NOVEMBER 2014 HIGHLIGHTS- November 1-15
Kitchen Inferno (FOOD NETWORK)
- Premiering Wednesday, November 5th at 10pm – SERIES PREMIERE!
Host Curtis Stone ratchets up the heat in Kitchen Inferno where the game is simple – out cook each chef to advance to the next level and win more money, but the stakes are red hot. With each victory the contestants face a pivotal choice: take the money and run, or risk it all and compete against a tougher competitor. If they lose, they will watch their winnings go up in smoke and leave with nothing, but for those singular chefs truly on fire who can cook their way through the blazing competition, there is a chance to win the $25,000 prize.
Holiday Baking Championship – Premiering Sunday, November 9th at 9pm (FOOD NETWORK)
The search to find the greatest holiday baker begins as eight amateur bakers enter the Holiday Kitchen where they show off their family traditions and superb baking skills. In order to survive the challenges week-to-week and win the $50,000 grand prize, they must prove their abilities in front of tough-love judges: Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Lorraine Pascale. Hosted by Bobby Deen, this baking championship is the sweetest way to celebrate this holiday season.
- Premiering Sunday, November 9th at 9pm – “Holiday Cooking Madness” – SERIES PREMIERE!
The eight bakers have to put their best cookie forward in the first two challenges of this competition, hosted by Bobby Deen. First, they will have to make their best holiday cookie using an assigned baking tool and in the second challenge, they must use holiday ingredients to impress the judges with three different kinds of cookies.
Judges: Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman, Lorraine Pascale
A Hero’s Welcome (FOOD NETWORK)
- Premiering Tuesday, November 11th at 9pm – SPECIAL!
A Hero’s Welcome aims to honor one of our nation’s most deserving heroes in the biggest, most emotional, most memorable way imaginable. After serving his country for over 25 years and recovering from life-threatening injuries, Staff Sergeant Tony Woods is preparing to retire from the military. He will return home to discover, with the help of Food Network’s Robert Irvine, HGTV’s Genevieve Gorder andGary Sinise, award-winning actor, humanitarian, and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, a completely renovated house for Tony and his family to retire comfortably. Airing on Veteran’s Day across Food Network, HGTV, Cooking Channel, DIY, Travel Channel and GAC, witness all of the surprises and emotions, as the team races around the clock to make sure they are ready to say “Welcome Home!”
Outrageous Thanksgiving (FOOD NETWORK)
- Premiering Saturday, November 15th at 9pm – THANKSGIVING SPECIAL!
The holiday known for indulgence just got more outrageous! In this one-hour feast for the ages, Thanksgiving is explored like never before. From an extremely spicy Thanksgiving meal complete with a buffalo style turkey, wasabi mashed potatoes and habanero cornbread to an all-fried Cajun cookout with deep fried turkeys, mashed potato balls, stuffing, and even deep fried cranberry sauce – this holiday will be more decadent than ever. We will explore cranberry bogs on an epic scale, giant apple pies, and a massive sweet potato casserole with marshmallows as far as the eye can see! Put on your stretchy pants and get ready to tuck into an extremely Outrageous Thanksgiving
NOVEMBER 2014 HIGHLIGHTS- November 16-30
Holiday Baking Championship (FOOD NETWORK)
- Premiering Sunday, November 16th at 9pm – “Classic Holiday Flavors”
Bobby Deen hosts as the seven remaining bakers take classic holiday flavors into tasty new territory. In the first challenge, they create a swirled treat using eggnog and have to play nice with varieties of sugar and spice for their second dessert.
Judges: Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman, Lorraine Pascale
- Premiering Sunday, November 23nd at 9pm – “It’s Not The Holidays Without Pie”
In this episode hosted by Bobby Deen, the six remaining bakers take on the crusty, sweet goodness of pie. In the first challenge, they have just 30 minutes to make their best dessert using store-bought pie crust. In the second challenge, the bakers create three different pies with three different crusts.
Judges: Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman, Lorraine Pascale
- Premiering Sunday, November 30th at 9pm ET/PT – “The Great Holiday Cake-Over”
The five bakers left in the Holiday Baking Championship hosted by Bobby Deen, take the polarizing fruitcake someplace new and reinvent the biggest holiday cake of all, the yule log.
Judges: Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman, Lorraine Pascale
Thanksgiving at Bobby’s (FOOD NETWORK)
- Premiering Saturday, November 22nd at 12pm – THANKSGIVING SPECIAL!
Bobby Flay is hosting an all-star Thanksgiving with co-host Katie Lee and a feast of special friends including Alex Guarnaschelli, Michael Symon and Sunny Anderson. From appetizers to drinks, turkey to dessert, and everything in between, everyone is cooking up the classic Thanksgiving dishes that are the most personal and special to them. Helpful how-to’s and personal stories are shared, as all the holiday courses are prepared leading up to the most delicious Thanksgiving feast with friends.
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.
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Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
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