Christmas Movies Actually: Recent Episodes
Collin Souter
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.
Kerry and Collin are joined by Jeff Broitman (formerly of the podcast Fresh Perspective) to talk about one of Collin's all-time favorite films, Terry Gilliam's 1985 masterpiece "Brazil." It also happens to be one of Jeff's favorite movies as well. While the film certainly belongs in the "Christmas adjacent" category of Christmas movies, there is nevertheless a richness to it that warrants a long discussion on the film's artistic merit, its place in film history and the role it played in completely disrupting the studio system at the time of its release. It's not a movie for everybody and was never meant to be, but Gilliam's off-center vision of "the future" keeps gaining relevance and becomes more prescient with each passing decade. A very Happy Christmas! The film also rightfully earns its place in... the Book.
Book movies covered:
"Brazil" (1985)
"Juliet of the Spirits" (1965)
"The Killing Fields" (1984)
Based on the encouragement of a GQ article from 2016, Kerry and Collin took a look back at “Bridget Jones’s Diary” to see if the writer of said article had been onto something. That led them to go back and rewatch all of the “Bridget Jones” movies including the latest, which just came out on blu-ray. What/who is the Bridget Jones of today? How would we rank the boyfriends/fiancees in the entire series? Did “Bridget Jones’s Diary” kickstart the “ugly sweater” craze that started in the early 2000s? All this, plus a jam-packed Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Blu-rays covered:
Focus/Universal:
“Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”
“Black Bag” (2025)
Ignite:
“Re-Animator” 40th Anniversary 4K (1985)
Criterion:
“The Three Musketeers” / “The Four Musketeers” 4K (1973-74)
“The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg” 4K (1964)
“Room 666” / “Room 999” (1982 - 2023)
Warner Archive:
“Clean and Sober” (1988)
“Lean On Me” (1989)
“Rhapsody In Blue” (1934)
“Three The Hard Way” (1974)
“Lili” (1953)
Warner Bros / HBO:
“Mr. Show: The Complete Series”
Kerry and Collin plowed through this comedy starring Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito as two feuding neighbors at Christmastime. The experience of watching the film caused one of them to ponder, "why are we doing this podcast?" There are so many other questions, though. What makes the old, white iMacs so special? How long would it actually take to make an elaborate Christmas light trail, cook an even more elaborate dinner and then cover your entire house with Christmas lights? What did DeVito do to prepare in promoting this film back in 2006? All these questions, plus Kerry gives three movies from the "1,001 Movies You Mist See Before You Die" book. Are any of them worth seeing?
Recommended short film:
"The Christmas Light Killer"
Book films covered:
"Papillon" (1971)
"Buffalo 66" (1998)
"The Conformist" (1970)
Kerry and Collin, while trying desperately to recall facts about part 2, finally round out the Tim Allen "Santa Clause" trilogy with should be the best of the bunch, considering the casting of Martin Short. Did it meet the expectation? Maybe. If nothing else, he gives the viewer someone to root for. Is this really "the greatest Santa Claus story ever"? Why couldn't the elves put together a suitable hospital room somewhere in the North Pole where Mrs. Claus can give birth to her child? How does Alan Arkin's character know where all the fire extinguishers are in the North Pole and how to use them on a moment's notice? All these questions, plus a look at the latest and greatest in physical media with the "Blu-ray Gift Exchange," where they talk some Clint Eastwood, Andy Warhol, the "greatest comedy of all time" and Matt Damon.
Blu-rays covered:
Warner Bros.:
"The Informant!" 4K (2009)
"Dirty Harry" 4K (1971)
"The Outlaw Josey Wales" 4K (1976)
"Pale Rider" 4K (1985)
Criterion:
"Some Like It Hot" 4K (1959)
"Basquiat" 4K (1996)
A listener requested this title quite some time ago and it finally happened! Film critic Nell Minow joins Kerry and Collin to talk about this relatively obscure, but wonderful movie that might just be the first ever in the sub-genre of holiday films where the family returns home for the holiday festivities and slowly start airing their grievances and secrets. Do clergymen really enjoy doing the Christmas sermons? Is there a moment in "Love Actually" that is a tribute to this movie? How does director Mike Leight figure into all of this? All the answers to all of these questions, plus an extended "knitability" segment, as well as three more films from "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die." Before any of that, though, you get a chance to win a pair of free movie tickets from the Chicago Critics Film Festival, which runs May 2-8, 2025 at the Music Box Theatre.
Book films covered:
"The Wages of Fear" (1953)
"Viridiana" (1951)
"Secrets & Lies" (1996)
Kerry and Collin are joined by Catherine Mary Stewart, star of the 1984 cult classic "Night of the Comet," an apocalyptic sci-fi film where the world ends at Christmastime, which is the best time to go shopping. They are also joined by returning guest Marya E. Gates, author of the new book "Cinema Her Way: Visionary Female Directors in Their Own Words." The four of them talk in-depth about "Night of the Comet" while Stewart tells some great production stories from working on the film, while also talking about some of the other Christmas films in which she has appeared. And yes, there is also talk of "The Apple," "Dudes" and "The Last Starfighter." Then, the discussion switches over the to subject of Gates' new book, which examines (among many other things) the continuing struggles in the industry facing some of the best female filmmakers working today. As if that weren't enough, there's also the Blu-ray Gift Exchange. It's a longer episode than usual, but well worth it.
Buy Marya's book here (Bookshop.org supports independent book stores)
Learn more about Catherine Mary Stewart's work here.
Blu-rays covered:
Sony:
"My Girl" 4K (1991)
Warner:
"Paddington 2" 4K (2017)
Criterion:
"Godzilla Vs. Biollante" (1989)
Warner Archive:
"Hit Man" (1972)
"Earth II" (1971)
"Magilla Gorlla: The Complete Series"
Wayne Wang's "Smoke" doesn't look like a Christmas movie, sound like a Christmas movie or ever feel like a Christmas movie. It really isn't, but the final fifteen minutes of this terrific ensemble film features a moving and poetic Christmas story that makes it worthy of inclusion on this show (hey, it has more Chrsitmas in it than Disney's "Babes In Toyland"). The film stars Harvey Keitel, William Hurt, Forrest Whitaker, Stockard Channing, Ashley Judd, Giancarlo Esposito, Harold Perrineau and Jared Harris. It also has a distinction of winning an obscure MTV Movie Award for a category that was never repeated ever again. Also, Kerry talks about three movies from "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die."
Book movies covered:
"Smoke" (1995)
"Deseret" (1995)
"The Phenix City Story" (1955)
Kerry and Collin look at the often maligned 2004 comedy "Surviving Christmas," starring Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate and Catherine O'Hara and find it's not quite as terrible as critics (Collin included) made it out to be twenty years ago. Is it the two decades of distance from the Bennifer annoyance of that time period? How much money would it take for you to bring in a character like Affleck's into your home for two weeks? What about those lyrics they sing for "O Christmas Tree"? All thee questions deserve answers. Plus, to make up for the "lost episode" from February, there is a mini Blu-ray segment as well as a Book segment.
