What to Watch on TV this Weekend: Chloe's Guide

Dec. 16–18 , 2016

Her are a few suggestions for what to watch on the upcoming weekend.

Star Kid (1997)

Friday, Dec. 16 - FLIXe - 4:35 p.m.

Starring Joseph Mazzello, a face viewers might recognize from 1993's Jurassic Park, and directed by Star Trek: Enterprise and 24 executive producer Manny Coto, the family-friendly Star Kid takes audiences on a fantastic adventure when 12-year-old Spencer Griffith (Mazzello) stumbles upon the crash site of a meteorite. Closer inspection reveals that the "meteorite" is a small rocket carrying an exoskeletal suit with AI, voiced byArhut Burghadt (Network), from a faraway galaxy. The film is a fun splash of nostalgia for viewers in the millennial age range, and a prequel was released in comic book form, written by Manny Coto, with art by John Stokes, who has provided the inking for works by Grant Morrison. The prequel was published by Dark Horse Comics in 1998.

50 First Dates (2004)

Saturday, Dec. 17 - Comedy Central - 11:10 a.m.

Peter Segal and Adam Sandler, who previously worked together on Anger Management, with Segal spearheading as director, reunite for a story about marine veterinarian Henry Roth (Sandler), a Hawaii resident known for womanizing tourists, who meets the sweet anterograde amnesiac Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore). The film also stars Rob Schneider, Sean Astin, Blake Clark and Dan Aykroyd.

The late Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times recounted that 50 First Dates was "...sort of an experiment for Sandler. He reveals the warm side of his personality and leaves behind the hostility, anger and gross-out humor." Comparing the film to Groundhog Day, Ebert noted Segal's production lacked the same complexity and depth, but that, as entertainment, "[the film was] ingratiating and lovable."

The Lorax (2012)

Sunday, Dec. 18 - FXX - Noon

Based on Dr. Seuss's children's book of the same name, The Lorax was released March 2 of 2012, the 108th birthday of Dr. Seuss. The film emerges on cable television at a time during which climate change returns to political and environmentalist discussion. The Lorax expands the story of Ted Wiggins, the previously unnamed boy who visits the Once-ler in Dr. Seuss's book, with a cast that includes Danny DeVito as the Lorax, Zac Efron as Ted and Ed Helms as the Once-ler. The film has grossed $214,030,500 in North America, and $134,809,816 in other countries for a worldwide total of $348,840,316. Roger Moore of the Pittsburgh Tribune called it "a feast of bright, Seuss colors and wonderful Seuss design."

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

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Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris's Little Miss Sunshine is, at its heart, the story of a broken family made whole through a shared, singular experience that sees each member challenged in one form or another. Self-discovery and transformation are the bedrock of the film's premise, guiding audiences on a journey that finds simplicity in its complexity. Little Miss Sunshine stars Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano and Alan Arkin and was produced on a budget of $8 million, grossing $59,891,098 in the U.S. and $40,632,083 internationally for a worldwide total of $100,523,181.

The film was nominated for and won awards from numerous film organizations and festivals, including a nomination for four Academy Awards, receiving two at the 79th Academy Awards; the film's screenplay writer, Michael Arndt, received "Best Original Screenplay," with Arkin receiving "Best Supporting Actor."

Legally Blonde (2001)

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Legally Blonde was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy, and its storyline—one of feminism and empowerment, with dashes of facetious relief—proves the film worthy. Legally Blonde's plot centers on sorority girl Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), who endeavors to win back her ex-boyfriend by getting a law degree. The heart of the story, however, lies not in Woods's pursuit of quixotic happiness, but rather, it exists in the metamorphosis that the film's unlikely heroine undergoes, to which viewers have a front-row seat.

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Image via Pixabay