The following are highlights of The CW’s Holiday episodes and specials:
Thursday, November 20
“THE VAMPIRE DIARIES” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“Fade Into You” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FRIENDSGIVING AT WHITMORE COLLEGE / FLASHBACKS TO KAI’S MURDEROUS PAST — As Caroline (Candice Accola) and Elena (Nina Dobrev) prepare to host Friendsgiving at the dorm, they receive some hopeful news from Alaric (Matt Davis) and Stefan (Paul Wesley), who have traveled to Portland to gather some information regarding the Gemini Coven. Joshua Butler directed the episode written by Nina Fiore & John Herrera (#608).
Wednesday, November 26
TWO-HOUR MOVIE
“PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES” (8:00-10:00p.m. ET)
(TV-PG, DL) (HDTV)
STEVE MARTIN AND JOHN CANDY STAR — Neal Page (Martin), a high-strung advertising executive, meets Del Griffith (Candy), an eternally optimistic, overly talkative, well-meaning but clumsy shower curtain-ring salesman, who seems to live in a world governed by a different set of rules. They share a three-day odyssey of misadventures trying to get Neal home to Chicago from New York City in time for Thanksgiving dinner with his family. The 1987 comedy was written, produced and directed by John Hughes.
Friday, November 28
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER” (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G)
A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BASED ON THE HIT HOLIDAY SONG ─ Based on the hit song that became a worldwide holiday phenomenon, this goofy and heartwarming adventure features young Jake Spankenheimer on the quest of a lifetime to track his missing Grandma down on Christmas Eve and prove that Santa Claus is indeed real. Michele Lee (“Knots Landing”) provides the voice of Jake’s greedy Cousin Mel and recording artist Elmo Shropshire provides the narration.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY” (9:00-9:30p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF JACK BLACK, ANGELINA JOLIE AND DUSTIN HOFFMAN ─ The Winter Festival is coming and Po, the Kung Fu Panda, is asked to host the exclusive formal banquet for all the Masters of Kung Fu. However, the occasion is on the same night as his father’s own party. Feeling guilty and burdened by work he has taken on, Po is unsure which way to turn until he realizes who truly needs him more on the big night. The special was written by Jonathan Groff and Jon Pollack and directed by Tim Johnson.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MERRY MADAGASCAR” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF BEN STILLER, CHRIS ROCK, DAVID SCHWIMMER ─ When Santa and his reindeer crash onto Madagascar it’s up to Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melvin and the penguins to save Christmas. The special was written by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and David Soren and directed by David Soren.
Monday, December 1
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER” (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G)
A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BASED ON THE HIT HOLIDAY SONG ─ Based on the hit song that became a worldwide holiday phenomenon, this goofy and heartwarming adventure features young Jake Spankenheimer on the quest of a lifetime to track his missing Grandma down on Christmas Eve and prove that Santa Claus is indeed real. Michele Lee (“Knots Landing”) provides the voice of Jake’s greedy Cousin Mel and recording artist Elmo Shropshire provides the narration.
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GREATEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS COUNTDOWN” (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ─ Comedians Heather McDonald (“Chelsea Lately”) and Matt Weinhold (“The Dish”) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. In addition to the top 12, the special features other great commercials from both the U.S. and abroad, that capture the true spirit of the holiday season – from the heartfelt to the hilarious, from the outstanding to the ridiculous. The special was directed by Mark Ritchie.
Monday, December 8
“THE ORIGINALS” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Map of Moments” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FAMILY TRADITIONS — After reuniting with her brothers, Rebekah (Claire Holt) convinces Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and Klaus (Joseph Morgan) to participate in a family tradition from their childhood. Leslie Libman directed the episode written by Marguerite MacIntyre & Julie Plec (#209).
Tuesday, December 9
“THE FLASH” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Man in the Yellow Suit” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
BARRY CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS WITH THE WESTS — Barry (Grant Gustin) enjoys the annual tradition of tree trimming and gift exchange with Joe (Jesse L. Martin) and Iris (Candice Patton). He gives Iris a touching gift, but the moment is interrupted by Eddie’s (Rick Cosnett) arrival. Ralph Hemecker directed the episode written by Todd Helbing & Aaron Helbing (#109).
Wednesday, December 10
“ARROW” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Climb” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
DINAH LANCE RETURNS HOME — Laurel (Katie Cassidy) is stunned when her father (Paul Blackthorne) delivers a very special Christmas gift – her mother, Dinah (guest star Alex Kingston). Thor Freudenthal directed the episode written by Jake Coburn & Keto Shimizu (#309).
Thursday, December 11
“THE VAMPIRE DIARIES” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“Christmas Through Your Eyes” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FLASHBACKS TO CHRISTMAS IN MYSTIC FALLS — With the holidays approaching, Bonnie (Kat Graham) attempts to replicate her favorite holiday traditions, while reminiscing about happier times. Michael Allowitz directed the episode written by Caroline Dries (#610).