Blu-rays covered:
Warner;
"Amadeus" (1984) - 4K
Criterion:
"King Lear" (1987)
Warner Archive:
"Tom & Jerry - The Complete Cinemascope Cartoon Collection"
"Gabriel Over the White House" (1933)
Book movies covered:
"Weekend" (1967)
"Patton" (1970)
"Braveheart" (1995)
Kerry and Collin showed up late for their discussion of the 2001 rom-com starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, “Serendipity.” Does the movie take its concepts about fate and destiny to absurd heights? How many movies accurately depict the lives of obituary writers? Should the filmmakers have left in the twin towers when the film came out in the fall of 2001? Also, Kerry and Collin reveal their own Top 5 John Cusack movies. Plus, a 1995 classic, some Kurasawa, Tom & Jerry and Richard Pryor talked about for the Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Blu-rays covered:
Warner Bros:
“Se7en” 4K (1995)
Focus:
"Conclave" (2024)
Criterion:
“Yojimbo” / “Sanjuro” - The Samurai Films of Akira Kurosawa - 4K
“Jo-Jo Dancer: Your Life Is Calling” - 4K
Warner Archive:
Tom & Jerry - The CinemaScope Collection
Sony:
“The Lords of Flatbush” (1974)
Severin:
“Vixen” - 4K (1968)
Magnolia:
“Omni Loop” (2024)
The co-host of Friendship Dilemma, Morgan Gire, returns to the show to talk about Martin McDonagh's great, Oscar-nominated black comedy, "In Bruges," starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes. While the film does take place during the holiday season, it's the bleak morality play and violence that take center stage. What actually happens to Farrell's character at the very end of the film? Do actors in movies really know how to use guns with blanks? What bird is the symbol for the dreamlike city of Bruges? All this, plus Kerry gives us three more titles from "1,001 Movies You must See Before You Die," one of which is a David Lynch film, which sparks a brief discussion of his work.
Book movies coevred:
"The Puppetmaster" (1993)
"Wild Strawberries" (1957)
"The Elephant Man" (1980)
Hear Morgan Gire and Erik Childress on "The Friendship Dilemma"
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Kerry and Collin continue the tradition of starting the new year off with a look at a Nutcracker movie. Although, this Hulu offering is not a Nutcracker-based movie, the ballet does figure into the plot eventually, as Ben Stiller has to housesit his four recently orphaned nephews, who happen to have some talent in that artform. Can he really put on a production in a matter of weeks? Do people really write checks as payment at an ice cream truck? Is this David Gordon Green's best comedy in over a decade? PLUS, Kerry and Collin recommend a short film that is a dead-on parody of Hallmark movies (see link below to watch the film). Speaking of Hallmark, the Blu-ray Gift Exchange features a Hallmark movie that Collin recommends(!).
Short film: A Winter's Charm In Carson City (Hallmark parody)
Hallmark:
"The Santa Summit" (DVD)
Paramount:
"Galaxy Quest" 4K
Criterion:
"Paris, Texas" 4K
"Eastern Condors" 4K
Warner Archive:
"The Searchers" 4K
"A Night Full of Rain"
"The Walking Dead"
"Mr. Lucky"
Sony:
"Talk of the Town' 4K
"The Outrun" (DVD)
Severin:
"Scala!!!"
The perennial classic starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen turns 70 years-old this year. Kerry and Collin are celebrating the occasion by having on one of the film's biggest fans, film critic Pat McDonald. Is Michael Curtiz's much-celebrated film more of a post-WWII nostalgia piece than it is a Christmas movie? What other Danny Kaye movies should people check out? Was Bing Crosby actually not wearing any underwear in that train scene? All these questions, plus Pat talks about one of the most ghastly and bizarre TV Christmas specials from the early '70s, featuring a who's-who of bad hair pieces and cheesy impersonators. You'll have to listen to find out.
Kerry and Collin are joined by first-time guest, longtime friend, film critic Nick Digilio, who claims "The Ref"--starring Dennis Leary, Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis--is his favorite Christmas film of all time. Collin has similar feelings and wanted to wait until the movie had an anniversary, so it could be featured prominently in the December line-up, when the movie would hopefully get more attention than it did back in the day. Why did the studio botch its release? Do people still make fruitcake jokes today? How did screenwriter Richard LaGravenese get his revenge on a Chicago film critic with this film? Also, Nick's choice for a Christmas episode/TV special is none other than the classic "Pee-Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special." It truly is one of the best Christmas specials of all, as evidenced by the joy everyone experienced making it and the joy it continues to bring to audiences several generations later. (NOTE: Apologies for some of the sound quality on this one. It's mostly in the first 15 minutes).
Kerry and Collin are joined by Erik Childress to talk about the enduring--and maybe not so enduring--legacy of Robert Zemeckis' "The Polar Express." Based on the beloved picture book by Chris Van Allsburg, this film pushed the boundaries of motion-capture animation at the time. How does that technology hold up today? What does the bell symbolize? Which character should've gotten the bell at the end? Plus, Erik's choice for a Christmas TV special/episode is the holiday episode of the '80s sci-fi favorite "V," featuring Freddy Krueger himself, Robert Englund, singing a Christmas carol about as badly as anyone can. Erik fills Kerry and Collin in on the back-story of the episode, which can be seen on Amazon Prime (if you buy the whole series).
Kerry and Collin take a quick dive into six newly released Christmas movies, including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Christmas Eve In Miller's Point, Dear Santa, Hot Frosty, Meet Me Next Christmas and Nutcrackers. They also take a look at some newly release Christmas movies on blu-ray/4K, as well as a non-Christmas Blu-ray Gift Exchange. Finally, Kerry and Collin share their recent appearance on BBC Radio 2 on the OJ Borg show where they try to stump the host on some trivia questions pertaining to a Christmas movie. Which one? You'll have to listen to find out.
The OJ Borg Show on BBC Radio 2
Blu-rays covered:
Paramount:
"Irving Berlin's White Christmas" 4K
"I Love Lucy - The Complete Series"
Hallmark:
"My Christmas Guide"
Universal:
"Genie"
"Last Christmas"
Vinegar Syndrome:
"Santa Claus Conquers the Martians"
Sony:
"Little Women" (1994) 4K
Warner Archive:
The Thin Man Series
Looney Tunes - Collector's Choice collection
"The Return of Dr. X" (1939)
"The Beast With Five Fingers" (1946)
Warner Bros:
"North By Northwest" (1959) - 4K
"Blazing Saddles" (1974) - 4K
"The Terminator" (1984) - 4K
Aside from "Wicked," Red One" is probably the most advertised film of this season, but does it deserve to be? Film critic Leo Brady joins Kerry and Collin to talk about this much-hyped action fantasy film and why its star, Dwayne Johnson, needs to commit to different types of projects. They also talk about seeing the film in 4DX and why that format might not be suitable for all films. Why does the audience need to feel as pummeled as the characters on screen? Who is this movie for? Does the great J.K. Simmons make for a convincing Santa Claus? All this, plus Kerry gives us three films from the "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" book.
Web site with knitted caps used in "Red One": https://leedoesstuff.com/
Book movies covered:
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974)
Romper Stomper (1992)
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Kerry and Collin are joined by Cinema Femme's founder Rebecca Martin Fagerholm to talk about Jodie Foster's ensemble comedy "Home For The Holidays," starring Holly Hunter, Robert Downey, Jr., Anne Bancroft, Charles Durning, Cynthia Stevenson, Dylan McDermott, Geraldine Chaplin and Steve Guttenberg (wow!). Of all the holiday movies in the Family-Gathers-Together-For-The-Holidays sub-genre, this one gets it so, so right above many others. Why does Collin hold it in such high regard? How did Downey's behavior and antics effect the overall outcome of the film? How much food was cooked for the Thanksgiving scene and what happened to all of it. All this, plus Collin talks about the latest and greatest in physical media for the Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Blu-ray movies covered:
Sony:
"American Movie" 4K (1999)
Warner Bros:
"The Hitcher" 4K (1986)
Criterion:
"Pandora's Box" (1929)
"Demon Pond" (1979)
Val Lewton Double Feature: "I Walked With A Zombie" and "The Seventh Victim" (1943)
Warner Archive:
"The Prairie Home Companion" (2006)
"Bathing Beauty" (1944)
"Journey Into Fear" (1943)
Universal:
"Touch" (2024)
Starring Mickey Rooney. Yes, that Mickey Rooney. Five years ago, Kerry, Collin and guest Patrick Ripoll made a pact to talk about the "Silent Night, Deadly Night" films every year in October. The pact has been fulfilled with "Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker," as of now, the final film in the series. It did not disappoint. Rooney stars as the titular Toy Maker named Joe Petto. He has a teenage son who might be an android named Pino. You see where this is going? Why are the toys Petto makes turning deadly? What about Ricky, the Santa-Claus-killer franchise mainstay? How should you watch all five films? Which ones are the best? You'll have to hear Kerry, Collin and Patrick's rankings to find out. What a journey it's been! From a crazed Santa Claus killer, to "Garbage day!" to Oedipal themes of longing, the SNDN films each delivered something truly unique. Also, Kerry talks about three films from "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die."
