Christmas Movies Actually
Episode 77: All I Want For Christmas (1991)
Collin and Kerry take a look at a film suggested by a listsner, 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 at theree of the "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die."
Episode 76: The Nutcracker (1993)
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 forget, there will now be two episodes a month, starting now.
Episode 75: Miracle On 34th Street - 75th Anniversary
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 and a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE SHOW!
Episode 74: The Muppet Christmas Carol - 30th Anniversary (feat. Matt Fagerholm)
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 Book segment.
Episode 73: The Man Who Came To Dinner( 80th Anniversary)
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 segment, one of which is directly related to the main topic.
Movies covered in the Book segment:
"The Wizard of Oz" (1939)
"The Hustler" (1961)
"Kiss of the Spider Woman" (1985)
Episode 72: Violent Night
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.
Episode 71: BONUS! Blu-ray Gift Exchange Blow-out Bonanza Blitztravaganza... in 4K!
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.
Episode 70: A Christmas Story Christmas
Seventy episodes after their debut, Collin and Kerry return to the adventures of Ralphie and the gang with the first direct sequel to "A Christmas Story," a film that carries with it some baggage for the hosts. "A Christmas Story Christmas" has a lot to live up to for many people. Did Peter Billingsly and his team pull it off? Or does it belong in the scrap-heap with the dreadful "A Christmas Story 2"? Would Jean Shepherd be proud? How does Julie Haggerty compare with Melinda Dillon? Learn all this and more, plus Kerry gives us three popular titles from the We Just Say Book segment.
Episode 69: Falling For Christmas (feat. Leo Brady)
The first big Christmas movie of 2022 is here! And it looks and sounds just like every other lame Hallmark/Lifetime movie instead of something with the slightest hint of ambition. Film critic Leo Brady (amovieguy.com) joins Collin and Kerry to look at whether or not this vehicle is worthy of a Lindsay Lohan comeback. Does she still got it? Are amnesia movies reflecting any kind of reality we all live in? What does any of this have to do with the Bill Murray comedy "Meatballs"? All this and more as Kerry gives us an update on the "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die."
Episode 68: BONUS - A Tribute to Sergio Mims
Collin and Kerry pay tribute to one of heir beloved guests and friends, Sergio Mims, who passed away unexpectedly in October. Sergio was a guest on four episodes, all of which are presented here in clips that represent everything he did best when on the mic. A true original, a thoughtful film critic and a generous soul, Sergio will be greatly missed. Luckily, we was a guest on many podcasts and we can always go back and listen to what it was like to hang out with him.
Among many other things, he was the co-founder of the Black Harvest Film Festival in Chicago, which starts November 4th and goes through the 27th. Go to https://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/blackharvest for more information.