Christmas Movies Actually
109 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★ - 18 ratingsYou 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.
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Episodes
108: Little Miss Millions (1993)
April 05, 2024 04:01 - 1 hour - 77.3 MBKerry and Collin take a listener request and talk about an obscure TV movie called "Little Miss Millions," starring Howard Hesseman and (Jennifer) Love Hewitt. The film is directed by Jim "Chopping Mall" Wynorski, whose entire filmography is covered in this one single episode. How many times does Collin drop "Midnight Run" into the conversation? Do young people not know who Howard Hesseman is? Can anyone at anytime use a mirror to blind someone? Also, Collin reviews the latest and greatest i...
107: Easter Movies Actually - Jesus Christ Superstar (feat. Brad Strauss)
March 20, 2024 04:01 - 1 hour - 74.9 MBThe Easter holiday is when many people pull out the Biblical epics and none of them rock harder than Norman Jewison's adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice's immortal "Jesus Christ Superstar." Brad Strauss returns to chat with Collin and Kerry about the film's controversy, production problems and why this Biblical movie endures while others have been forgotten. Of course, they also go over their favorite and least favorite songs. There's also some long-overdue Oscar talk and Kerry talks...
106: St. Patrick's Day Movies Actually: The Commitments (feat. Jim Peebles)
March 05, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 107 MBSt. Patrick's Day calls for a celebration of all things Irish. Why not celebrate the "Blacks of Dublin" with the 1991 musical comedy "The Commitments"? Kerry and Collin are joined by their friend Jim Peebles to talk about what might be the greatest fictional band of all time. Who are/were the Commitments? Where are they now? How authentically Irish is this movie? How many women did Joey "The Lips" actually sleep with in this movie? All that, plus a look at the latest and greatest in physical...
105: Little Women (1994) (feat. Laura McDougal and Allyson Dykhuizen)
February 20, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 88.9 MBKerry and Collin are joined by Laura McDougal and Allyson Dykhuizen (founders of an online community geared towards knitting and garment making, among other things) to talk about the 1994 version of "Little Women." How does this version compare to others, most notably Greta Gerwig's version? Who is the "worst" little woman in the film? Do men always have to explain to women what's happening in an opera, or is that only in lots and lots of movies? All this, plus Kerry gives three more movies ...
104: Valentine's Day Movies Actually - Valentine's Day (2010)
February 05, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBThe first detour from Christmas takes Kerry and Collin to the beloved and behated Valentine's Day. Conveniently, that also happens to be the name of the movie they talk about. Garry Marshall's last three films were holiday-based rom-com adventures. "Valentine's Day" might be the best of the three, but will likely be the only one covered on this show. How does the "Love Actually' formula work for this multiple-stories-in-one-day device? Can one be a convincing phone sex worker in a PG-13 movi...
103: A Disturbance In The Force (feat. director Jeremy Coon)
January 20, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 72.3 MBThe Star Wars Holiday Special remains a curiosity item for many, mainly for its sheer awfulness. In this episode, Kerry and Collin talk with director Jeremy Coon about his wonderful documentary on the notorious television special, "A Disturbance In the Force" (now available on VOD and blu-ray). Should this wretched television special be officially released? How many times did Coon have to watch it while making his documentary? What other Star Wars-related media is still under wraps out there...
102: The Nutcracker Prince (1990)
January 05, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 72.6 MBFor this year's Nutcracker entry, Kerry and Collin fulfill a listener request with "The Nutcracker Prince," surprisingly not a direct-to-video animated film from this era, but sure feels like one. What is Blue (or Bleu) Cheese Cake? Is it acceptable to have a Nutcracker movie without the slightest hint of ballet? Is it worth the effort to travel to Miller's Pub on Wabash Avenue in Chicago to try the seasonal Tom and Jerry beverage? All these questions answered, plus a Blu-ray Gift Exchange f...
Episode 101: Elf - 20th Anniversary
December 20, 2023 05:01 - 1 hour - 90.4 MBFriend of the show, Jim Peebles, joins Collin and Kerry for a look at one of the most enduring and successful of all Christmas films, Jon Favreau's 2003 comedy "Elf," starring Will Farrell as the eternally childlike Buddy The Elf and James Caan as his long lost father. How does the film hold up after 20 years? Did the film breathe new life into the song "Baby, It's Cold Outside"? How is it that there's never been a sequel? Collin and Kerry also give quick reviews on three new Christmas films...