Book films covered:
"Odd Man Out" (1947)
"Le Trou" (1960)
"Crumb" (1995)
First, a quick explanation over what went wrong with the "Go" episode. Then, Kerry and Collin are joined by returning guest, Christine Sellin, to talk about Laika Animation Studios' amazing 2012 movie, "ParaNorman," a movie that accomplishes so much in just under 90 minutes and does so with style, wit, astonishment and braaaiiiinnnnssss!! What is tourism like in Salem, Massachusetts? Can a rioter ever find inner peace? Just how many horror movie references are hidden throughout this movie? All this, plus a stacked Blu-ray Gift Exchange, where they talk about Richard Pryor, Martin Scorsese, Kevin Costner's doomed epic and the greatest British gangster movie of all time.
Blu-rays covered:
Sony:
"Richard Pryor - Live On The Sunset Strip" 4K (1982)
"The China Syndrome" (1979)
Paramount:
"Bringing Out the Dead" 4K (1999)
Warner Bros.
"Horizon: An American Saga, Part 1"
Warner Archive:
"Black Belt Jones" (1974)
"Three Little Words" (1950)
"Words and Music" (1948)
Shout:
"Big Fan" (2009)
Criterion:
"Happiness" (1998)
"The Long Good Friday" (1980)
Kerry and Collin celebrate the 25th anniversary of "Go" by talking to one of its biggest fans, film programmer Mike Schindler. The film has the late-'90s influences all over it: the "Pulp Fiction"-like structure, a hyper-active techno soundtrack and a cast of young actors who made their marks in TV shows like "Party Of Five" and "Dawson's Creek." Which of the film's three main stories is the best one? What is a rave like at Christmas time? Would the film's director, Doug Liman, been a choice to helm "Good Will Hunting"? All this, plus Kerry talks about three more films from "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die."
Book films discussed:
"North By Northwest" (1959)
"The Man In Grey" (1943)
"MAS*H" (1970)
Kerry and Collin are joined be frequest guest Patrick Ripoll (co-host of 96 Greers) to talk about one of the essential Judy Garland movies, the technicolor marvel "Meet Me In St. Louis," in which the song "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" made its debut and would eventually become a standard. Vincente Minnelli's timeless classic would also make for a great Halloween movie. What were the original lyrics to the famous Christmas song before Garland suggested a rewrite? What is the proper way to build a snowman that is not the usual three boulders on top of one another? And what is the proper way to wreck them? All this, plus a Blu-ray Gift Exchange that covers Albert Brooks, Mad Max, Elvis and a 90s teen comedy.
Blu-ray Gift Exchange movies covered:
Warner Bros:
"Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" (2024)
Criterion:
"Real Life" 4K (1979)
"Mother" 4K (1996)
Sony:
"Can't Hardly Wait" 4K (1998)
Warner Archive:
"Harum Scarum" (1965)
"Marie: A True Story" (1986)
First-time guest Alejandro Riera joins Kerry and Collin to talk about the Chicago-based family comedy "Nothing Like The Holidays," which came out in 2008 and features a predominantly Puerto Rican cast. This follows the "Family Stone" and "This Christmas" formula of having all the grown-up kids coming home for the Christmas season, all of whom are facing major crossroads in heir lives. Most of it works, some of it doesn't, but it does make a for a truly unique Chicago-based film. Why aren't there more films like it? Did the filmmakers miss an opportunity with John Leguizamo and Debra Messing's characters? What is the proper way to take a tree down in your front yard? All this, plus three more films from the "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" book, in which two films from Music Box Theater's recent 70mm film festival come into the discussion.
Book films covered:
"Great Expectations" (1946)
"Playtime" (1967)
"The Searchers" (1956)
The tearjerker "Six Weeks" starred Mary Tyler Moore, Dudley Moore and a talented ballerina named Katherine Healy. It came out in 1982 during awards season and managed to score two Golden Globe noms and a Razzie nomination. Frequent guest Peter Sobczynski has been waiting for over a year to talk about it with Kerry and Collin and even went so far as to buy them a copy of the book upon which the film is based. Collin does a dramatic reading of a few pages of this piece of literature. How do the film and book compare? How did such a talented cast get roped into this project? Should Peter really apologize for bringing us this film? All this, plus a few titles from the month of July for the Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Blu-ray titles covered:
Warner Bros:
"Twister" (1996) (4K)
"Challengers" (2024)
Paramount:
"Swingers" (1996)
"When Worlds Collide" (1951)
MGM:
"The Mighty Quinn" (1989)
Sony:
"The Lady From Shanghai" (1948) (4K)
Criterion:
"Perfect Days" (2023) (4K)
Prior to their recent trip to New Zealand, Collin and Kerry looked up "New Zealand Christmas movies" and this was the result. "Kiwi Christmas" follows a typical formula for an ABC Family Christmas movie in which Santa Claus doesn't want to do his usual rounds on Christmas Eve, so he hides in Auckland, New Zealand and hangs out with a family during their Christmas barbeque. Wackiness ensues. Is the border patrol in NZ really as strict as they appear in this film? Can Santa really be Santa with only six employees? Will there ever be a Christmas movie or special starring Queenstown's beloved Cookie Muncher? All this, plus a robust Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Blu-ray titles covered:
Warner Bros:
"Purple Rain" (1984) (4K)
"Godzilla x Kong: New Empire" (2024)
"American Fiction" (2023)
Criterion:
"Blue Velvet" (1986) 4K
"Fear and Loathing In las Vegas" (1998) 4K
Paramount:
"South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut" (1999) 4K
"Team America: World Police" (2004) 4K
MGM:
"Class" (1983)
Warner Archive:
"Mr. and Mrs. Smith" (1941)
"Act of Violence" (1948)
"The Man I Love" (1946)
"The Shining Hour" (1938)
Sony:
"Shotgun Stories" (2008)
"Cat Ballou" (1965)
Music Box Films:
"Ennio" (2024)
Kerry and Collin take a look at the feature-length Rankin/Bass movie (and TV special) "Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas In July" and are bewildered by how plot-heavy and overloaded it is with exposition and countless new characters. What is the proper way to react to Frosty dying (again)? Is Scratchy the Evil Reindeer sufficiently evil? And what does all of this have to do with the legendary radio show "The Cinnamon Bear"? You'll have to listen to find out the answrers. Plus, Kerry dives into three more titles from the "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die," all of which are geographically linked.
Book movies covered:
"The Adventures Of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert" (1994)
"Muriel's Wedding" (1995)
"Mad Max" (1979)
A detour into the 4th of July, Kerry and Collin talk about the biggest hit of 1996, Roland Emmerich's alien invasion epic "Independence Day," which gives America permission to make our holiday a worldwide holiday because of something WE did. Suck it up, world! How does this movie play today now that we all know a little more about computers? Is there a trope called The Sacrificial Quaid? (there is now) Can one punch really knock out an alien? All this, plus a look at the latest and greatest in physical media with the Blu-ray Gift Exchange (Dune 2, Gilbert Gottfried, Francis Ford Coppola and more!).
