Christmas Movies Actually

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Episode 84: Last Holiday (2006)

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 Collin take a look at what's new in physical media from the month of April. 

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Episode 83: The Santa Clause (1994)

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, plus Kerry talks about three movies from "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" in the "We Just Say Book" segment. 

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Episode 82: Jingle Bell Rocks

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 and even play a few snippets of music as well.  Plus, a stacked Blu-ray Gift Exchange segment to round out this celebration of physical media. 

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

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 questions, plus a stellar Book segment (three honest-to-God masterpieces). 

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Episode 80: Our Academy Award Christmas Tree

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.

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

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 featuring Lemmon and Matthau (separately) in the We Just Say Book segment. 

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

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

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. 

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

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."

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

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. 

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

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!

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