Episode 100: Trading Places - LIVE at Elk Grove Theater
December 12, 2023 04:55 - 1 hour - 73.2 MBKerry and Collin take the show on the road for their 100th episode (or is it?). They are joined by frequent guests Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski for a discussion in front of an audience following the screening of the film. Does John Landis' film represent Eddie Murphy at his peak? How does this movie work as a time capsule of '80s greed and specific movie tropes? How does it harken back to comedies of the '30s and '40s? After that, Kerry and Collin look at a study that examined profani...
Episode 99: Scrooged (feat. Ed Daly)
December 05, 2023 04:55 - 1 hour - 90.2 MBEd Daly, author of "The Christmas Book," joins Kerry and Collin for a discussion on the 1988 classic comedy "Scrooged," starring Bill Murray. For Ed, it was a memorable childhood moviegoing experience. For Collin, it was a memorable teenage experience working at a movie theater at the time. For Kerry, it was a memorable cable TV staple. Does it hold up? Are the supporting actors actually funnier than Murray? What do we all remmeber about the films "Moving Violations" and "Pandemonium"? All t...
Episode 98: BONUS! TV Christmas episode round-up, Blu-rays and Books!
November 27, 2023 04:55 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBKerry and Collin talk about the Christmas episodes from Murder She Wrote, Moonlighting, Psych, The Office, Pee-Wee's Playhouse and The Bear. Collin also covers some holiday offerings new on blu-ray/4K and offers his choices for the best blu-ray/4K releases of the year. Finally, they each recommend a movie-related book ("Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel and Ebert Changed Movies Forever," by Matt Singer and "Christmas On the Screen: Reviewing the Evolution of American Spirituality," by John A. Zuk...
Episode 97: Best. Christmas. Ever! (feat. Marya E. Gates)
November 20, 2023 04:55 - 1 hour - 83.4 MBFilm critic Marya E. Gates joins Collin and Kerry to talk about Netflix's latest holiday offering, "Best. Christmas. Ever!" This "fam-com" stars Heather Graham, Brandy and Jason Biggs and is directed by Mary Lambert of "Pet Sematary" fame. How does this film figure into the rest of her work? Do rich people really have multiple, full-size Christmas trees throughout their homes? Would a solar powered hot air balloon fly successfully on a cold winter night? Plenty of questions, some of which ge...
Episode 96: The Holdovers (feat. Steve Prokopy)
November 05, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 79.2 MBThe first big Christmas film of the season, Alexander Payne's "The Holdovers," is actually pretty great (the first Christmas movie of the season is rarely ever good). Film critic Steve Prokopy joins Kerry and Collin for the discussion of this theatrical release that is worthy of your time at your local theater (SPOILERS WARNING FOR THIS EPISODE!). Paul Giamatti plays a teacher stuck babysitting a prep school kid on campus during winter break. Is this one of Payne's best films? What would a p...
Episode 95: Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation (feat. Patrick Ripoll)
October 20, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 72.9 MBThe tradition continues! Patrick Ripoll joins Kerry and Collin once again to look beneath the early-'90s, direct-to-video sheen and plunge into the most disturbing of depths to dissect "Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation," quite possibly the most disgusting movie ever covered on this show (and yes, we did cover that Kirk Cameron movie). Is it wrong to bring stemware to a picnic? If Clint Howard isn't playing Ricky from the first three films, which Ricky is he playing? Can a male direct...
Episode 94: Anna and the Apocalypse (feat. Peter Sobszynski)
October 05, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 105 MBWho doesn't love a good musical-zombie-Christmas movie? Kerry and Collin are joined by frequent guest Peter Sobczynski to talk about the 2017 horror-musical "Anna and the Apocalypse" and break down how it manages to mix vastly different tones into a tight 93 minutes. How different is the film today when viewed after the height of the real pandemic? How does this film compare to ther horror-based cult movie musicals? Will Collin and Kerry be able to master their Dudley Moore and Mary Tyler Mo...
Episode 93: Noel (2004)
September 20, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 66.7 MB11In between enthusiastic discussions of their recent wedding and the reissue of Jonathan Demme's "Stop Making Sense," Kerry and Collin take a few minutes to discuss the 2004 tearjerker drama "Noel," starring Susan Sarandon, Alan Arkin, Paul Walker, Penelope Cruz and Robin Williams. Are ringbearers absolutely necessary in a wedding ceremony? What went wrong with Spike Lee's recent Q&A with Talking Heads? How does a DVD self-destruct? All these questions get answered and more. Plus, Kerry giv...
