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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

01:34:45

Episode 90: The Barbie Christmas Movies

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/08/05

Kerry and Collin went back and explored three Christmas-themed Barbie movies that came out between 2001 and 2011 (all direct-to-DVD). They both watched "Barbie: A Perfect Christmas," which tells the story of Barbie and her sisters being stranded in a Christmas village while on their way to New York. What better way to deal with that situation than to put on a show? Separately, Kerry and Collin also watched "Barbie in The Nutcracker" (2001) and "Barbie In A Christmas Carol" (2008), respectively

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01:59:08

Episode 89: Die Hard - 35th Anniversary

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/07/20

Erik Childress and Erik Laws return to talk with Kerry and Collin about the classic action film that redefined the genre while also changing the conversation about what constitutes a Christmas movie: 1988's "Die Hard." Everything about the film today still feels perfect and their discussion covers a wide range of iconic scenes and characters. Who was the script originally intended for? Was giving officer Powell the final kill the right move? Is it a Christmas movie? (of course it is, but it has to

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01:41:03

Episode 88: Mrs. Santa Claus (feat. B.L. Panther)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/07/05

Kerry and Collin are joined by film critic B.L. Panther to talk about the 1996 made-for-TV musical "Mrs. Santa Claus," starring Angela Lansbury, Charles Durning and Michael Jeter. How did this end up being the perfect film to talk about the week of Independence Day? How is Santa magic used (or not used) in 1910 America? Finally, is it so hard for commercial-based streaming services to put their commercial breaks in where they are actually supposed to go in a made-for-TV movie? All this, plus many

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01:14:29

Episode 87: Trapped In Paradise (1994)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/06/20

Kerry and Collin take a look at the 1994 crime comedy "Trapped In Paradise," starring Nicolas Cage, Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz (the previously planned "The Holly and the Ivy" episode had to be postponed). How does this movie compare to other get-out-of-town crime comedies that also take place during Christmas? Is there such a thing as a "nativity sleigh"? What does any of this have to do with 1959's "The Aligator People"? All this, plus three films covered during Kerry's "We Just Say Book' segment

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01:38:24

Episode 86: Funny Farm (feat. Jim Laczkowski)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/06/05

Film critic and Now Playing Network head honcho Jim Laczkowski joins Collin & Kerry to talk about the underrated Chevy Chase comedy "Funny Farm" (1988), which also stars Madolyn Smith Osborne, as a couple who buy a dream home in a town populated by deranged, drunken lunatics. Why didn't this film catch on back in the day? Is this Chevy Chase's best film? Why do people wear Christmas wreaths around their necks in this film? All this, plus another STACKED Blu-ray Gift Exchange. Films covered on the

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01:09:09

Episode 85: Tangerine (feat. Clint Worthington)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/05/20

EXPLICIT CONTENT! We don't want any angry letters after this, so there you go. Kerry and Collin are joined by Chicago film critic Clint Worthington (The Spool) to break down Sean Baker's Christmas Eve comedy about a day in the life of two L.A. trans sex workers trying to find a cheating ex-boyfriend. And it's all about the hustle! Why is the use of the song "Toyland" so important here? How does Christmas tie in with these seemingly dark themes? What are the advantages to making a movie on an iPhone

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01:20:00

Episode 84: Last Holiday (2006)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/05/05

Kerry and Collin take a look at the Queen Latifah comedy "Last Holiday," which is actually a remake of an Alec Guinness comedy from 1950. Surprisingly, Robert Zemeckis served as executive producer on this film, which is about as simple and formulaic as a film can be, but its star makes it work (mostly). Why did it take 23 years to make this film? How come nobody talks about Christmas here? What's the best way to go skydiving? Also, another STACKED edition of the Blu-ray Gift Exchange as Kerry and

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01:16:55

Episode 83: The Santa Clause (1994)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/04/20

Kerry and Collin finally get around to Tim Allen movies with what is arguably one of the most influential Christmas movies of all time, "The Santa Clause". That doesn't mean "great" necessarily, but the movie does provide the template for hundreds of Santa-based movies that would come later and continue to be made today. Is this the first Santa with a lactose intolerance? Who is Kerry's favorite character in this film? Is there a darker, more satisfying fable to be told with this story? All this,

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01:29:11

Episode 82: Jingle Bell Rocks

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/04/05

Have you ever wondered where those crazy Christmas songs come from? The ones you hear at the end of every episode of this show (as well as the intro)? Well, in honor of Record Store Day (April 22), Collin and Kerry take a look at Mitchell Kezin's very entertaining documentary "Jingle Bell Rocks" (2014), which examines the people who discover this music, the people who made it and the passion everyone has for it. Collin and Kerry talk about the songs they enjoy from the film, the collector mentality

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01:22:07

Episode 81: Holiday Affair (feat. Marya E. Gates)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/03/20

Film critic Marya E. Gates (RogerEbert.com, Vulture) joins Collin and Kerry for a deep dive into one of her very favorite films, "Holiday Affair," staring Janet Leigh, Robert Mitchum and Wendell Corey. While not one of the most popular of Christmas films, could it have influenced films such as "Sleepless In Seattle" and "Baby Boom"? What makes this love triangle so different from other rom-coms with a similar premise? How does one kiss smeone hard on the lips and not cause injury? All these

