Christmas Movies Actually

James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 52: BONUS - Interview with Anwei Law of the "It's A Wonderful Life" Museum

The first of two episodes centering on the 75th anniversary of "It's A Wonderful Life." We spoke with Anwei Law, one of the founders of the It's A Wonderful Life Museum in Seneca Falls, NY where they are having the ultimate celebration of this classic film, from December 8-12, 2021. She gives us many details as well as an overview of what the museum and festival means to visitors and everyone involved. Go to https://www.wonderfullifemuseum.com/ for more information.

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 51: Silent Night, Deadly Night - Part 2 (feat. Patrick Ripoll)

Patrick Ripoll (Tracks of the Damned, Director's Club) joins Collin and Kerry to talk about the sequel to the notorious 1984 slasher film, about 30 minutes of which is shown in Part 2! How do they get away with that? Is Eric Freeman's performance the stuff of bad-movie legend? When is garbage day? All this and more as they continue to explore this goofy series of holiday slasher films, plus Kerry's Book segment.

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 50: Tim Burton's A Nightmare Before Christmas

"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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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 49: Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas

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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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 48: Happiest Season

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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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 47: Lethal Weapon (with Erik Childress & Sergio Mims)

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 dedicate this episode to him.

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 46: Desk Set (with Nell Minow)

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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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

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

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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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 44: Fanny and Alexander (Christmas Movies Actually)

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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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 43: Mixed Nuts

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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