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PODCAST

Christmas Movies Actually

You don"t have to love Christmas to love this podcast. Film critic Collin Souter and renowned sheep expert Kerry Finegan delve into every type of Christmas movie they can find. Classics, non-classics, horror, Hallmark, obscurities, foreign, shorts, TV specials, unnecessary sequels and remakes. Even films that you might not think of as traditional Christmas movies. The great, the awful and the unusual, all year round.

tv & film visual arts

All Episodes

01:22:12

Episode 50: Tim Burton's A Nightmare Before Christmas

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2021/10/12

"What's this?!" Kerry and Collin are joined by Christine Sellin to discuss the immortal Halloween/Christmas classic. Seemed pretty mortal when it was released, though. What made it endure? How is it different watching it as an adult? What does Minnie The Moocher have to do with any of this? We get to the bottom of all this and more as we take a perilous journey through Christmastown with our shrunken heads in tow.

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01:39:34

Episode 49: Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2021/09/08

Kerry and Collin are joined by their friend Jim Peebles (A Very Brady Christmas episode) to talk about what might be the worst film reviewed on this show so far. Has Kirk Cameron actually read the Bible? What is the most shameless way to stretch a 40 minute movie into an 80 minute movie? How does all of this tie in with Oliver Stone's "JFK"? Find out as we make our way through the dense forest of smug, wrong-headed self-righteousness that is "Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas."

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58:37

Episode 48: Happiest Season

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2021/08/09

This month, Kerry and Collin catch up with a holiday release from 2020, the LGBTQ Christmas comedy "Happiest Season." Does Kristen Stewart's character deserve better? What is a Cruffin? Is it worth going to a high school reunion? All this, plus the monthly "Book" segment and a look at next month's movie.

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02:02:46

Episode 47: Lethal Weapon (with Erik Childress &...

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2021/07/06

Joining us in person(!) is the Murtaugh and Riggs of film criticism--Erik Childress and Sergio Mims (but which is which?). We talk about Richard Donner's iconic buddy-cop movie, "Lethal Weapon" (1987) and its impact as well as its sequels. Which one is the best? How does Sammy Davis Jr. figure into all this? Is "Star Angel" worth seeing? How should egg-nog really be served? All these questions and more! This episode was recorded two days prior to the news breaking of Richard Donner's passing and we

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01:05:25

Episode 46: Desk Set (with Nell Minow)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2021/06/07

Film critic Nell Minow joins us for a spirited talk about the Hepburn-Tracy comedy "Desk Set" (1957). Where does it rank among the nine films they made together? What other "Sets" existed during this time? What is a "Floating Island"? Find out all this and more as we talk about technological terrors and the origins of one of John Goodman's most memorable characters. Listen and review us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and Amazon Podcasts.

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01:15:10

Episode 45: A Bad Moms Christmas (with Peter Sobczynski)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2021/05/06

Celebrate Mother's Day with us as we talk about the 2017 mom-based Christmas sequel that you should really skip. Film critic Peter Sobczynski returns as we talk about this forgettable comedy. We also give some better alternative Mother's Day pics, some parenting tips and where to find a good Richard Dreyfuss imitation.

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01:30:01

Episode 44: Fanny & Alexander

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2021/04/06

Break open the cognac and settle in as Collin, Kerry and guest Brad Strauss unwrap Ingmar Bergman's celebrated, Oscar-winning "Fanny & Alexander" (1983). Which should you watch, the theatrical or TV version? How far are any of us from Lapland? And which of the great directors made the best and worst final films of their careers? All this and more in the most epic edition of the "We Just Say Book" segment yet recorded.

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01:17:47

Episode 43: Mixed Nuts

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2021/03/10

Collin and Kerry are joined by their friend Christopher Grace for a 45-minute discussion on Nora Ephron's ensemble comedy, "Mixed Nuts" (1994). The runtime is notable because Siskel & Ebert could barely talk about this movie for two minutes. How does it compare to Martin Scorsese's "After Hours"? Why did Steve Martin dye his hair? What's the connection between this film and Bergman's "Wild Strawberries"? Answers are given and you won't be put on hold.

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01:16:16

Episode 42: Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted...

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2021/02/05

An animation spectacular! Settle in with your talking teacups and incoherent relatives and enjoy the discussion of "Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas" (1997) and "Rapsittie Street Kids: Believe In Santa" (2002). This month, Kerry and Collin dive into a direct-to-video sequel to one of the greatest animated films of all time, as well as a Christmas special that has gained notoriety as one of the very worst of all time. Both feature the voice of Paige O'Hara.

