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Missed weeks call for a triple feature, so we went big and asked a surprisingly tricky question: what actually makes a Christmas movie? We line up It Happened on Fifth Avenue, Jumanji, and Last Holiday, then separate genuine holiday storytelling from films that simply borrow tinsel for the vibe. Along the way, we talk heart versus plausibility, how nostalgia can paper over dated moments, and why a warm feeling isn’t always the same as seasonal DNA.

First, we sit with the charm of a black-and-white classic where a squatter adopts a mansion and a tycoon goes undercover. The found-family beats land, the disguises stretch belief, and the holiday setting adds glow without steering the plot. Then we jump into Jumanji’s whirlwind—Robin Williams at full power, real scares, and a tender core about lost time and second chances. It’s endlessly rewatchable and family-loved, but not anchored to Christmas, even if it feels cozy on a cold night.

Finally, we savor Last Holiday’s wish-fulfillment arc: Queen Latifah embraces joy when time seems short, crossing paths with power and pretense in a luxe getaway. The performances are warm, the premise is big-hearted, and the conflict occasionally creaks, yet it all lands with a satisfying reset energy that leans more New Year than Christmas. We share general ratings and a separate “holiday factor” score for each, plus a few content notes for families and anyone planning a seasonal movie marathon.

If you love sharp takes with a soft center, this one’s for you. Queue it up, compare your own holiday criteria, and tell us which films make your yearly list. Follow the show, leave a review if the breakdown helped you plan your watchlist, and send us your must-watch holiday picks—we’ll shout out our favorites next week.

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