Christmas Movies Actually podcast
@santafilmpod.bsky.social
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.
https://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmoviesactually
https://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmoviesactually
Our latest episode is up! We typically do whatever brand new Christmas movie comes down the pike at this time of year and, well, it's another Netflix phone-in. It's a hit, though, as these things usually are. Enjoy!
Our next episode: THE ICE HARVEST (2005).
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Our next episode: THE ICE HARVEST (2005).
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: 147 - A Merry Little Ex-Mas (2025)
Every year, Netflix kicks off the Christmas movie season with a little trifle of a rom-com that stars an actress whose name used to be commonly above the title in past decades. This year, it's Alicia ...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
November 25, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Our latest episode is up! We typically do whatever brand new Christmas movie comes down the pike at this time of year and, well, it's another Netflix phone-in. It's a hit, though, as these things usually are. Enjoy!
Our next episode: THE ICE HARVEST (2005).
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Our next episode: THE ICE HARVEST (2005).
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
We've had feature-length Christmas documentaries about:
-What it's like being a Santa Claus (a few of those)
-Hardcore Christmas music collectors (Jingle Bell Rocks)
-Letters To Santa (Dear Santa)
-Selling Christmas trees (Merchants of Joy, coming soon)
What else? And what hasn't been done yet?
-What it's like being a Santa Claus (a few of those)
-Hardcore Christmas music collectors (Jingle Bell Rocks)
-Letters To Santa (Dear Santa)
-Selling Christmas trees (Merchants of Joy, coming soon)
What else? And what hasn't been done yet?
November 23, 2025 at 12:06 AM
We've had feature-length Christmas documentaries about:
-What it's like being a Santa Claus (a few of those)
-Hardcore Christmas music collectors (Jingle Bell Rocks)
-Letters To Santa (Dear Santa)
-Selling Christmas trees (Merchants of Joy, coming soon)
What else? And what hasn't been done yet?
-What it's like being a Santa Claus (a few of those)
-Hardcore Christmas music collectors (Jingle Bell Rocks)
-Letters To Santa (Dear Santa)
-Selling Christmas trees (Merchants of Joy, coming soon)
What else? And what hasn't been done yet?
Our latest episode is up! Needs no introduction, really. You know it, you love it. We do, too. We talk a lot about the legacy of Candy/Hughes and the scenes that didn't make the cut that actually add context to key moments. Author Ed Daly returns. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Thanksgiving Movies Actually - Planes, Trains and Automobiles (feat. Ed Daly)
Author Ed Daly (The Christmas Book) returns to talk about easily one of the most celebrated holiday movies ever, John Hughes' Thanksgiving classic "Planes, Trains and Automobiles."
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
November 11, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Our latest episode is up! Needs no introduction, really. You know it, you love it. We do, too. We talk a lot about the legacy of Candy/Hughes and the scenes that didn't make the cut that actually add context to key moments. Author Ed Daly returns. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Our latest is up! Patrick Ripoll joins us to talk about a slasher movie that is not part of a series. "Don't Open Till Christmas" is a sleazy genre film from 1984 doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but that's what makes it so intriguing. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: 145 - Don't Open Till Christmas (1984) (feat. Patrick Ripoll)
With all the Silent Night, Deadly Night films complete (or are they?), Kerry, Collin and their frequent guest at this time of year, Patrick Ripoll, take a look at another slasher film from the same er...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
October 24, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Our latest is up! Patrick Ripoll joins us to talk about a slasher movie that is not part of a series. "Don't Open Till Christmas" is a sleazy genre film from 1984 doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but that's what makes it so intriguing. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Halloween Movies Actually is back! Christine Sellin returns to talk about an animated classic from 2006, "Monster House," which boasts a clever script and a subversive bent. We also get into our own memories of trick-or-treating. Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Halloween Movies Actually: Monster House (feat. Christine Sellin)
Collin and Kerry correct a mistake from last year by focusing on a movie that actually does take place during Halloween. Christine Sellin returns to talk about "Monster House," a subversive and hilari...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
October 10, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Halloween Movies Actually is back! Christine Sellin returns to talk about an animated classic from 2006, "Monster House," which boasts a clever script and a subversive bent. We also get into our own memories of trick-or-treating. Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Yes, please!!!
***ANNOUNCEMENT***
Coming on December 9th on Blu-ray in the US from #AllianceHomeEntertainment: #Ultraman: Yuletide Collection!
In the Ultraman Universe, none other than Christmas' most mythical figure Santa Claus is highly linked with Father of Ultra, the peace-keeping guardian of the galaxy and
Coming on December 9th on Blu-ray in the US from #AllianceHomeEntertainment: #Ultraman: Yuletide Collection!
In the Ultraman Universe, none other than Christmas' most mythical figure Santa Claus is highly linked with Father of Ultra, the peace-keeping guardian of the galaxy and
October 2, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Yes, please!!!