Wednesday, December 17
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GREATEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS COUNTDOWN” (8:00-9:00p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD — Comedians Heather McDonald (“Chelsea Lately”) and Matt Weinhold (“The Dish”) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. In addition to the top 12, the special features other great commercials from both the U.S. and abroad, that capture the true spirit of the holiday season – from the heartfelt to the hilarious, from the outstanding to the ridiculous. The special was directed by Mark Ritchie. Original airdate 12/1/2014.
Thursday, December 18
90-MINUTE SPECIAL
“THE iHEARTRADIO JINGLE BALL 2014” — (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
TAYLOR SWIFT, IGGY AZALEA, MAROON 5 AND MANY MORE IN AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY CONCERT EVENT — The star-studded concert from Madison Square Garden is hosted by Elvis Duran of Clear Channel’s Z100, New York’s Hit Music Station. Additional musical performers include Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrell, OneRepublic, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jessie J., Shawn Mendes and Nick Jonas.
Friday, December 19
90-MINUTE ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MR. MAGOO’S CHRISTMAS CAROL” (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD)
MR. MAGOO STARS AS EBENEZZER SCROOGE IN THE CLASSIC DICKENS TALE — This animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas ghost story stars the nearsighted Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Magoo, with voice-over appearances by Paul Frees, Morey Amsterdam, Joan Gardner, and Jack Cassidy, this original version of the 1962 special was the first animated holiday program ever produced for television. The special was directed by Abe Levitow, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF JACK BLACK, ANGELINA JOLIE AND DUSTIN HOFFMAN ─ The Winter Festival is coming and Po, the Kung Fu Panda, is asked to host the exclusive formal banquet for all the Masters of Kung Fu. However, the occasion is on the same night as his father’s own party. Feeling guilty and burdened by work he has taken on, Po is unsure which way to turn until he realizes who truly needs him more on the big night. The special was written by Jonathan Groff and Jon Pollack and directed by Tim Johnson.
Monday, December 22
90-MINUTE SPECIAL
“THE iHEARTRADIO JINGLE BALL 2014” — (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
TAYLOR SWIFT, IGGY AZALEA, MAROON 5 AND MANY MORE IN AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY CONCERT EVENT — The star-studded concert from Madison Square Garden is hosted by Elvis Duran of Clear Channel’s Z100, New York’s Hit Music Station. Additional musical performers include Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrell, OneRepublic, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jessie J., Shawn Mendes and Nick Jonas. Original airdate 12/18/2014.
Wednesday, December 24
90-MINUTE ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MR. MAGOO’S CHRISTMAS CAROL” (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD)
MR. MAGOO STARS AS EBENEZZER SCROOGE IN THE CLASSIC DICKENS TALE — This animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas ghost story stars the nearsighted Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Magoo, with voice-over appearances by Paul Frees, Morey Amsterdam, Joan Gardner, and Jack Cassidy, the 1962 special was the first animated holiday program ever produced for television. The special was directed by Abe Levitow, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MERRY MADAGASCAR” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF BEN STILLER, CHRIS ROCK, DAVID SCHWIMMER ─ When Santa and his reindeer crash onto Madagascar it’s up to Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melvin and the penguins to save Christmas. The special was written by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and David Soren and directed by David Soren.
Thursday, December 25
TWO-HOUR MOVIE
“THE 12 DOGS OF CHRISTMAS” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS TALE — In this touching holiday tale set during the Great Depression, irrepressible Emma (Jordan-Claire Green) uses dogs to teach people the true meaning of Christmas. The film was directed by Keith Merrill.
Wednesday, December 31
TWO-HOUR SPECIAL
“iHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL – NIGHT 1” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(TV-14, DL) (HDTV)
A LAS VEGAS CONCERT EVENT FEATURING TOP MUSICAL ACTS AND CW STARS — This concert extravaganza, filmed over two nights at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, features performances by some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Mötley Crüe, Coldplay, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Zac Brown Band, Usher, Bastille and Steve Aioki. Cast members from The CW’s series will be on hand to help get the party started. Original airdate 9/29/2014.
Thursday, January 1
TWO-HOUR SPECIAL
“iHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL – NIGHT 2” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(TV-14, DL) (HDTV)
A LAS VEGAS CONCERT EVENT FEATURING TOP MUSICAL ACTS AND CW STARS — This concert extravaganza, filmed over two nights at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, features performances by some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Lorde, Paramore, One Direction, Iggy Azalea, Train, Weezer, 50 Cent, Calvin Harris, Eric Church and Ed Sheeran. Cast members from The CW’s series will be on hand to help get the party started. Original airdate 9/30/2014.
If you were born in the ’80s, ’90s, or literally ANY decade after those, you know about Super Mario. A cultural phenomenon was brought to life on the big screen this last weekend. One that has not only stood the test of time but reinvented itself time and time again. This wasn’t even the first time it’s been made into a movie but, well, let’s be honest.. some of us choose not to acknowledge the LIVE action adaptation of the beloved game from 30 years ago.
