Christmas Movies Actually

Kerry and Collin didn't plan on 2025 being a John Cusack-a-thon, but that's what ended up happening. After talking about "Serendipity" back in February and with "The Ice Harvest" coming up in December, the hosts decided to do a Cusack double-header of Christmas-adjacent films that came out 40 years ago. "The Sure Thing" was Cusack's first starring role in the teenage take on "It Happened One Night" while "Better Off Dead" took on a much weirder tone and ended up being a cult favorite, much to Cusack's chagrin. How does our sense of humor change as we get older? Which of the two films do the hosts respond to more? What is the third film co-starring John Cusack from this same year? Tune in to find out (or just IMDb him for that third question. Or look at the show notes below?). Plus, Kerry gives three more films from "1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die," one of which might tie into one of these Cusack films.  Book films covered: "It Happened One Night" (1936) "Ran" (1985) "The Sting" (1973)

It's so hot out there! What better way to defeat the August heat than to watch Santa Claus stuck in his sleigh on a sizzling Florida beach?  Who will help him get back to the North Pole? A rag-tag group of homeless minors who have no experience working with animals. Also, the Ice Cream Bunny, whatever that is. FIlm critic Pat McDonald join Collin and Kerry to break down "Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny," one of the absolute weirdest holiday concoctions of all time with a just-barely-stitched-together film from 1972. There are two versions of the film, one containing a detour into the story of Thumbelina, another with Jack and the Beanstalk. None of it makes a lick of sense and it's all just padding to throw out there on the kiddie matinee circuit of the early '70s. Everything ties together, though, in the Blu-ray Gift Exhcange.   Read Pat McDonald's work at HollywoodChicago.com   Blu-rays covered: Warner Bros: "Sinners" (2025) "Final Destination: Bloodlines" (2025) "Lord of the Rings" (1978) Universal: "Knight Rider: The Complete Series" - 4K Sony: "Stop, Look and Laugh!" (1960) Warner Archive: "Melinda" (1974) "Two Weeks With Love" (1950) "Knights Of the Round Table" (1953) Criterion: "You Can Count On Me", "Carnal Knowledge" and "Barry Lyndon"

Kerry and Collin are joined by their good friend Jim Peebles, who also guested on the "A Very Brady Christmas" episode. "The Love Boat" is certainly cut from the same cloth, but this "Christmas Cruise" remains a mystery. Is it a movie? Is it two episodes seamlessly jammed together? Why no separate listing for it on Letterbox'd or IMDb? Currently availabel on Paramount+, this movie-sode is chock full of mysteries. Where did the kid chorus come from? How are people able to buy massive amounts of flowers on this ship, let alone yarn? How can one custom make their own "Love Boat" episode? All this, plus Kerry gives three more movies from "1,001 movies You must See Before You Die," one of which also features a Love Boat. Book movies covered: "Daybreak" (1939) "High Sierra" (1941) "Titanic" (1997)

We’re releasing this a day early, the 4th of July, because why not? After all, the film has “U.S.A.” in the title. Kerry and Collin are joined by frequent guest, Erik Childress (host of Movie Madness) to talk about one of the dumbest films to come out of 1985, from Cannon Studios, one of the most notorious movie studios of its era. Who did Chuck Norris originally want to be his co-star and how would that person’s career have been altered if it had happened? Why are the terrorists in the film invading the US during Christmas? Has there ever been a great movie with an airboat sequence? All these questions and more, plus a Blu-ray Gift Exchange.  Blu-rays covered: Criterion: “Brazil” - (1985) 4K  Warner Brothers:  “Lethal Weapon” - 1(987) 4K   The James Bond Sean Connery Collection 4K  Looney Tunes - Platinum Collection Vol. 1  Looney Tunes - Platinum Collection Vol. 2 Warner Archive:  Looney Tunes - Collector’s Vault Vol. 1  "High Society" (1956) - 4K  "Executive Suite" (1954)  The Clark Gable Collection Universal:  “Murder, She Wrote: The Complete Series” Sony:  “St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985) - 4K Film Masters:  “The Blood Of Jesus” (1947)

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"  Follow Christmas Movies Actually on: Facebook BlueSky Email us a movie suggestion, question or comment at christmasmoviesactually@gmail.com

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)