Our latest episode is up! An obscure movie, but an important one. "Remember The Night" is (very likely) the first Christmas Romance movie. Released in 1940, it stars Barbara Stanwyck and Fred McMurray. Very funny, warm and unexpectedly dark in places. Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: 143 - Remember The Night (1940) (feat. John Zukowski)
Unfortunately, our episode on "The Apartment" has to be postponed until next year. Our apologioes for that. Fortunately, author John Zukowski was able to step in at the last minute and introduce a new...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
September 27, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Our latest episode is up! An obscure movie, but an important one. "Remember The Night" is (very likely) the first Christmas Romance movie. Released in 1940, it stars Barbara Stanwyck and Fred McMurray. Very funny, warm and unexpectedly dark in places. Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas movie season is starting a little early, with THE BALTIMORONS expanding to many cities this weekend. We had the director, Jay Duplass, and stars Michael Strassner and Liz Larsen on our show to talk about it. Go see this movie! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: The Baltimorons (2025) - Feat. Jay Duplass, Michael Strassner, Liz Larsen
The director and stars of the wonderful comedy "The Baltimorons" (currently/soon in theaters) join the show briefly to discuss the film's evolution and its purpose as a Christmas movie.
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
September 12, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Christmas movie season is starting a little early, with THE BALTIMORONS expanding to many cities this weekend. We had the director, Jay Duplass, and stars Michael Strassner and Liz Larsen on our show to talk about it. Go see this movie! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Our latest episode is up! We talk about TWO John Cusack movies "just for PLEASURE!" Both from 1985, both have Christmas in them, both products of their time, but worth revisiting. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: 141 - The Sure Thing / Better Off Dead
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...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
August 22, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Our latest episode is up! We talk about TWO John Cusack movies "just for PLEASURE!" Both from 1985, both have Christmas in them, both products of their time, but worth revisiting. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
We never know where our silly podcast is going to take us. This week, it took us on a cruise. A love cruise. On a love boat. THE Love Boat: THE Christmas Cruise. Did all the passengers find love? Or just the will to live? Find out on our latest ep.
Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: Episode 139 - The Love Boat: The Christmas Cruise
Kerry and Collin are joined by their good friend Jim Peebles, who also guested on the "A Very Brady Christmas" episode.
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
July 20, 2025 at 3:17 PM
We never know where our silly podcast is going to take us. This week, it took us on a cruise. A love cruise. On a love boat. THE Love Boat: THE Christmas Cruise. Did all the passengers find love? Or just the will to live? Find out on our latest ep.
Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
We hope you enjoy our latest episode, dropping a day early, just because. Erik Childress joins us to talk about this incredibly silly film from Cannon Studios, one of the craziest movie studios to have ever existed. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: Invasion U.S.A. (1985) (feat. Erik Childress)
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 s...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
July 4, 2025 at 7:27 PM
We hope you enjoy our latest episode, dropping a day early, just because. Erik Childress joins us to talk about this incredibly silly film from Cannon Studios, one of the craziest movie studios to have ever existed. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
New episode! One of Collin's all-time favorite films finally gets the CMA treatment thanks to @criterion.bsky.social's 4K release. A Christmas movie, sure, but also so much more. A dense movie deserves a lengthy discussion. We're all in this together. Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: Brazil - 40th Anniversary (feat. Jeff Broitman)
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."
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
June 20, 2025 at 3:03 PM
New episode! One of Collin's all-time favorite films finally gets the CMA treatment thanks to @criterion.bsky.social's 4K release. A Christmas movie, sure, but also so much more. A dense movie deserves a lengthy discussion. We're all in this together. Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Have you heard our latest episode yet? We talk about all four "Bridget Jones's Diary" movies, but mainly the first one. Is it the best Christmas movie ever, like a 2016 GQ article says it is? Probably not, but far from the worst.
Next episode: "Brazil" www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Next episode: "Brazil" www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
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 bac...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
June 12, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Have you heard our latest episode yet? We talk about all four "Bridget Jones's Diary" movies, but mainly the first one. Is it the best Christmas movie ever, like a 2016 GQ article says it is? Probably not, but far from the worst.