Blu-ray movies covered:
Warner Bros.
"Dune: Part 2" 4K (2024)
Criterion:
"Floating Weeds" / "The Story of Floating Weeds" (1934 - 1959)
Gravitas Ventures:
"Gilbert" (2017)
"Score: A Film Music Documentary" (2017)
Paramount:
"Into the Wild" (2007)
Warner Archive:
"You're A Big Boy Now" (1966)
"The Nun's Story" (1959)
"Friendly Persuasion" (1956)
Kerry and Collin talk about "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" every chance they get in this episode because it's a far more interesting subject, but because it's not holiday-based, they stick to the format as best they can by talking about the 2002 sequel, "The Santa Clause 2." Why aren't the rules consistent in these movies? Why does a real-world woman have to give up her identity to become Mrs. Claus? Why are there so many shrill child actors out there? All this, plus Kerry talks about three more movies from the "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" book. PLEASE NOTE: The next episode won't be out until June 20th.
Book movies covered:
"Le Samurai" (1967)
"Planet of the Apes" (1968)
"A Fish Called Wanda" (1988)
In honor of its 30th anniversary, Kerry and Collin look back at a forgotten little gem starring Paul Newman, Melanie Griffith, Jessica Tandy, an uncredited Bruce Willis and an early role for Philip Seymour Hoffman. It's a "hang-out movie" that spans Thanksgiving to New Years. Why did Willis not get credit for playing a major role? Could this be viewed as a "career summation role" for Newman? What was it like filming in the dead of winter in upstate New York? Also, Collin goes through the latest and greatest in physical media for this month's Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Blu-rays covered:
Criterion:
"Dogfight" (1991)
Warner Bros.:
"The Departed" 4K (2006)
"The Oceans Trilogy" - 4K (2001 - 2007)
MGM:
"Eight Men Out" (1988)
Warner Archive:
"The Rain People" (1969)
"The Mask of Fu anchu" (1932)
Sony:
"You'll Never Get Rich" (1940)
Kerry and Collin are joined by author John A. Zukowski, author of the book "Christmas On the Screen: Reviewing the Evolution of American Spirituality," which provides a springboard into the discussion of the classic "The Bishop's Wife," starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. Why did America need so many movies about celestial beings and angels after WWII? What would the film have been like if Grant and Niven switched roles? What exactly is a "stinger"? (we know it's a drink) All these questions, plus Kerry gives us three more titles (with a classic or two) from the "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" book.
Buy John A. Zukowski's book "Christmas On the Screen: Reviewing the Evolution of American Spirituality" here.
Book movies covered:
"The Quiet Earth" (1985)
"The Sawshank Redemption" (1994)
"Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse" (1991)
Kerry 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 in physical media from the month of March in the Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Blu-ray movies covered:
Criterion / Janus Contemporaries:
"To Die For" (1995)
"Lynch/Oz" (2023)
Warner Bros.
"The Color Purple" (2023)
Paramount:
"Witness" (1985)
Sony:
"Cocktail Hour" (1933)
Warner Archive:
"Looney Tunes - Collector's Choice, Vol. 3"
"Stand and Deliver" (1988)
"They Drive By Night" (1940)
"Three Godfathers" (1948)
"The Boob / Why Be Good?" Double feature (1926 / 1929)
Music Box Films:
"The Crime Is Mine" (2023)
The 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 about three movies from the "1,001 Movies You must See Before You Die" book.
Book movies covered:
"A nous la liberté" (1931)
"Voyage to Italy" (1954)
"Moolaade" (2004)
St. 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 media for the month of February, including more musicals (a couple classics, even).
Blu-rays covered:
Paramount:
"Footloose" 4K
Criterion:
"The Heroic Trio / The Executioners"
Warner Bros:
"Wonka"
"Contagion"
Warner Archive:
"The Prince and the Pauper"
"Hanna/Barbera Superstars 10"
Sony Pictures Classics:
"The Triplets of Belleville"
Bleeker Street:
"Waitress: The Musical"
Uncork'd:
"Back To The Drive-In"
Kerry 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 from the "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" book.
You can find out more information about what Allyson and Laura are up to at https://www.lauraallyson.com/ An you can join the party at https://lauraallyson.party
Book movies covered:
"Passenger" (1963)
"My Brilliant Career" (1979)
"The Last Seduction" (1994)
The 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 movie? What are the three best Garry Marshall movies? All this, plus Collin goes through the new releases in pohysical media for the month of January in the Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Blu-rays covered:
Critrerion:
"Trainspotting" 4K (1996)
Paramount:
"Eddie Murphy Raw" (1987)
Warner Archive:
"Joe's Apartment" (1996)
"Rover Dangerfield" (1991)
"Faithless" (1932)
"Cabin In the Sky" (1943)
"A Day At the Races" (1937)
MGM:
"Red Planet Mars" (1952)
"Strange Invaders" (1983)
"Kingdom of the Spiders" (1977) (DVD)
The 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? Why is now the perfect time for this documentary, currently at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes? All this, plus Kerry gives us three more films from "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die," including a familiar title that surprisingly hasn't been discussed on this show (at least, not respectfully).
Book films covered:
"Force of Evil" (1948)
"The Devils" (1971)
"Star Wars" (1977)
For 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 from December that feature a few classics and obscurities.
Blu-ray films covered:
Universal:
"Love Actually" (4K) (2003)
Criterion:
"The Red Balloon" and Other Tales by Albert Lamorisse (1951-1965)
Sony:
"School Daze" (4K) (1988)
MGM:
"Bikini Beach" (1964)
Warner Bros.:
"The Color Purple" (4K) (1985)
Warner Archive:
"Tarzan The Ape Man" (1932)
"Anna Christie" (1930)
"Madame Bovary" (1949)
"The Great Ziegfeld" (1936)
Giant:
"A Disturbance In the Force" (2023)
Music Box Films:
"Fremont" (2023)
Friend 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 now streaming: "Family Switch" (Netflix), "Candy Cane Lane" (Amazon) and "The Sacrifice Game" (Shudder). Kerry then gives us three more titles from the "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" book.
Before any of that, though, Kerry and Collin share their adventures in Pink Wonderland, a pop-up bar in Chicago that is just too pink to believe. Go to https://solo.to/pinkwonderland to get more information on both their Chicago and New York location, as well as their upcoming New Year's Eve celebration.
Book movies covered:
"Marty" (1955)
"Fireworks" (1997)
"Downfall" (2004)
Kerry 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 profanity in Christmas movies. They also share a few ideas they will try with the show starting in 2024. Merry New Year!
Ed 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 this, plus a non-holiday related edition of the Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Ed Daly's book "The Christmas Book: The Ultimate Guide To Your Favorite Holiday"
Blu-ray movies covered:
Paramount:
"Scrooged" 4K
"Terms of Endearment" 4K
Warner Bros:
"A Christmas Story Christmas" DVD
"The Fugitive" 4K
Criterion:
"Jackie Chan: Emergence Of A Superstar" collection
Warner Archive:
"Rapa Nui"
"Looney Tunes: Collector's Choice, Vol. 2"
Music Box Films:
"The Unknown Country"
Kerry 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. Zukowski). Sprinkled in are some TV Christmas Special ads that aired in 1987.
Blu-ray Movies covered:
"A Magical Christmas Village" (Hallmark)
"Psych: The Complete Series" (Universal)
"Stealing Christmas" (Universal)
"The Office: The Complete Christmas Collection" (Universal)
"The Christmas Martian" (Vinegar Syndrome)
Books covered:
"Opposable Things: How Siskel and Ebert Changed Movies Forever," by Matt Singer.
