HDNET MOVIES Celebrates The Spirit Of The Season With A "Magical Merry Christmas" Block Of Family Favorites, Featuring Robin Williams In 'HOOK,' Johnny Depp In 'FINDING NEVERLAND,' And More On Christmas Day Starting At 4:15pE

HDNET MOVIES Celebrates The Spirit Of The Season With A "Magical Merry Christmas" Block Of Family Favorites, Featuring Robin Williams In 'HOOK,' Johnny Depp In 'FINDING NEVERLAND,' And More On Christmas Day Starting At 4:15pE

Other Highlights Include Robert Rodriguez's 'THE ADVENTURES OF SHARKBOY AND LAVAGIRL,' and Natalie Portman in 'MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM'

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- HDNET MOVIES is coming down the chimney with a sleigh-full of family favorites, as part of the "Magical Merry Christmas" block on Christmas Day, starting at 4:15pE. The festivities begin with director Robert Rodriguez's tale of a young boy who discovers that his world of make believe is very real, and in very real danger, in THE ADVENTURES OF SHARKBOY AND LAVAGIRL. Helping the child in his quest to save the day are his imaginary heroes, the sea-faring Sharkboy (Taylor Lautner, in his first starring role) and the fiery Lavagirl, as they team up to take on the evil Mr. Electricity (George Lopez) who is corrupting the planet. The film is based on a story concept created by Rodriguez's son Racer, and also stars David Arquette and Kristin Davis.

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Next, at 6pE, insecure musician Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman) works at the most magical toy store in the world, in the 2007 whimsical comedy MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM. When her boss, the 243-year-old eccentric Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman), suddenly announces he's going away and leaving her in charge, the reluctant Mahoney is forced to put her fears and doubts aside, or risk losing the enchanted outlet forever. Fan-favorite Jason Bateman also stars, as Mr. Magorium's "mutant" accountant.

Then, Robin Williams stars as a grown-up Peter Pan, who left his old life behind and now works as a corporate lawyer with a family of his own in Stephen Spielberg's epic HOOK, at 7:35pE. His past comes back to haunt him, however, when arch-nemesis Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) kidnaps his children, forcing him to return to Neverland and rediscover his true self to defeat the villain once and for all. The film also stars Maggie Smith, Bob Hoskins, and Julia Roberts, and features a number of A-list appearances by Phil Collins, David Crosby, Jimmy Buffett, Glenn Close, Gwyneth Paltrow (in an early role as a young Wendy), and STAR WARS icons George Lucas and Carrie Fisher.

The holiday evening comes to a close as Johnny Depp brings the true story of J.M. Barrie to life in the critically acclaimed 2004 biopic FINDING NEVERLAND, at 10pE. The film follows the up-and-coming author as he deals with the failure of his latest play. Searching for inspiration, he strikes up a close friendship with a young widow (Kate Winslet) and her three boys--a special bond that would, ultimately, sew the seeds for Barrie's enduring masterwork PETER PAN, OR THE BOY WHO NEVER GREW UP. Dustin Hoffman, Julie Christie, Freddie Highmore, Toby Jones, and Radha Mitchell also star.

For a complete schedule of films and times, visit www.hdnetmovies.com/schedules. In addition to airing these films on the dates noted above, some of the movies mentioned are scheduled for further broadcasts throughout the month. (See listings for further details.)

HDNET MOVIES "Magical Merry Christmas" schedule is as follows (all times eastern):

December 25
THE ADVENTURES OF SHARKBOY AND LAVAGIRL - 4:15 p.m.
MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM - 6 p.m.
HOOK - 7:35 p.m.
FINDING NEVERLAND - 10 p.m.

ABOUT HDNET MOVIES

HDNET Movies, is a linear TV channel and VOD service that delivers the ultimate film watching experience -- uncut and uninterrupted -- in high definition. Launched in 2003, HDNET Movies programs a diverse slate of box-office hits spanning the 1950s to 2000s. The network is widely distributed by major cable, telco and satellite TV providers in the U.S. For further information, visit www.hdnetmovies.com.

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HDNET MOVIES

CONTACT: Sean Grabin, HDNet Movies, 213-763-2145, sgrabin@axs.tv

Web Site: http://www.hdnetmovies.com


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