Episode 92: The Family Stone (2005)
September 05, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 97.5 MBKerry and Collin take a look at "The Family Stone," staring Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson and an impressive assemblage of actors who make up a family (the Stone family! Get it?) that might be the most annoying family to have to marry into. Who is most worthy of the audience's sympathies in this film? Who is least deserving? How should one dress when meeting a partner's parents for the first time and why should you never so such a thing during Christmas? All this, plus a...
Episode 91: Trancers (1984)
August 20, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBIf you got to the end of the "Die Hard" episode, you heard guests Erik Laws and Erik Childress name-drop this 1984 sci-fi concoction, "Trancers," starring Tim Thomerson (as Jack Deth!) and before-she-was-famous Helen Hunt. Kerry and Collin decided "may as well" and dove right in. Piecing together elements of "Blade Runner," "The Terminator," "Back to the Future" and "The Hidden," this movie actually pre-dates most of those and certainly works as a Christmas movie. Beware of mall Santas! They...
Episode 90: The Barbie Christmas Movies
August 05, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 86.7 MBKerry 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), respective...
Episode 89: Die Hard - 35th Anniversary
July 20, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 109 MBErik 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 ...
Episode 88: Mrs. Santa Claus (feat. B.L. Panther)
July 05, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 92.5 MBKerry 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...
Episode 87: Trapped In Paradise (1994)
June 20, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBKerry 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' s...
Episode 86: Funny Farm (feat. Jim Laczkowski)
June 05, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 90.1 MBFilm 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 covere...
Episode 85: Tangerine (feat. Clint Worthington)
May 20, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBEXPLICIT 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...
Episode 84: Last Holiday (2006)
May 05, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 73.2 MBKerry 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 Kerr...
Episode 83: The Santa Clause (1994)
April 20, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 70.4 MBKerry 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 ...
Episode 82: Jingle Bell Rocks
April 05, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 81.6 MBHave 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 me...
Episode 81: Holiday Affair (feat. Marya E. Gates)
March 20, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 75.2 MBFilm 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 ...
Episode 80: Our Academy Award Christmas Tree
March 05, 2023 04:55 - 1 hour - 105 MBThe 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, spe...
Episode 79: Grumpy Old Men (feat. Christopher Grace)
February 20, 2023 04:55 - 1 hour - 77.8 MBKerry 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 cover...
Episode 78: Just Friends (feat. The Friendship Dilemma)
February 05, 2023 04:55 - 1 hour - 96.3 MBIn 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 Fac...
Episode 77: All I Want For Christmas (1991)
January 20, 2023 04:55 - 1 hour - 77.7 MBCollin 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 ...
Episode 76: The Nutcracker (1993)
January 05, 2023 04:59 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBKerry 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...
Episode 75: Miracle On 34th Street - 75th Anniversary
December 21, 2022 04:55 - 1 hour - 71.5 MBKerry 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 ...
Episode 74: The Muppet Christmas Carol - 30th Anniversary (feat. Matt Fagerholm)
December 15, 2022 04:55 - 1 hour - 104 MBMatt 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 ...
Episode 73: The Man Who Came To Dinner (80th Anniversary)
December 10, 2022 15:56 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBKerry 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...
Episode 72: Violent Night
December 03, 2022 00:19 - 1 hour - 69.1 MBKerry 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... {{{SPOILERS...
Episode 71: BONUS! Blu-ray Gift Exchange Blow-out Bonanza Blitztravaganza,... in 4K!
November 28, 2022 17:12 - 1 hour - 105 MBErik 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
November 20, 2022 14:16 - 1 hour - 73.2 MBSeventy 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 a...
Episode 69: Falling For Christmas (feat. Leo Brady)
November 14, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 75.5 MBThe 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 m...
Episode 68: BONUS - A Tribute to Sergio Mims
November 02, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 92 MBCollin 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 thi...
Episode 67: Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out! (feat. Patrick Ripoll)
October 22, 2022 19:58 - 1 hour - 100 MBThe tradition continues! Patrick Ripoll joins Collin and Kerry once again to take a deep dive into the depths of what was once the most controversial idea for a horror film ever dreamed up. Speaking of dreams, the brain-domed killer, Ricky, has been randomly invading the dreams of a blind woman and she wants answers! So do we. What does Monte Hellman bring to the table for this sequel? Why do we get a 'Happy New Year' send-off at the end? How does this movie alter the course of independent c...