"Christmas On the Screen: Reviewing the Evolution of American Spirituality," by John A. Zukowski
Film 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 get answered. Plus, Kerry talkes about three more entries from the book "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die." Also, stay tuned for some exciting news about the show and upcoming episodes.
Book movies covered:
"Winchester 73" (1950)
"Terms of Endearment" (1983)
"Dead Man" (1995)
The 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 pandemic have been like in the 1970s? What is the proper way to make any flaming dessert? All this, plus a look at the latest and greatest in physical media for the month of October for the Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Since this is a brand new movie, be on the lookout for SPOILERS, particularly in the 49:00 - 55:00 portion.
Films covered on the Blu-ray Gift Exchange:
Criterion:
“Videodrome” and “Tod Browning's Sideshow Shockers”
Janus FIlms:
“EO”
Paramount:
“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”
Sony:
“Rock Around the Clock”
MGM:
"Mr. North"
Warner Archive:
"Double Trouble"
"Christopher Strong"
"Dance Fools, Dance"
"The Devil Doll"
Warner Bros."
“Barbie”
“Meg 2: The Trench"
Universal:
“The Black Phone”
The 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 director make a "feminist parable" while his lead actress spends much of the movie gratuitously naked and covered in slime? So many questions, plus Kerry talks about three movies from the book "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die."
Book movies covered:
"Frenzy" (1972)
"The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith" (1978)
"Nosferatu" (1922)
Who 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 Moorse imitations on a future episode? All this, plus a robust Blu-ray Gift Exchange segment.
Movies covered on the Blu-ray Gift Exchange:
Criterion:
Walkabout
Paramount:
Poker Face - Season 1
Warner Bros.
The Exorcist - 4K
Warner Archive:
Saratoga
Westward The Women
Cats Don't Dance
Universal:
Cocaine Bear - 4K
Drafthouse Films:
The Youtube Effect
Music Box Films:
L'immensita
11In 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 gives three titles from the "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" in the Book segment, one of which leads into the discussion of the greatest concert film of all time, which everyone should see in IMAX (or fake IMAX if that's the case) while you can. Don't cheat yourself. Bring the kids. Introduce them to one of the greatest bands of all time at the peak of their powers and a director who redefined what a concert film could be. It's on IMAX in September. Check your local listings.
Read Chaz Ebert's article on Kerry and Collin's wedding.
Book movies covered:
"Philadelphia" (1993)
"Fantastic Planet" (1973)
"The Double Life of Veronique" (1991)
Also on the episode, Kerry and Collin talk about "Noel."
Kerry 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 big ol' pile of blu-rays to look at from the month of August for the Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Films covered in the Blu-ray Gift Exchange:
Criterion:
"Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart" (1985)
"Akira Kurosawa's Dreams" 4K (1990)
Paramount:
"Roman Holiday" 4K
Warner Bros.:
"Enter The Dragon" 4K (1973)
Warner Archive:
"Father's Little Dividend" (1951)
"Gay Purr-ee" (1962)
"The Life of Emile Zola" (1937)
"Little Women" (1933)
"Spinout" (1966)
"Wichita" (1966)
Sony Pictures:
"American Pop"
Universal:
"The Doris Day / Rock Hudson Collection"
Music Box Films:
"Other People's Children"
"The Complete Story Of Film"
If 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 just might be a trancer! This is some stupid fun. And what does any of it have to do with "The Room"? Is there too much of an age difference between the two leads? How can "Jingle Bells" sound badass? All this, plus three worthy entries in the "We Just Say Book" segment.
Book segment films covered:
"Clueless" (1995)
"Reds" (1981)
"Sons of the Desert" (1933)
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. Which is the best of the three? What other worthwhile Barbie movies are out there (besides the obvious)? What does any of this have to do with the U2 song "The Last Night On Earth"? All this, plus a bountiful Blu-ray Gift Exchange segment, featuring Best Picture winners and a couple of Collin's all-time favorites.
Paramount:
"The Truman Show" (1998) 4K
Criterion:
"After Hours" 4K (1985)
"Breathless" 4K (1960)
"One False Move" 4K (1992)
Warner Bros:
"East Of Eden" (1955) 4K
"Rio Bravo" (1959) 4K
Warner Archive:
"Helen of Troy" (1956)
"The Land of the Pharaohs" (1955)
"Cimarron" (1931)
"The Broadway Melody" (1929)
"The Last Time I Saw Paris" (1954)
"Du Barry Was A Lady" (1943)
"The Fastest Gun Alive" (1956)
Drafthouse:
"Life On the Farm" (2023)
Music Box Films:
"Revoir Paris" (2023)
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 be asked no matter what, apparently). The discussion dovetails nicely into Kerry's "Book" segment.
Book films covered:
"Die Hard" (1988)
"Stagecoach" (1939)
"Natural Born Killers" (1994)
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 titles--old and new--covered on he Blu-ray Gift Exchange.
Blu-ray movies covered:
NEON:
"Enys Men"
"Bait"
"The Quiet Girl"
Music Box Films:
"Rodeo"
"Please Baby Please"
Criterion:
"Time Bandits" + "Rules of the Game" & "Red River"
Warner Bros.
"Evil Dead Rise"
"National Lampoon's Vacation"
Warner Archive:
"The Damned Don't Cry"
"Angel Face"
"The Old Man and the Sea"
"Dangerous When Wet"
"Caged!"
Kino:
"Tales From the Gimli Hospital"
"A Zed and Two Naughts / The Fall"
"Draughtman's Contract"
"Anna May Wong" Collection
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.
Book films covered:
Make Way For Tomorrow (1937)
Tokyo Story (1953)
Moonstruck (1987)
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 Madelyn 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 Blu-ray Gift Exchange:
Releases from Paramount and Criterion.
Warner Bros:
A Good Person
Creed III
Superman 5 Film Collection
Warner Archive:
Border Incident
Clash By Night
Courtship of Eddie's Father
Hey There, It's Yogi Bear!
King Solomon's Mines
The Boy With Green Hair
Looney Tunes: Collector's Choice Vol. 1
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 5? All this, plus a Book segment that covers some familiar ground as well as a film from the Chicago Critics Film Festival.
Book films covered:
"Tangerine"
"The Right Stuff"
"All About Eve"
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.
Blu-ray titles covered:
Music Box Films:
"Full Time"
Paramount:
"Flashdance" 4K
Criterion:
"The Seventh Seal" 4K
Warner Bros:
"Cool Hand Luke" 4K
"Rebel Without A Cause" 4K
"The Maltese Falcon" 4K
Warner Archive:
"A Lion In the Streets"
"The Strawberry Blonde"
"Storm Warning"
"Safe In Hell"
"One Way Passage"
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.
Book movies covered:
"Rebel Without A Cause" (1955)
"Man of Marble" (1977)
"Man of Iron" (1981)
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.
Blu-ray Gift Exchange movies covered:
Music Box Films:
"Leonor Will Never Die"
Paramount:
"Dragonslayer"
"Babylon"
Criterion:
"Mildred Pierce"
Warner Archive:
"Flamingo Road"
"Camille"
"The Prince and the Showgirl"
"I'll Cry Tomorrow"
"Neptune's Daughter"
"Confessions of A Nazi Spy"
Warner Bros:
"Rocky: The Knockout Collection"
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).
Book films covered:
Out of the Past (1947)
Touch of Evil (1958)
Rear Window (1954)
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, speculations. The Blu-ray Gift Exchange segment also covers a few past Academy Award winners and nominees, a few making their 4K debuts.
