novel. It was symbolized the creative team's understanding of women's fantasies. Edie was not in the picture. Rumors had circulated since the first year that Edie may be written out of the story. Friendship, real friendship, and honor won in a strange and strangely satisfying conclusion to Desperate Housewives' fourth season.
Desperate Housewives. A friend of mine loves watching it because it was so unrealistic. I loved watching it because it was so realistic. The first season, that is. Now I watch it because it still is one of the best satires of soap operas and the upper middle class. You have to remember that when you're watching the show. It's basically a soap opera and ocassionally uses soap opera methods for resolving plots that are going no where or to rid a show of a character who has outlived their usefulness, or to allow an actor to move on to another project.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Finale Watch List
In Part 1 of the three-hour finale, the plane crash survivors' troubled mystic John Locke will try to carry out the island spirit Jacob's directive to move the huge island... The second part will set-up the plot for the fifth season, revealing some of who are still alive on the island and more about the Oceanic Six, who have successfully escaped the island's magnetic pull - or have they? We'll also learn whose funeral was held in last year's season finale. House - Season Finale, Pt. 2 - Wilson's Heart (May 19, 9:00pm e/p) - FOX In Part 2 of the season finale, Wilson's Heart, House's relationship with Wilson is threatened and may change their lives forever as more from the previous night are revealed from House's peculiar subconscious mind. If the conclusion of the two-parter is anything like the first part, it will be a radical television moment. Other season finales to watch: Friday, May 16 Sunday, May 18 Monday, May 19 Tuesday, May 20 Wednesday, May 21 Thursday, May 22
Lost - No Place Like Home, Pt. 1 (May 15, 10:02-11:00pm e/p) and No Place Like Home, Pt. 2 (May 29, 9:00-11:00pm e/p) - ABC
Viewers' reactions to this show range from an abnormal passion to sheer frustration. Whatever your opinion of Lost, the creative team continues its efforts to redefine television storytelling as it incorporates psuedo science and science fiction into the drama about human nature. This has resulted in a rollercoaster ride for the characters and fans that Damon Lindelof and Carleton Cuse are trying to alleviate.
In Part 1, which aired earlier this week, the ascerbic Dr. House was a passenger on a bus that had an awful crash. The doctor cannot remember what happened, but he does know there's something he must recall - and time is running out! As he faces his own potentially life-threatening injuries, his team puts him under hypnosis as they hope to pull forward the memories of the crash. A mysterious woman in his subconscious teases and taunts him to remember, until he realizes Amber was on the bus and is dying. No one knew because she was admitted as Jane Doe No. 2.
Thursday, May 15
My Name is Earl - 8:00-9:00pm e/p - NBC (renewed)
The Office - 9:00-10:01pm e/p - NBC (renewed)
ER - 10:01-11:00pm e/p - NBC (renewed)
Ghost Whisperer - 8:00pm e/p (renewed)
Desperate Housewives - 9:00-11:00pm e/p - ABC (renewed)
Dancing with the Stars Performance Finale - 8:00-9:30pm e/p - ABC (renewed)
House Season Finale, Pt. 2 - 9:00-10:00pm e/p - FOX (renewed)
American Idol Season Finale, Pt. 1 (Performances) 8:00-9:02pm e/p - FOX (renewed)
Dancing with the Stars Results / Season Finale - 8:00-9:00pm e/p - ABC
American Idol Season Finale, Pt. 2 (results) - 8:00-10:00pm e/p - FOX
Ugly Betty - 8:00-9:00pm e/p - ABC (renewed)
Grey's Anatomy - 9:00-11:00pm e/p - ABC (renewed)
The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian
Adventure/Fantasy/Family/Sequel C.S. Lewis' books are a spiritual journey for its readers. The author, however, was not a theologian, nor was he particularly religious in his early years. He was a classics scholar and close friend of J.R. Tolkien, who wrote The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Both influenced the book series and Lewis' personal philosophy. The latest installment in Disney's film franchise promises to be action-packed with stunning cinematography, but does have a fair amount of violence. It is, however, one of the few family films that has a positive message for all ages, without a condescending tone. Even if you aren't looking for a film to enlighten you, the story in and of itself is compelling enough to spend a couple of hours at the theater.
In Theaters: May 16, 2008
Walt Disney Pictures
Rated: PG
One year after their heroic adventures in Narnia, Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan Pevensie return to the parallel world. They are surprised to learn they have been transported 1300 years into the future. Their mission is to restore Prince Caspian to the throne.
Speed Racer
Speed Racer Speed Racer Synopsis, Cast, Characters and Fast Cars, Daring Tracks, Combative Races.
