FRANCESCA RUDKIN: Movies

The Man Who Invented Christmas starring Dan Stevens, Christopher Plummer, Jonathan Pryce

Using real-life inspiration and a vivid imagination, author Charles Dickens brings Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and other classic characters to life in "A Christmas Carol," forever changing the holiday season into the celebration known today.

Francesca’s verdict: 3.5 out of 5

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11948329

Wonder starring Jacob Tremblay, Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson

Based on the New York Times bestseller, WONDER tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.

Francesca’s verdict: 4 out of 5

NICI WICKES: Food

I’m going to be on a two day biking trip on Saturday morning so let’s talk food as fuel!

I’m taking a large jar of my spiced and candied nuts for snacks (they make a great edible Xmas  gift too!)

The recipe and audio are on our page or for or more inspiration visit  http://www.niciwickes.oom/  or her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/niciwickes

TARA WARD: Screen Time

Award winning Netflix drama ‘The Crown’ returns for a second season (Netflix, Friday 7 December)

British comedy drama series ‘Agatha Raisin’ begins on Prime this Sunday (8.30pm)

Supernatural mystery-drama series ‘Dark’ lands on Netflix (Friday 1 December)

Reality show ‘Gogglebox’ returns for another series of television-watching hijinks (Living Channel, Saturday 2 December, 5.00pm)

HANNAH McQUEEN: Financial Personal Trainer

If you really want to get ahead faster, you need the right financial strategy and a coach.  Visit enableme.co.nz today!

MIKE YARDLEY: Travel

Dipping into Macao - To check out more of Mike's travel tips head to newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle

ANDREW DICKENS: Music

Paloma Faith 'The Architect' - Andrew's verdict: 7 out of 10

There’s no doubting Paloma’s great voice and she still has a retro soul style which from time to time reminds you of Amy Winehouse Lite.  But the idea that this is a political album is a bit of a stretch even with soliloquy's by Samuel L Jackson and Brit left-wing political commentator Owen Jones.  But when it’s funky is very funky.  Solid.