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01:15:53

Episode 41: Babes In Toyland - Director's Cut (1986)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2021/01/11

Kerry and Collin unearthed the Director's Cut of this pretty terrible movie, a cut that runs 2 hours and 22 minutes and features lip syncing by Drew Barrymore, Keanu Reeves and Pat Morita, none of which is remotely convincing. This is the third version of "Babes In Toyland" that has been discussed on the show and certainly the most nightmarish and bizarre (which is really saying something after that terrifying Mickey Mouse/monkey hybrid from the Laurel & Hardy version). Many conspiracy theories are

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01:12:57

Episode 40: Christmas In Connecticut

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2020/12/23

Kerry and Collin celebrate the 75th anniversary of the incredibly charming "Christmas in Connecticut" (1945). Yes, they are well-aware Arnold Schwarzenegger directed a remake for television in 1992 and they'd rather be unaware of it. They also talk about a few other Christmas films watched over the holiday season. Also, more TV recommendations, "We Just Say Book" and a thank-you to all the guests of 2020.

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01:37:28

Episode 39: Home Alone

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2020/12/17

Kerry and Collin talk with film critic Matt Fagerholm (RogerEbert.com) about the beloved classic, "Home Alone" (1990), which celebrates its 30-year anniversary. They discuss why the film has endured, its flaws, the careers of John Hughes and John Candy and, of course, how it compares to the French horror film, "Code Pere Noel." Also, more TV recommendations and an update on Kerry's book progress.

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01:11:51

BONUS! Beth Crowley and Her Song "You Ruined Christmas"

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2020/12/09

Welcome to Christmas Songs Actually! Here is a bonus episode in which Kerry and Collin talk to singer/songwriter Beth Crowley about her Lifetime/Hallmark Christmas-movie-themed song, "You Ruined Christmas." They also talk about Christmas short films and where to find them. Also, TV talk and how The Flintstones connect to the music of U2.

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01:13:28

Episode 38: Dear Santa (2020)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2020/12/03

Collin and Kerry interview documentary filmmaker Dana Nachman about her latest film, "Dear Santa" (2020), which opens in theaters and on VOD on December 4th. The film looks at the efforts of Operation Santa, an organization that has been around since 1912 and helps those less fortunate during the holidays. It's the feel-good movie we all need right now. Plus, a segment of holiday TV special recommendations.

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01:27:59

Episode 37: Star Wars Holiday Special

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2020/11/25

Kerry and Collin are joined by former Director's Club co-host Brad Strauss to talk all things "Star Wars," namely the 1978 Holiday Special, the Ewok movies, the Christmas album and the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special, currently on Disney+. With plenty of audio clips from your favorite Star Wars musical numbers, we'll "take you higher than the diamonds in the sky." Stir-whip-stir!

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01:11:04

Episode 36: Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2020/11/16

Kerry and Collin are joined by film critic Leo Brady (amovieguy.com) to talk about Netflix's recent release, the musical fantasy "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey." Just how well do these big musical numbers mesh with the sci-fi elements and the overall human story? How does Buddy 3000 stack against Johnny Five? There's a lot to talk about here, plus Kerry's own journey to see all 1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. And be sure to follow Leo Brady's Christmas movie watching journey on

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01:20:53

Episode 35: Silent Night, Deadly Night

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2020/10/22

Kerry and Collin are joined by Patrick Ripoll (of Directors Club and Tracks of the Damned) to talk about the controversial-at-the-time slasher classic, "Silent Night, Deadly Night." Did parent groups in Wisconsin have a right to be upset by it? More importantly, how's the soundtrack? We dive in and explore what makes this movie unique and unsettling.

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01:03:54

Episode 34: Rare Exports

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2020/10/05

This month, Kerry and Collin are joined by Christine Sellin to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Christmas cult film "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale." This horror treat from Finland delves into Norse mythology, mysteriously slaughtered reindeer, childhood fears and capitalism. It accomplishes a lot in 82 minutes. Perfect for Christmas or Halloween.

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01:31:44

Episode 33: Santa Buddies

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2020/09/09

Kerry and Collin fill the episode with tangents of a slightly darker nature, but also find time to talk about the "Air Bud'-inspired, direct-to-minivan concoction "Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws," in which cute little puppies must save the spirit of Christmas. This episode is longer than the film itself, but it provides plenty of dog food for thought (but not for kids). EXPLICIT!

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52:17

Episode 32: Get Santa

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2020/08/22

Kerry and Collin take a look at the British comedy, Get Santa, starring Jim Broadbent as Santa Claus (again). The hosts had slightly different reactions to it, but Collin did get to re-discover a Christmas song he forgot he liked and Kerry talks about "Red River" (1948), "From Here To Eternity" (1953), "Atlantic City" (1981) for the We Just Say Book segment.

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