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TNT Thriller A Break From Christmas Themes

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By WALT BELCHER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 5, 2008

In the midst of a slew of Christmas-themed movies and specials this weekend, TNT debuts a thriller drama series and a new action fantasy movie.

"Leverage," debuting at 10 p.m. Sunday on TNT, is a darn good mix of "Oceans 11," "The A Team," "Mission Impossible" and "The Thomas Crown Affair."

It stars Timothy Hutton as Nate Ford, a modern-day Robin Hood who leads a merry band of former thieves turned vigilantes.

They go on covert missions to take down corrupt rich folk, thereby settling the score for those wronged by the likes of corporate cheaters, warmongers, sleazy politicians and mean old investment bankers.

The Ford character is a former top insurance investigator. He once helped keep insurance companies from having to pay claims. But after his young son dies because his claim was denied, Ford crosses over to secretly champion the little guys.

His team includes a scruffy Brad Pitt-type tough guy (Christian Kane), a sexy but deadly blond escape artist (Beth Reisgraf) and a wisecracking computer geek (Aldis Hodge). After Sunday's opening show, "Leverage" will settle in for a fun, flashy and entertaining run on Tuesday nights at 10 p.m.

BOOK WORMS: "The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice," is the third cable movie starring Noah Wyle as whimsical librarian Flynn Carsen, protector of all manner of magical and mystical objects (such as Pandora's box, the goose that lays golden eggs and Excalibur).

It debuts at 8 p.m. Sunday on TNT and co-stars Bob Newhart and Jane Curtain as Flynn's fussbudget bosses.

The first "Librarian" film in 2004 had this Indiana Jones wannabe chasing through the Himalayas to retrieve the Spear of Destiny. A second film in 2006 had him searching for King Solomon's Mines.

This latest film has the most ridiculous plot so far. Our man Flynn will be trying to stop Russian thugs from bringing a vampire back to life.

They want 15th century Transylvanian Prince Vlad "The Impaler" Dracula to help them create an army of the undead to take Russia back to the good old days. And they need a magical chalice made from the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Christ.

HOLIDAY CHEER: Nickelodeon's superstar sitcom pals Drake Bell and Josh Peck star in "Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh," a two-hour movie debuting at 8 tonight. Henry Winkler and mixed martial arts fighter Kimbo Slice are guest stars.

The lads sing several songs, including rocking renditions of "Jingle Bells" and "The 12 Days of Christmas." The story has them trying to stay out of jail by saving Christmas for some foster kids. Miranda Cosgrove is back as their prankster sister, Megan.

•The heartwarming and inspiring "Front of the Class" at 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS is the network's new holiday movie.

It's based on the true story of Brad Cohen, who grew up with Tourette's syndrome and suffered much abuse in his childhood from children and adults. He eventually overcame the neurological disorder to become a beloved teacher.

Starring the very appealing actor Jimmy Wolk, the film, to quote the review in Variety, "leaves no heartstring unplucked."

•"The Christmas Choir," debuting at 9 p.m. Saturday on the Hallmark Channel, stars Jason Gedrick as a workaholic who ends up leading a homeless shelter choir. Rhea Perlman of "Cheers" fame co-stars.

TUNE IN TONIGHT

"Greatest Holiday Moments," NBC, 8 p.m.

This special features Christmas movie and TV show clips from "It's a Wonderful Life" to "Home Alone."

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