Episode 66: Krampus (feat. Steve Prokopy)
October 03, 2022 02:45 - 1 hour - 99.8 MBKerry and Collin are joined by returning guest Steve Prokopy to talk about the 2015 horror-comedy "Krampus," which sports some impressive practical effects, costuming and puppetry from WETA Digital and a terrific cast. How closely does it follow the Krampus folklore? What makes the "Naughty Cut" of the film "naughty"? How does it measure up to other Christmas horror films? All this, plus the Book and Blu-ray segments get us into discussions on "Poltergeist," "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" a...
Episode 65: Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe
September 05, 2022 15:16 - 1 hour - 81.2 MBCollin and Kerry pay tribute to the late, great Paul Sorvino as they dissect the ABC Family Classic, inexplicably titled "Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe," without having seen the MIA original. Is this Jenny McCarthy's finest work? Why is her character named Mary Class instead of Mary Claus? Why hasn't "Back To the Beach" achieved greater cult status? All these questions, plus the Book segment and a look at what's new in physical media on the Blu-ray Gift Exchange. "We Just Say Book" feature...
Episode 64: Dead Bang (feat. Sergio Mims)
August 05, 2022 02:59 - 1 hour - 88.4 MBKerry and Collin are joined by returning guest Sergio Mims to talk about John Fankenheimer's gritty cop thriller, "Dead Bang" (1989), starring Don Johnson as a cop on the edge, doing battle with white supremacists. Is it any better than Johnson's "Heartbeat" video? How do white supremacists celebrate Christmas? How many phones does Johnson destroy in this film? It's a deep dive into a movie that ain't that deep. Frankenheimer's work is further explored in the "We Just Say Book" segment and m...
Episode 63: Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (feat. Morgan Gire)
July 05, 2022 11:43 - 1 hour - 97.4 MBMorgan Gire of The Friendship Dilemma joins Collin and Kerry to talk about her favorite film of all time, "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang." Could this movie have happened with Downey/Kilmer in the mid-'90s? Is there a reason Shane Black's movies often take place at Christmastime? How does some of the humor in the film hold up today? All this, plus the "We Just Say Book" segment and the Blu-ray Gift Exhange. Book: "A Trip To the Moon" (1902), "Goldfinger" (1964), "Top Gun" (1986) Blu-rays: "Boo...
Episode 62: Prancer (feat. Jim Laczkowski)
June 05, 2022 20:19 - 1 hour - 80.4 MBKerry and Collin are joined by Directors Club host and Now Playing Network head honcho, Jim Laczkowski, to talk about the Rudoolph the Red-nosed Reindeer spin-off, "Prancer" (1989). Does the main character belong on the "nice list" or the "naughty list"? Is a child ever too young to climb onto a roof to install Christmas lights? What exactly are floribundas? Also, "We Just Say Book," the Blu-ray Gift Exchange and a surprise song at the very end.
Episode 61: Holiday Inn (80th Anniversary)
May 04, 2022 01:29 - 1 hour - 80.2 MBKerry and Collin take a listener request to talk about the Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire classic, "Holiday Inn" (1942). Did the movie celebrate one holiday too many? (the only acceptable answer to this question is yes) Were the norms of rom-coms in the '40s vastly different from ones made today? What would podcasts sound like during this era? Also, "We Just Say Book," the Blu-ray Gift Exchange, an overview of the Chicago Critics Film Festival and a special announcement from your hosts.
Episode 60: Jingle All the Way (feat. Tadd Good)
April 07, 2022 10:46 - 1 hour - 84.4 MBKerry and Collin are joined by theater manager, festival programmer and podcaster Tadd Good (Attack of the Killer Podcast) to talk about the mystifying perennial favorite among some, "Jingle All the Way" (1996). Does it ever get dark out in Minnesota? Have you ever gotten caught sneaking into an R-rated movie? Just who is Larry the Cable Guy? All this and more will be uncovered, plus "We Just Say Book" and a look at what's new in physical media in our "Blu-ray Gift Exchange."
Episode 59: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (feat. Patrick Ripoll)
March 07, 2022 02:52 - 1 hour - 96.6 MBKerry and Collin are joined by returning guest Patrick Ripoll to discuss the all-singing, award-winning masterpiece, Jacques Demy's "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (1964). How does it fit in with other films of the French New Wave? How does Christmas function in the film's final moments? How do the musical elements differ from the recently released "Annette"? All this, plus Oscar talk, the Book segment and a look at the latest releases in physical media on the "Blu-ray Gift Exchange."