Blu-ray Gift Exchange titles:
Invaders From Mars (Ignite Entertainment)
Warner Brothers:
Bones and All (2022)
Training Day (2001)
Rocky 4-Pack
Other releases:
Shout Factory
Criterion
Paramount
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:
"Bigger Than Life" (1956)
"Le Jetee" (1962)
"Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992)
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:
Jackie Chan Collection
Bubba Ho-Tep
Other Shout Factory releases
Warner Archive:
Our Dancing Daughters
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Rancho Notorious!
Wife vs. Secretary
The Long, Long Trailer
Warner Bros.
Father of the Bride (DVD)
Criterion releases in January (The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Imitation of Life, Bergman Island, This Is Not A Burial It's A Resurrection, Lars Von Trier Europe trilogy)
Paramount releases in January. (Young Sherlock Holmes, Gallipoli, Big Night, Friday the 13th Part 4: The Final Chapter)
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 at three of the "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die."
Book movies covered:
Ninotchka (1939)
Hill 24 Doesn't Answer (1955)
Lola Montes (1955)
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.
Blu-ray movies covered:
Lost Illusions (Music Box Films)
The Story Of Film: A New Generation (Music Box Films)
The Night of the Iguana (Warner Archive)
Attack of the 50ft. Woman (Warner Archive)
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!
Book titles covered:
"The Shop On Main Street" (1965)
"Monsieur Verdoux" (1947)
"Paris, Texas" (1984)
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.
FIlms covered in Book segment:
“The Muppet Movie” (1979)
“Onibaba” (1964)
“Zabriskie Point” (1970)
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 Wooley. 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)
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... {{{SPOILERS!!!!}}}
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.
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.
Book titles covered:
"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969)
"Airplane!" (1980)
"Amadeus" (1984)
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."
“We Just Say Book” movies covered:
“City of God” (2002)
“Deliverance” (1972)
“Scorpio Rising” (1963)
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.
The 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 cinema as we know it (serious question, btw)? We also have another round of Halloween-themed Book and Blu-ray segments where we talk about "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" and "Night of the Living Dead."
Kerry 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" and "Friday the 13th."
We Just Say Book titles covered:
"Breathless" (1960)
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975)
"Poltergeist" (1982)
Blu-ray Gift Exchange titles covered:
"Poltergeist" (Warner Home Video)
"The Lost Boys" (Warner Home Video)
"Rachel, Rachel" (Warner Archive)
"King Kong" (Warner Archive)
"Abe Lincoln In Illinois" (Warner Archive)
"Friday the 13" (Paramount)
"The House of the Lost On the Cape" (Shout Factory)
Collin 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" featured titles:
"Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" (1988)
"A Brighter Summer Day (1991)
"Meshes of the Afternoon" (1943)
Blu-ray Gift Exchange featured titles:
"Hotel Du Nord" (Criterion)
"Dog Soldiers" (Shout Factory)
"Back To the Beach" (Paramount)
Kerry 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 more goodies from the studios for the "Blu-ray Gift Exchange."
Morgan 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:
"Boomerang" (Paramount), "Strawberry Mansion" (Music Box Films), "For Me and My Gal", "Ziegfeld Girl" and "The Clock" (Warner Archive)
Kerry 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.
Kerry 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.
Kerry 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."
Kerry 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."
It's not possible to take too deep a dive into Stanley Kubrick's enigmatic final film "Eyes Wide Shut," but Kerry and Collin do their best and they are aided by returning guest, Dave Canfield, to dissect the Christmasy nature of this divisive film. How do the decorations inform the visual look of the film? Is it one of Nicole Kidman's best performances? What would the film be like with an all-Muppet cast? Also, Kerry and Collin introduce a new segment, "Blu-ray Gift Exchange," in which they spotlight a few new releases coming to blu-ray in February.
"We Just Say Book" segment: "2001: A Space Odyssey" "Barry Lyndon" "Gold Diggers of 1933" "Blu-ray Gift Exchange" segment: (all films from Warner Archive) "Gold Diggers of 1933" (street date 2/8) "Edge of Darkness" (currently available) "The Three Musketeers" (street date 2/15)
In keeping with a January tradition, Collin and Kerry look at another version of "Babes In Toyland" (1997). This final entry is a cheaply produced, straight-to-video version that looks suspiciously Disney-esque, in a way that might have invited some lawsuits. Can there ever be a legitimately good version of this story? Which one is the best? How big is the female protagonist's head anyway? All this, plus the final rankings of all four "Babes In Toyland" films.
The most epic episode yet! Kerry and Collin talk to five guests (separately)--Nell Minow, Sergio Mims, Peter Sobczynski, Tadd Good and Dave Canfield--about the enduring legacy, the origins, the personal attachments to and the cultural significance of Frank Capra's timeless classic, "It's A Wonderful Life." What helps it stand the test of time? Can one movie really help us get past our differences and see the world in a new light? How does the 1977 TV remake, starring Marlo Thomas, hold up? Collin and Kerry also answer listener mail and feedback.
BONUS discussion at the very end about another enduring classic.
Kerry and Collin celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Aardman animated film "Arthur Christmas." Why hasn't it been treated like an actual classic? Who still follows Justin Bieber's career and music? What is the creepiest toy ever produced around Christmastime? "Back in my day, we didn't have to ask these questions!"
Podcaster and author Ed Daly (The Baller Lifestyle) joins Collin & Kerry for a discussion on the new HBO Max comedy, "8-Bit Christmas." How does the film compare to "A Christmas Story?" What video games were we obsessed with during this time? What does an obscure Robert Downey Sr. movie have to do with any of this? All this and more, plus a look at Daly's book "The Christmas Book: The Ultimate Guide To Your Favorite Holiday," available now.
The first major Christmas movie of the season and has been unleashed on poor, unsuspecting Disney+ subscribers. Matt Fagerholm joins Collin and Kerry for a look at "Home Sweet Home Alone," another inexplicable entry into what should have been just a single, solitary movie. Does this have anything new to offer? Has slo-mo slapstick ever been funny? Does this movie even have a hero? All this and more as the discussion comes fresh off the first viewing and a catharsis of some kind is needed for all.
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.
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.
"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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An animation spectacular! Settle in with your talking teacups and incoherent relatives and enjoy the discussion of "Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas" (1997) and "Rapsittie Street Kids: Believe In Santa" (2002). This month, Kerry and Collin dive into a direct-to-video sequel to one of the greatest animated films of all time, as well as a Christmas special that has gained notoriety as one of the very worst of all time. Both feature the voice of Paige O'Hara.
Kerry and Collin unearthed the Director's Cut of this pretty terrible movie, a cut that runs 2 hours and 22 minutes and features lip syncing by Drew Barrymore, Keanu Reeves and Pat Morita, none of which is remotely convincing. This is the third version of "Babes In Toyland" that has been discussed on the show and certainly the most nightmarish and bizarre (which is really saying something after that terrifying Mickey Mouse/monkey hybrid from the Laurel & Hardy version). Many conspiracy theories are discussed with regards to who is singing what. Also, is it possible to make a Terrence Malick Christmas movie? Listen and find out.
Kerry and Collin celebrate the 75th anniversary of the incredibly charming "Christmas in Connecticut" (1945). Yes, they are well-aware Arnold Schwarzenegger directed a remake for television in 1992 and they'd rather be unaware of it. They also talk about a few other Christmas films watched over the holiday season. Also, more TV recommendations, "We Just Say Book" and a thank-you to all the guests of 2020.
Kerry and Collin talk with film critic Matt Fagerholm (RogerEbert.com) about the beloved classic, "Home Alone" (1990), which celebrates its 30-year anniversary. They discuss why the film has endured, its flaws, the careers of John Hughes and John Candy and, of course, how it compares to the French horror film, "Code Pere Noel." Also, more TV recommendations and an update on Kerry's book progress.
