Christmas Movies Actually

Collin Souter

About

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.

Available on

Community

108 episodes

107: Easter Movies Actually - Jesus Christ Superstar (feat. Brad Strauss)

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)

1h 21m
Mar 20
106: St. Patrick's Day Movies Actually: The Commitments (feat. Jim Peebles)

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" https://www.oldies.com/product-view/45879Y.html  

1h 56m
Mar 05
105: Little Women (1994) (feat. Laura McDougal and Allyson Dykhuizen)

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/ 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)

1h 37m
Feb 20
104: Valentine's Day Movies Actually - Valentine's Day (2010)

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)

1h 30m
Feb 05
103: A Disturbance In The Force (feat. director Jeremy Coon)

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)

1h 18m
Jan 20
102: The Nutcracker Prince (1990)

For this year's 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)

1h 19m
Jan 05
Episode 101: Elf - 20th Anniversary

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)

1h 38m
Dec 20, 2023
Episode 100: Trading Places - LIVE at Elk Grove Theater

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!

1h 19m
Dec 12, 2023
Episode 99: Scrooged (feat. Ed Daly)

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"

1h 38m
Dec 05, 2023
Episode 98: BONUS! TV Christmas episode round-up, Blu-rays and Books!

Kerry and Collin talk about the Christmas episodes from and . 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  

1h 20m
Nov 27, 2023
Episode 97: Best. Christmas. Ever! (feat. Marya E. Gates)

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)

1h 31m
Nov 20, 2023
Episode 96: The Holdovers (feat. Steve Prokopy)

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”   

1h 26m
Nov 05, 2023
Episode 95: Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation (feat. Patrick Ripoll)

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)

1h 19m
Oct 20, 2023
Episode 93: Anna and the Apocalypse (feat. Peter Sobszynski)

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

1h 54m
Oct 05, 2023
Episode 93: Noel (2004)

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."

1h 12m
Sep 20, 2023
Episode 92: The Family Stone (2005)

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"

1h 46m
Sep 05, 2023
Episode 91: Trancers (1984)

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)

1h 6m
Aug 20, 2023
Episode 90: The Barbie Christmas Movies

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)

1h 34m
Aug 05, 2023
Episode 89: Die Hard - 35th Anniversary

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)

1h 59m
Jul 20, 2023
Episode 88: Mrs. Santa Claus (feat. B.L. Panther)

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" https://www.criterion.com/films/232-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  

1h 41m
Jul 05, 2023
Episode 87: Trapped In Paradise (1994)

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)

1h 14m
Jun 20, 2023
Episode 86: Funny Farm (feat. Jim Laczkowski)

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 Madolyn Smith Osborne, as a couple who buy a dream home in a town populated by deranged, drunken lunatics. Why didn't this film catch on back in the day? Is this Chevy Chase's best film? Why do people wear Christmas wreaths around their necks in this film? All this, plus another STACKED Blu-ray Gift Exchange.  Films 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

1h 38m
Jun 05, 2023
Episode 85: Tangerine (feat. Clint Worthington)

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"

1h 9m
May 20, 2023
Episode 84: Last Holiday (2006)

Kerry and Collin take a look at the Queen Latifah comedy "Last Holiday," which is actually a remake of an Alec Guinness comedy from 1950. Surprisingly, Robert Zemeckis served as executive producer on this film, which is about as simple and formulaic as a film can be, but its star makes it work (mostly). Why did it take 23 years to make this film? How come nobody talks about Christmas here? What's the best way to go skydiving? Also, another STACKED edition of the Blu-ray Gift Exchange as Kerry and Collin take a look at what's new in physical media from the month of April.  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"

1h 20m
May 05, 2023
Episode 83: The Santa Clause (1994)

Kerry and Collin finally get around to Tim Allen movies with what is arguably one of the most influential Christmas movies of all time, "The Santa Clause". That doesn't mean "great" necessarily, but the movie does provide the template for hundreds of Santa-based movies that would come later and continue to be made today. Is this the first Santa with a lactose intolerance? Who is Kerry's favorite character in this film? Is there a darker, more satisfying fable to be told with this story? All this, plus Kerry talks about three movies from "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" in the "We Just Say Book" segment.  Book movies covered: "Rebel Without A Cause" (1955) "Man of Marble" (1977) "Man of Iron" (1981)

1h 16m
Apr 20, 2023
Episode 82: Jingle Bell Rocks

Have you ever wondered where those crazy Christmas songs come from? The ones you hear at the end of every episode of this show (as well as the intro)? Well, in honor of Record Store Day (April 22), Collin and Kerry take a look at Mitchell Kezin's very entertaining documentary "Jingle Bell Rocks" (2014), which examines the people who discover this music, the people who made it and the passion everyone has for it. Collin and Kerry talk about the songs they enjoy from the film, the collector mentality and even play a few snippets of music as well.  Plus, a stacked Blu-ray Gift Exchange segment to round out this celebration of physical media.  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"

1h 29m
Apr 05, 2023
Episode 81: Holiday Affair (feat. Marya E. Gates)

Film critic Marya E. Gates (RogerEbert.com, Vulture) joins Collin and Kerry for a deep dive into one of her very favorite films, "Holiday Affair," staring Janet Leigh, Robert Mitchum and Wendell Corey. While not one of the most popular of Christmas films, could it have influenced films such as "Sleepless In Seattle" and "Baby Boom"? What makes this love triangle so different from other rom-coms with a similar premise? How does one kiss smeone hard on the lips and not cause injury? All these questions, plus a stellar Book segment (three honest-to-God masterpieces).  Book films covered: Out of the Past (1947) Touch of Evil (1958) Rear Window (1954)

1h 22m
Mar 20, 2023
Episode 80: Our Academy Award Christmas Tree

The Academy Awards are right around the corner! Kerry and Collin take a look at two of the short film nominations, "Night Ride" and "Le Pupille," two shorts that take place during the Christmas season. They also look at the Academy Award-winning short "Franz Kafka's It's A Wonderful Life," which celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year. 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

1h 54m
Mar 05, 2023
Episode 79: Grumpy Old Men (feat. Christopher Grace)

Kerry and Collin are joined by their friend Christopher Grace ("Mixed Nuts" episode) to talk about this early-'90s classic comedy, "Grumpy Old Men," featuring the kings of the Odd Couples, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. How is their chemistry with the great Ann-Margaret? Did Burgess Meredith write his own one-liners? How does Prince figure into all of this? All this, plus a look at two other films featuing Lemmon and Matthau (separately) in the segment.  Book movies covered: "Bigger Than Life" (1956) "Le Jetee" (1962) "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992)

1h 24m
Feb 20, 2023
Episode 78: Just Friends (feat. The Friendship Dilemma)

In this crossover episode, Collin and Kerry are joined by Erik Childress and Morgan Gire of The Friendship Dilemma podcast to discuss the 2005 Ryan Reynolds comedy, "Just Friends." Who are we supposed to be rooting for in this film? Would you be friends with any of these people? What constitutes a fat suit? You'll hear answers to these questions, as well as The Blu-ray Gift Exchange, where we look at several new releases in physical media.  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)

1h 45m
Feb 05, 2023