Welcome to the last actual weekend of 201–barring any interference to the calendar by from North Korean hackers. We know that another one will crop up in seven days, but that Friday-to-Sunday period lands smack in the merriness between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. There’s be so much room for activities, but expect them to be swept up in holiday madness.
As a result–except for all that shopping you haven’t done yet–consider the three days ahead one last shot at having a levelheaded good time. Whether you head out to a show, hit a sports bar to catch a game (or ten), or just crash at home to enjoy holiday TV specials, start easing back and moving into the Yuletide tempest that awaits on the other side….
Nets at Cavaliers
(December 19)
When the Nets met the Cavaliers last month, the Prince and Princess of Wales made it out to Brooklyn to catch the game. Not much chance of any foreign royalty dropping by Cleveland tonight–but there is, of course, King James on his home court and all that.
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol
(December 19)
The CW busts out this holiday chestnut that’s been beguiling audiences since 1962. Cantankerous old (and legally blind) Mr. Magoo stars as Scrooge, while Tiny Tim is portrayed by cult cartoon character Gerald McBoing-Boing. The songs may not be as familiar as the ones on Rudolph and other specials, but they’re unique enough to keep you singing them well into the new year.
“Dee Snider’s Rock & Roll Christmas Tale”
(December 19–January 4)
Presently previewing in Chicago before potential Broadway and national touring runs, “Dee Snider’s Rock & Roll Christmas Tale” stars the Twisted Sister frontman and features plenty of plenty of power-caroling. Dee narrates the musical, which concerns a failing rock group selling their souls to a comical Satan for Christmastime success. You can be sure it ends with an encore of “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”
The Multiversity: Thunderworld #1
(December 19)
D.C.’s new Multiversity comic book series takes on Captain Marvel of Shazam! comics fame via writer Grant Morrison, artist Cameron, and colorist Nathan Fairbairn. It’s being hailed as an old-fashioned charmer that also manages to launch one of D.C.’s most perplexing characters forward. “Shazam!” to that, indeed.
NFL Saturday
(December 20)
As Christmas looms, the NFL weekend doubles up with the Chargers at the 49ers and the Eagles visiting the Redskins. San Diego hasn’t played San Fran since back in 2010–when the Chargers routed the Niners. Philly, of course, just beat D.C. back in September. It looks to be a fine day of football all around.
Christmas Icetastrophe on SyFy
(December 20)
The holidays look to be a literal disaster in Christmas Icetastrophe–SyFy’s new original movie of merry mayhem. There’s a meteor heading toward earth that flash-freezes and crystallizes everything in its path well before impact. That includes trucks, helicopters, an angry store Santa, and–potentially–an entire town of plucky heroes who band together to keep their holiday hearths burning.
Keys N Krates
(December 20)
Toronto electronic trio Keys N Krates plug into the @2720 Performing Arts Center in St. Louis, riding high on last summer’s EDM smash “Are We Faded” and their recent Every Nite EP. Expect to see the mighty St. Louis Arch swaying in time to the beats.
Saturday Night Live with Amy Adams
(December 20)
With her movie Big Eyes slated to open on Christmas Day, five-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams hosts Saturday Night Live for the second time. Also putting in their second SNL appearance: musical guests One Direction. Keep your finger on your remote’s volume button to drown out the screams of teenage girls.
The Skeleton Twins on Blu-ray
(December 20)
SNL vets Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig scored an indie hit last summer as twin siblings who reunite after years of estrangement. The movie is funny without veering into comedy, and the two stars show off real acting chops when it comes to the serious moments. See it before the Academy Award nominations get announced.
Santa Claus (1959)/New Year’s Evil (1981): TCM Underground
(December 20)
TCM Underground is the cable channel’s wee-hour Saturday night showcase for bizarre cult cinema–much of which isn’t on DVD. For this holiday edition, the double feature is the eye-popping, Mexican-made 1959 kiddie holiday blowout Santa Claus (in which Jolly Old Saint Nick battles an amazing red devil from Hell), and the deliciously sleazy 1981 new wave slasher flick New Year’s Evil.
Coyotes at Kings
(December 20)
Arizona’s Coyotes 11-16 skate into Los Angeles to take on the 16-11 Kings. Neither squad is lighting the ice on fire this season, but Christmastime hockey among teams from places where it never snows is a sportily fun holiday treat.
NFL Sunday
(December 21)
Week 16 packs all the shocks and wallops any sane football fan should expect this time of year. Fantasy players are advised to keep plenty of heavily-spiked eggnog handy. Big games include Vikings at Miami, Packers at Buccaneers, Colts at Cowboys, and Lions at Bears.