Welcome to Christmas Songs Actually! Here is a bonus episode in which Kerry and Collin talk to singer/songwriter Beth Crowley about her Lifetime/Hallmark Christmas-movie-themed song, "You Ruined Christmas." They also talk about Christmas short films and where to find them. Also, TV talk and how The Flintstones connect to the music of U2.
Collin and Kerry interview documentary filmmaker Dana Nachman about her latest film, "Dear Santa" (2020), which opens in theaters and on VOD on December 4th. The film looks at the efforts of Operation Santa, an organization that has been around since 1912 and helps those less fortunate during the holidays. It's the feel-good movie we all need right now. Plus, a segment of holiday TV special recommendations.
Kerry and Collin are joined by former Director's Club co-host Brad Strauss to talk all things "Star Wars," namely the 1978 Holiday Special, the Ewok movies, the Christmas album and the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special, currently on Disney+. With plenty of audio clips from your favorite Star Wars musical numbers, we'll "take you higher than the diamonds in the sky." Stir-whip-stir!
Kerry and Collin are joined by film critic Leo Brady (amovieguy.com) to talk about Netflix's recent release, the musical fantasy "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey." Just how well do these big musical numbers mesh with the sci-fi elements and the overall human story? How does Buddy 3000 stack against Johnny Five? There's a lot to talk about here, plus Kerry's own journey to see all 1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. And be sure to follow Leo Brady's Christmas movie watching journey on Twitter @leosamovieguy, #amerrymovieguy.
Kerry and Collin are joined by Patrick Ripoll (of Directors Club and Tracks of the Damned) to talk about the controversial-at-the-time slasher classic, "Silent Night, Deadly Night." Did parent groups in Wisconsin have a right to be upset by it? More importantly, how's the soundtrack? We dive in and explore what makes this movie unique and unsettling.
This month, Kerry and Collin are joined by Christine Sellin to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Christmas cult film "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale." This horror treat from Finland delves into Norse mythology, mysteriously slaughtered reindeer, childhood fears and capitalism. It accomplishes a lot in 82 minutes. Perfect for Christmas or Halloween.
Kerry and Collin fill the episode with tangents of a slightly darker nature, but also find time to talk about the "Air Bud'-inspired, direct-to-minivan concoction "Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws," in which cute little puppies must save the spirit of Christmas. This episode is longer than the film itself, but it provides plenty of dog food for thought (but not for kids). EXPLICIT!
Kerry and Collin take a look at the British comedy, Get Santa, starring Jim Broadbent as Santa Claus (again). The hosts had slightly different reactions to it, but Collin did get to re-discover a Christmas song he forgot he liked and Kerry talks about "Red River" (1948), "From Here To Eternity" (1953), "Atlantic City" (1981) for the We Just Say Book segment.
Erik Laws (frequent guest on "Movie Madness") joins Kerry and Collin for a discussion on DIE HARD 2 in honor of its 30th anniversary. How does it compare to the original? What's the best quality kill? Is it a Christmas movie? We also get into some comic book talk and Kerry talks about "The Ascent" (1977), "The Quiet Man" (1952) and "Local Hero" (1983) for the "We Just Say Book" segment.
Kerry and Collin unearth a wholesome 1940 chestnut called "Beyond Tomorrow" (a.k.a. "Beyond Christmas") and talk about its music, special effects and vague spiritualism. Other topics include the Brady Bunch Christmas album, the death of John Lewis and seeing "Vertigo" at the Music Box Theater during COVID-19.
Kerry and Collin are joined by Jim Peebles, an old friend from Collin's childhood who has a lot to say about the legendary sitcom and the (putting it politely) misguided story elements of its 1988 Christmas movie. Who has the most slappable husband? Who's paying for Bobby's college, which he's not attending? And the next time someone is trapped in a coalmine, should we try singing them out? Tune in and learn some valuable life lessons on family, marriage and architectural disasters.
Delroy Lindo has been getting a lot of attention for his stunning performance in Spike Lee's "Da 5 Bloods," so Kerry and Collin decided to dive into "This Christmas," an ensemble comedy featuring Lindo, Idris Elba, Chris Brown and Loretta Devine. Can anyone out there explain where the name "Sock it to me cake" comes from? They also get into the topic of BLM protests and how to be a white ally in these troubled times.
Kerry and Collin are guest-less for this episode. Among the topics covered: A truly awful Jonathan Taylor Thomas movie, Shelley Long's unfortunate career path, "Ishtar" and the re-casting of "There Will Be Blood," which is one of the movies covered in the "We Just Say Book" segment ("The Baker's Wife" and "Cinema Paradiso" being the other two).
In this episode, Kerry and Collin are joined by their friend Kelly Koch to talk about Nancy Myers' 2006 rom-com, "The Holiday." Without googling, can you guess the net worth of every actor in this film? Also, Kerry talks about "Chariots OF Fire" (1981), "The Graduate" (1967) and "Jaws" (1975) for the "We Just Say Book" segment.
We are joined by Erik Childress (Movie Madness, WGN Radio) to talk about Steven Spielberg's delightfully insane WWII comedy "1941," a movie that had us arguing over its merits as a Christmas movie. We also talk about our anticipation for "West Side Story" and how moviegoing has been and will be affected by quarantine. Also, Kerry talks about "Close-Up" (1990), "Boyz n' The Hood" (1991) and "Cabin In the Woods" (2011) for the "We Just Say Book" segment.
We are joined by film critic and host of The Director's Club and Voices & Visions, Jim Laczkowski, to talk about the 1978 bank heist thriller, "The Silent Partner." Can it really replace "Die Hard" as the go-to R-rated thriller to watch every year? We also check in with each other on how self isolation has been going and Kerry talks about "Carmen Jones" (1954), "King of New York" (1990) and "The African Queen" (1951) for the "We Just Say Book" segment. Stay a SAFE little Jesus, everyone.
(PS - the Elliot Gould movie I was trying to think of is, in fact, "Over The Brooklyn Bridge.")
Could this be the first episode of Irish Movies Actually? For St. Patrick's Day, we tried to find an Irish Christmas movie to talk about. Best we could do was a Netflix animated short called "Angela's Christmas." And since we made the effort to watch it, we also talk about the Irish pregnancy comedy, "The Snapper" (1993), which is traditionally watched in Ireland on December 26th. We hope you're all well. Stay safe and enjoy!
Film critic Peter Sobczynski joins Collin and Kerry as they look at one of more curious items of the Disney canon, 1985's unflinchingly dark "One Magic Christmas," featuring Harry Dean Stanton as a Christmas angel who likes to pay visits to children in the middle of the night. The "We Just Say Book" discussion gets especially spirited as they talk about "The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover" (1990), "The Paleface" (1948) and "The Biter Tea of General Yen" (1932).
Kerry and Collin test their new recording equipment out on a discussion of the Oscar-nominated KLAUS, an animated treat from Netflix about the origin of Santa Claus. What elevates it from other Santa origin stories? Also, Kerry talks about "Land Without Bread" (19233), "A Tale of Winter" (1992) and "The Gleaners and I" (2000) for the "We Just Say Book" segment.
We're a little late in posting this episode, but we think you'll enjoy what we have to say (and what we don't have to say) about Disney's misbegotten version of "Babes In Toyland" (1960), which has very little going for it as a Christmas movie and a movie in general. We also celebrate a milestone in Kerry's quest to see all 1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die for the "We Just Say Book" segment. Follow the journey from talking about "Babes" to talking about "Vice Squad."