In Theaters: May 9, 2008
Action/Kids/Family
Warner Bros. Pictures / Village Roadshow Pictures
Rated: PG for sequences of action, some violence and language. (Parents cautioned.)
This live-action adaptation of the classic anime series was overshadowed by Iron Man. While I'm not knocking the blockbuster, it's a shame that more families didn't go to Speed Racer's opening. The Wachowski Brothers remembered that the cartoons were written for kids, keeping the movie's parental guideline rating to a mere PG, making it suitable for all but the youngest children. It is another film with a positive message as Speed, his stylish girlfriend, Trixie, and his family fulfill their drive to win, as they defeat corruption and bad guys. Besides, the visual and special effects are stunning.
Broadcast Network Upfronts
'Tis the season...for 2008-2009 programming announcements by ABC, CBS, CW and FOX. This year, there were no shocking cancelations, no schedules for a new network, and, really, nothing terribly notable. Anything that would set fans on their ears was leaked in advance, preparing them for bad news. The CW did announce it would lease its Sunday evening programming block, but they already announced doing the same with their Saturday morning cartoons. That means more to advertisers and production companies than to the average viewer, except, as the network noted, the Sunday programming block will now have more original programming than the previous two years. The change is really a sign that things are not going all that well at the fledgling network. That's too bad for some of it programs. Smallville continues to be one of the most underated dramas on television. Life is Wild was not all that bad, either. We do wish CW more success in the coming year. The most notable announcements were made in April when NBC courted potential advertisers a good six weeks early. Although NBC is barely ahead of The CW in ratings, it pitched its upcoming year with an emphasis on mobile and Internet content in a way that sounded unusually exciting. The rundown for each network:
* ABC
* CBS
* CW
* FOX
* NBC
* Broadcast Network Fall Programming Grid
Bob the Builder - The Three Muksetrucks
Bob the Builder continues to be an inspiring children's series, especially for preschool boys. The release of The Three Musketrucks showcases Dodger the Milk Truck, Packer the Delivery Truck, and Scrambler the four-wheeler's adventures. Oh! Bob has a different voice in this collection. In the title episode, Dodger, Packer, and Scrambler call themselves the Three Musketrucks when Bob and Wendy send them off together for a pick-up and delivery. They get into all kinds of trouble, of course. In the end, they get the job done and have learned important life lessons along the way. Other episodes center on building a creamery, a weaving studio, and a general store. The DVD also contains episodes of Fireman Sam and the always charming Fifi and the Flowertots. These supplement Bob the Builder themes with lessons on outdoor play, cooperation and playing nicely. Fireman Sam also shows by example the necessity of doing as adults say and following safety rules. The Three Musketrucks DVD Review >> Other recent Bob the Bilder DVD releases are Building Bobland Bay and the excellent Bob Onsite: Building Roads and Bridges, which features real-life segments of construction projects. The Hit Favorites: Summertime Fun DVD centers on seasonal activities and outdoor play. Bob the Builder: Dizzy goes Camping is included. There is also an excellent Barney episode, titled The Wind and the Sun, as well as episodes of Thomas and Friends, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam, and Fifi and the Flowertots.
Qubo Health and Nutrition Initiatives
As the Summer Olympics near, qubo has teamed with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Ad Council to produce PSAs starring Shawn Johnson, Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh, and Sanya Richards. The PSAs are a part of HHS' Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative, Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future, and the Ad Council's Coalition for Healthy Children. The focus of the ads is to stay healthy and fit, even if you are not an Olympic athlete. The TV spots debuted April 15 to coincide with the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Media Summit in Chicago. qubo is the children's entertainment service featured Saturday mornings on NBC. qubo is also seen on Telemundo Saturday and Sunday mornings and weekdays on ION.
Sinatra
One thing you can say about Frank Sinatra is that he was determined to succeed in the music industry, and he pretty much did it his way, as reflected by his mid-life hit single, "My Way." Warner Home Video has released the Award-winning bio-pic, Sinatra, which was made while he was still living. Sinatra's daughter, Tina, executive produced the made-for-TV-movie. Contradiction and controversy followed him throughout his life. More than sixty years after he started his Big Band career, Sinatra remains an international icon, transcending genres. He still influences the industry in music, motion pictures, or lifestyle. The acting captures the essence of the characters and the eras in which they lived, including superior performances from Olympia Dukakis as Sinatra's brash mother and Marcia Gay Harden as the sultry Ava Gardner, both of whom have since won Academy Awards. The teleplay and music of Sinatra are as timeless as its subject.