Posted on: Saturday, December 20, 2003
Tube Notes
Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Robbie the Reindeer in Hooves of Fire" (7 p.m.) and "Robbie the Reindeer in Legend of the Lost" (7:30 p.m.), CBS. Robbie seems to be the son of the famous Rudolph — whose name is never quite mentioned. Now, reluctantly, he's helping Santa. He's ga-ga for Vixen, of course, but he's also a slacker. Soon, he'll need to exert himself. The result combines skillful animation and droll British wit. American voices have been substituted, including Ben Stiller, Britney Spears and Brad Garrett.
Of Note
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," 7 p.m., NBC. The previous "Vacation" and "Christmas Vacation" films had fun supporting roles for Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his low-class family. Now they get their own movie. Eddie tries a South Pacific vacation, which soon goes bad.
"101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure," 8 p.m., Disney Channel. After starting as a 1961 cartoon, this has had two live-action film sequels. Now here is a new cartoon that went direct to video. Patch tries out for TV and gets a job as assistant to the dog who stars.
"The Santa Clause" (1994), 8 p.m., ABC. After watching the Mickey or Robbie cartoon, families can settle in for this long-popular film. Tim Allen plays an ordinary dad who inadvertently kills Claus. Now he transforms into the job.
"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. Taking advantage of the success of "Elf," the fun film starring Will Ferrell, the show offers "The Best of Will Ferrell, Vol. 2."
"A Merry Mickey Celebration," 7 p.m., ABC. Back on Nov. 18, 1928, Mickey Mouse made his movie debut. Now the Disney-owned ABC gives him a 75th birthday party. Some of this follows the usual form of clips and songs. The highlight, however, is "Mickey's Christmas Carol" — a 24-minute gem. This cartoon doesn't have big laughs. Instead, it brings a gentle beauty; think of it as a gorgeous Christmas card that's worth getting each year.
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Tonight on News 8
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