For the last show of 2019, Rebecca Martin joins us to talk about the film that carries this show's namesake, "Love Actually," the "Ultimate Romantic Comedy" that has become a Christmas classic, like it or not. We also take time to thank all our guests of 2019 and wish everyone here a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. "Stay a little Jesus," everyone and Baaaaa! Humbug!
In honor of Greta Gerwig's upcoming version of "Little Women," we dig deep into the made-for-Hallmark miracle known as "The March Sisters At Christmas," a modernized version of Alcott's story, told exactly as she intended it... full of Twitter drama, dumb iPad apps and curiously vindictive water heaters. This movie exists. Hear us talk about it as well as some Christmas specials we enjoy, the Chicago Film Critics Association awards and, of course, "We Just Say Book."
LIVE from the Elk Grove Theater! Collin Souter and Erik Childress talk about the classic "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" following a 30th Anniversary screening. Unfortunately, Kerry couldn't make it, so no "Book" segment, but Collin and Erik talk about why this film has endured over the decades.
Kerry and Collin discuss the Disney+ film "Noelle," starring Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader. Can a by-the-numbers Christmas storyline still be fresh and entertaining? We also talk about other shows and films we watched on the new streaming service as well as odd Santa schools around the world. We may have to dive into that again pretty soon. Also, Kerry talks about "Battleship Potemkin" (1925), "Mirror" (1975) and "Wake In Fright" (1971) for the "We Just Say Book" segment.
Kerry and Collin are once again joined by film critic Steve Prokopy, this time to break down the latest Christmas release, "Last Christmas." Is this better than the Hallmark stuff or does it fit right in? They talk about that as well as the big ending, which is a separate segment. SPOILER ALERT! Also, Kerry talks about "Tokyo Olympiad" (1965), "Videodrome" (1983) and "The Hurt Locker" (2008) for the "We Just Say Book" segment.
Kerry and Collin are joined by film critic Sergio Mims to talk about Bob Clark's highly influential horror opus, "Black Christmas," released in 1974, a few years before "Halloween." Sergio provides a wealth of information on "Black Christmas" and other films of its era, because, you know, HE WAS THERE! Kerry talks about ""The Heiress" (1949), "Scream" (1996) and "Wanda" (1970) for the "We Just Say Book" segment. Also, Sergio sticks around to give us his take on the previously-discussed "The Lemon Drop Kid."
"Code Pere Noel" (aka, "Dial Code Santa Claus") is the best Christmas film you've never seen or heard of. Released in France in 1989, this yuletide horror film came out a year before the similarly-themed "Home Alone," but never reached an audience in the US. We want to help change that! It's "Home Alone" meets "Rambo" meets "Silent Night, Deadly Night" meets "The Shining" meets "John Wick" with direct references from films of its era. And it's a lot of fun! Film critic Dave Canfield joins Collin and Kerry as they talk about the film's history, availability prospects and what makes it so damn special. Also, Kerry talks about "A Clockwork Orange" (1971), "VIY" (1967) and "The Haunting (1963) for the "We Just Say book" segment.
Kerry and Collin dive into the immortal Hulk Hogan vehicle, "Santa With Muscles," a mid-90s, straight-to-video yuletide extravaganza, in which our hero gets amnesia, becomes Santa Claus and discovers The Dark Crystal (not the movie, the actual crystal). This episode poses the question, at what time does a T-square become a perfectly viable weapon? Also, Kerry talks about "Letter From An Unknown Woman" (1948), "The Palm Beach Story" (1942) and "Performance" (1970 for the "We Just Say Book" segment. Also...
NEW FEATURE: Christmas Movie News. What's coming to a theater or streaming service near you this season?
Brad Strauss of Director's Club joins Collin and Kerry for this discussion of "Batman Returns," Tim Burton's summer blockbuster sequel with a twisted nature and clear influences of German expressionism that would never see the light of day today. What makes it such a yuletide treasure? Listen in and find out. Also, Kerry talks about "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920), "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" (1943) and "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) for the "We Just Say Book" segment.
Kerry and Collin are joined by film critic Brian Thompson as they take a deep dive into the one and only meme-based Christmas movie, "Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever," which is what happens when Lifetime takes a stab at irony. Can a movie get away with making fun of its own existence while also trying to yank at the heartstrings with sincerity? Also, Kerry talks about "Closely Watched Trains" (1966), "Jezebel" (1938) and "Detour" (1935) for the "We Just Say Book" segment.
Kerry and Collin are joined by film critic Steve Prokopy for a spirited celebration of the 35th anniversary of Joe Dante's 1984 classic "Gremlins." Discussions include the movie's history, influences, the score and whether or not that Phoebe Cates speech should have been cut. Oh yeah, and Christmas stuff, too! Kerry also talks about "The Cool World" (1963), "Down By Law" (1986) and "The Color of Pomegranates" (1969) for the "We Just Say Book" segment. Bye-bye, woof-woof!
This month, Kerry and Collin discuss the Bob Hope comedy "The Lemon Drop Kid," a Christmas movie that flies under the radar for most people, but deserves to be recognized. "I gotta tell ya', it's a wild ride!" Also, Kerry talks about "Vagabond" (1985), "Tampopo" (1985) and "Jurassic Park (1993) for the "We Just Say Book segment.
Film critic Dave Canfield joins Kerry and Collin for this deep dissection into the Ernest P. Worrell universe when they talk about "Ernest Saves Christmas" (1988). Dave also talks about his contribution to the book "Yuletide Terror: Christmas Horror On Film and Television" (see link in show notes for more info). And Kerry tells us about "Elephant" (2003), "Belle De Jour" (1967) and "The World of Apu" (1959) for the "We Just Say Book" segment.
Dickens! This month, Kerry and Collin delve into the origin story of Dickens' immortal classic. No, not the Bible. That other one. "The Man Who Invented Christmas" (2017) is that rare Christmas movie that takes place before Christmas really took off and became this weird thing we do every year. Also, Kerry talks about "The Horror of Dracula" (1958), "Chronicle of A Summer" (1961) and "Shadows" (1959) for the "We Just Say Book" segment.
Kerry and Collin are joined by guests Christopher Brooks and Marissa Linzi of the podcast "FWD" to talk about the 1995 classic rom-com, While You Were Sleeping. Are rom-coms dead? Can we still have romantic fantasies in film anymore? Does Valentine’s Day suck? Just a few of the questions that pop up in this discussion. Later, Kerry talks about Ida (2013), Floating Weeds (1959) and Trouble In Paradise (1932). for the "We Just Say Book" segment.
Kerry and Collin return to talk about the weirdest film in the Laurel & Hardy filmography, Babes In Toyland (1934). Monkey mice, Bogeymen and ghost dwarves play supporting roles in this alternately nightmarish and charming fantasy. Also, they talk about life after Christmas and Kerry talks about The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), Some Came Running (1958) and Anatomy Of A Murder (1959) for the “We Just Say Book” segment.
Christine Sellin joins Kerry and Collin for a discussion of the 1980 horror film CHRISTMAS EVIL. They also answer listener mail, talk about obscure Christmas music and Kerry talks about Fellini’s 8 ½ (1963), Harold and Maude (1971) and Queen Christina (1933) for the “We Just Say Book” segment.
Also, here's a special Christmas treat courtesy of Jim: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2cdlqp
Kerry and Collin look at the Netflix family comedy THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES, starring Kurt Russell as Santa Claus. Then, in a new segment, Kerry talks about two films she watched for the book "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die": Captain Blood (1935) and The Lion King (1994).
In their debut episode Kerry and Collin look at the ubiquitous classic A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983) and its direct-to-video sequel, A CHRISTMAS STORY 2 (2012). Why does one endure while the other one flounders? They also talk about the purpose of the show, their own holiday memories and what constitutes a film that has "knit-ability"