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01:54:33

Episode 80: Our Academy Award Christmas Tree

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/03/05

The Academy Awards are right around the corner! Kerry and Collin take a look at two of the short film nominations, "Night Ride" and "Le Pupille," two shorts that take place during the Christmas season. They also look at the Academy Award-winning short "Franz Kafka's It's A Wonderful Life," which celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year. There is also a lot of general Oscar talk and the various categories and nominees. Oscar, Oscar, who will win? Kerry and Collin have thoughts, opinions,

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01:24:58

Episode 79: Grumpy Old Men (feat. Christopher Grace)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/02/20

Kerry and Collin are joined by their friend Christopher Grace ("Mixed Nuts" episode) to talk about this early-'90s classic comedy, "Grumpy Old Men," featuring the kings of the Odd Couples, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. How is their chemistry with the great Ann-Margaret? Did Burgess Meredith write his own one-liners? How does Prince figure into all of this? All this, plus a look at two other films featuing Lemmon and Matthau (separately) in the We Just Say Book segment. Book movies covered:

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01:45:12

Episode 78: Just Friends (feat. The Friendship Dilemma)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/02/05

In this crossover episode, Collin and Kerry are joined by Erik Childress and Morgan Gire of The Friendship Dilemma podcast to discuss the 2005 Ryan Reynolds comedy, "Just Friends." Who are we supposed to be rooting for in this film? Would you be friends with any of these people? What constitutes a fat suit? You'll hear answers to these questions, as well as The Blu-ray Gift Exchange, where we look at several new releases in physical media. Blu-ray Gift Exchange movies covered: Shout Factory:

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01:24:55

Episode 77: All I Want For Christmas (1991)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/01/20

Collin and Kerry take a look at a film suggested by a listener, the 1991 comedy "All I Want For Christmas." While the poster for the film might suggest it being about two greedy kids who hog-tie Santa Claus until he gives them what they want, it's actually more about two kids dealing with their parents' divorce. Does the movie really earn its G rating? What purpose does Andrea Martin's character serve? What does any of this have to do with "Animal House"? All this, plus a listener email and a look

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01:08:09

Episode 76: The Nutcracker (1993)

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2023/01/05

Kerry and Collin start a new January tradition now that they've exhausted all the "Babes In Toyland" movies. The Nutcracker seems like the most obvious choice of films, starting here with the 1993 ballet vehicle for Macauley Culkin. Does he blend well with the other dancers? What's the difference between this and the hundred other Nutcracker productions that have been done over the decades? Do we prefer rats or mice in our battles? All this, plus the return of the Blu-ray Gift Exchange. Also, don't

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01:44:10

Episode 75: Miracle On 34th Street - 75th Anniversary

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2022/12/21

Kerry and Collin are joined by their good friend, Jim Peebles, to talk about the holiday classic, the original "Miracle On 34th Street." For a movie that gives the viewer a lot of reasons to doubt Santa Claus, it nevertheless has stood the test of time and remains a Christmastime favorite. What's the key to its success? What makes the film's trailer so unusual? How are letters to Santa handled in this movie as opposed to how they're used in many other Christmas movies? All this, plus a Book segment

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01:53:27

Episode 74: The Muppet Christmas Carol - 30th...

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2022/12/15

Matt Fagerholm joins Collin and Kerry to talk ALL things Muppets! In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” the three get into Muppet Christmas specials of the past as well as the other Muppet films. How does Michael Caine approach sharing screen space with non-humans? How does the new Disney+ version of The Muppets compare to the original? What happens when you hit Pause on the blu-ray version? All this, plus a Rainbow Connection is made between the main topic and the

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01:11:26

Episode 73: The Man Who Came To Dinner (80th...

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2022/12/10

Kerry and Collin squeeze in a previously unplanned episode by celebrating the 80th anniversary of "The Man Who Came To Dinner," starring Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan and Monty Woolley. This movie never quite gets its due, except for the occasional "alternative Christmas movie" list. Don't we all wish we could be Sheridan Whiteside once in a while? Who is capable of stealing his thunder when he/she enters the room? What was Bette Davis' own reaction to the film? All this, plus three films in the Book

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01:15:30

Episode 72: Violent Night

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2022/12/03

Kerry and Collin take a look at the very R-rated theatrical release, "Violent Night," starring David Harbour ("Stranger Things") as Santa Claus, who gets caught up in a "Die Hard"-like situation. Ho-ho-ho, will he now have a machine gun? How does "Violent Night" measure up against other R-rated Christmas fare? Should David Harbour play Santa more often? What is Kerry's new favorite word? You'll have to listen to the "Book" segment to find out. Oh, and since this is a new movie..

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01:54:33

Episode 71: BONUS! Blu-ray Gift Exchange Blow-out...

Christmas Movies Actually ·

2022/11/28

Erik Childress joins Collin and Kerry to talk about a TON of Christmas movies that are making their blu-ray or 4K debuts this year. A lot of classics, non-classics, TV specials and obscurities, as well as a run-down of other physical media releases over the last year, all designed to help you with gift ideas for the movie lover in your life. There's something for everyone! Turn off the motion smoothing! Turn on the blu-ray player! It's time for the ultimate Blu-ray Gift Exchange.

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