It was pretty bad… But this was animation. ILLUMINATION animation at that. The Universal company that brought us Gru and his Minions, showed us the Secret Life of Pets, and gave us a reason to SING! Still, I had my reservations and even some concerns, especially when the casting was announced.
Eyebrows were raised. As big of stars as they were on paper, could they really deliver on voicing characters from a staple of our childhood? They did.
Chris Pratt and Charlie Day may not be Italian, and Jack Black may not be a King or Turtle creature from the Mushroom Kingdom, but they make the characters their own all while paying homage to the lore of a video game.
From the jump, the story reintroduces us to the brothers that just want to save Brooklyn one clogged sink at a time. We feel an instant connection and relate to these “underdogs of the plumbing world”. The movie is riddled with easter eggs, each of which tugs on the heartstrings of every generation of Mario fandom. And the soundtrack was beautifully put together to not only make us feel like we’re taking a walkthrough of the game but like an experience all its own with some familiar favorites thrown in.
Every word in the movie is pure eye candy for both those that are casual fans, and those analyzing every frame to see what they’ll catch next. Bowser’s ship, the Mushroom Kingdom, Kong’s arena, and the Rainbow Road.. They’re all meant to give us just enough of a “new” look at these amazing worlds, but stay true to how we remember them.
The movie itself moves along at the perfect pace. Although, if you don’t really know ANYTHING about the Super Mario Bros, you may have gotten a little lost and felt left behind in the green tunnel. But that’s ok! It’s an adventure of the imagination and a classic story of a boy that meets a girl and tries to save the world from a monster that wants to destroy it.
What’s funny is that you could easily say this is a story about two characters who couldn’t be more opposite if they tried, battling to win the heart of a princess. Who would’ve thought that the King of the Koopas was just trying to impress his crush?
And that song? Ohhh THAT song! It’s my new ringtone and deserves the Oscar for Best Original Song.
Back to the movie.
Universal and Illumination clearly understood the assignment. Is it missing some things or could things have been done differently or even better? Absolutely! We’re the worst critics of the things we hold nearest and dearest to our hearts. But if you’re up for going on a 90-minute adventure through amazing worlds, with awesome music, and characters that’ll make you smile and laugh, then this is the perfect movie to spring you into that warm summer feeling.
Plus there’s the whole part with karts and shells, and banana peels and oh my goodness how amazing was that?? It’s enough to make you want to stand up and cheer, then go home and destroy your friends and family on your favorite track haha.
The bottom line, it pays homage in all the right ways to the little guy with the mustache, while giving us something new and exciting. Take the kids and go see Super Mario Bros. You’ll be glad you did!
Justice League x RWBY: Superheroes & Hunters Opening Act Saturday, March 25 at 1:30 p.m. on North 200A. Talent confirmed so far to participate in the post-screening panel is Natalie Alyn Lind (Big Sky, The Goldbergs, Gotham) as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince and longtime RWBY cast member Lindsay Jones (Camp Camp) as Ruby, Kara Eberle ( RWBY: Ice Queendom) as Weiss, Arryn Zech (Detective Now Dead) as Blake and Barbara Dunkelman (Blood Fest) as Yang – along with Jeannie Tirado (Soul, Saints Row) as Green Lantern and Tru Valentino (The Rookie, The Cuphead Show!) as a cyborg. Also attending the panel will be producer/director Kerry Shawcross (series RWBY) and writer Meghan Fitzmartin (Supernatural, Justice Society: World War II).
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment returns to WonderCon 2023 with the big screen debut from DC Animated Films: highlights this year include the world premieres of the highly anticipated Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham and Justice League x RWBY: Superheroes & Hunters Part One the weekend of March 24-26 in Anaheim, California. Both screenings will be followed by panel discussions with actors and creators. Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham premieres at The Arena on Friday, March 24 at 6 p.m. Tati Gabrielle (Kaleidoscope, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Uncharted) as Kai Li Cain, Christopher Gorham (The Lincoln Lawyer, Insatiable) as Oliver Queen, David Dastmalchian (Dune, Suicide Squad, Ant-Man) as Grendon, producer/co-director Sam Liu (The Death and the Return of Superman), co-director Christopher Berkeley (Young Justice) and screenwriter Jase Ricci (Teen Titans Go! and DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem Across the Multiverse).
Both films will have encore screenings in the Arena on Sunday, March 26. Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One will screen at 12:15pm, followed by Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham at 2:00pm
No Question Mark Box Here; Super Mario Delivers a 1-Up in Theaters
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment returns to WonderCon 2023
Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Crunnchyroll presents ‘BOFURI: I don’t want to get hurt so I’ll max out my defense’: You’re not twinking!
‘Knock at the Cabin’: Puttin on your boogie shoes!
No Question Mark Box Here; Super Mario Delivers a 1-Up in Theaters
Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
An Askewed View Episode 7 Jay And Silent Bob Reboot