Next episode: "Brazil" www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Next episode: "Brazil" www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Our latest episode is up and a reminder that, hey, they can't all be winners. Hell, this isn't even "Six Weeks." "Deck the Halls" filled us with existential dread while watching two likeable actors play unlikable people in a truly awful movie. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: 135 - Deck The Halls (2006)
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, "wh...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
May 27, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Our latest episode is up and a reminder that, hey, they can't all be winners. Hell, this isn't even "Six Weeks." "Deck the Halls" filled us with existential dread while watching two likeable actors play unlikable people in a truly awful movie. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
We have a new episode! Well, I guess it's not new anymore, since it came out over a week ago, but the film festival has distracted us from promoting it. Oops! We hope you enjoy(ed) it! Our next film will be "Deck The Halls" (2006). www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: The Santa Clause 3 (2006)
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 ...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
May 14, 2025 at 11:53 AM
We have a new episode! Well, I guess it's not new anymore, since it came out over a week ago, but the film festival has distracted us from promoting it. Oops! We hope you enjoy(ed) it! Our next film will be "Deck The Halls" (2006). www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Fulfilling a listener request! Discovering a gem of a Christmas movie! Talking to one of our favorite guests about it! Giving out free tickets to a screening at Chicago Critics Film Festival! 3 movies from the "1,001..." Book! We live for all of it. Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: 133 - the Holly and the Ivy (1952) (feat. Nell Minow)
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...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
April 20, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Fulfilling a listener request! Discovering a gem of a Christmas movie! Talking to one of our favorite guests about it! Giving out free tickets to a screening at Chicago Critics Film Festival! 3 movies from the "1,001..." Book! We live for all of it. Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Our latest episode is up and it is epic! We're joined by Catherine Mary Stewart, star of "Night of the Comet." We also talk to @oldfilmsflicker.bsky.social about her new book CINEMA HER WAY: VISIONARY FEMALE DIRECTORS IN THEIR OWN WORDS. Great stuff! Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually 132: "Night of the Comet" feat. Catherine Mary Stewart and Marya E. Gates
Kerry and Collin are joined by Catherine Mary Stewart, star of the 1984 cult classic "Night of the Comet," as well as returning guest Marya E. Gates, author of the new book "Cinema Her Way: Visionary ...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
April 5, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Our latest episode is up and it is epic! We're joined by Catherine Mary Stewart, star of "Night of the Comet." We also talk to @oldfilmsflicker.bsky.social about her new book CINEMA HER WAY: VISIONARY FEMALE DIRECTORS IN THEIR OWN WORDS. Great stuff! Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Our latest episode is up! We're talkin' the 2004 comedy "Surviving Christmas," starring Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate and Catherine O'Hara. We dreaded it going in. Is it really that bad? Also, Book and a Blu-ray segment. Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: Surviving Christmas (2004)
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 c...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
March 9, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Our latest episode is up! We're talkin' the 2004 comedy "Surviving Christmas," starring Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate and Catherine O'Hara. We dreaded it going in. Is it really that bad? Also, Book and a Blu-ray segment. Enjoy! www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Our latest episode is FINALLY up! After many delays and technical fouls, we're back up and running with what should've been our Valentine's Day episode. We talk about this rom-com, our Top 5 favorite Cusack movies and new blu-rays. Enjoy! Next episode: 3/5 www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: Serendipity (2001)
Kerry and Collin showed up late for their discussion of the 2001 rom-com starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, “Serendipity.”
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
February 20, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Our latest episode is FINALLY up! After many delays and technical fouls, we're back up and running with what should've been our Valentine's Day episode. We talk about this rom-com, our Top 5 favorite Cusack movies and new blu-rays. Enjoy! Next episode: 3/5 www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
IT'S FINALLY UP! Our latest episode is now available after many snafus and delays. We chat about the movie as well as our Top 5 John Cusack Movies. Also, a look at the latest and greatest in physical media with the Blu-ray Gift Exchange. Next ep: March 5th. www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: Serendipity (2001)
Kerry and Collin showed up late for their discussion of the 2001 rom-com starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, “Serendipity.”
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
February 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM
IT'S FINALLY UP! Our latest episode is now available after many snafus and delays. We chat about the movie as well as our Top 5 John Cusack Movies. Also, a look at the latest and greatest in physical media with the Blu-ray Gift Exchange. Next ep: March 5th. www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Hi everyone...
We wanted to let you know that our next episode will be late coming out. Due to health and computer problems, we're just not having a great month and so our February 5th episode (👇👇👇) will be a few days--maybe a week--late. Don't worry. We're fine. All is well. Just delays. Thank U!
We wanted to let you know that our next episode will be late coming out. Due to health and computer problems, we're just not having a great month and so our February 5th episode (👇👇👇) will be a few days--maybe a week--late. Don't worry. We're fine. All is well. Just delays. Thank U!
February 3, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Hi everyone...
We wanted to let you know that our next episode will be late coming out. Due to health and computer problems, we're just not having a great month and so our February 5th episode (👇👇👇) will be a few days--maybe a week--late. Don't worry. We're fine. All is well. Just delays. Thank U!
We wanted to let you know that our next episode will be late coming out. Due to health and computer problems, we're just not having a great month and so our February 5th episode (👇👇👇) will be a few days--maybe a week--late. Don't worry. We're fine. All is well. Just delays. Thank U!
Check out our latest episode! We're joined by Morgan Gire (The Friendship Dilemma podcast) to talk about Martin McDonagh's comedy, "In Bruges." We also get into a brief discussion on David Lynch in the Book segment. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually - 128: In Bruges (feat. Morgan Gire)
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 ...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
January 28, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Check out our latest episode! We're joined by Morgan Gire (The Friendship Dilemma podcast) to talk about Martin McDonagh's comedy, "In Bruges." We also get into a brief discussion on David Lynch in the Book segment. Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Our latest episode is up! We always start the year with a Nutcracker movie and, well, this is close enough. We also talk about a short film that was sent to us, a funny parody of Hallmark movies. And lots of new blu-rays (with more Hallmark talk). Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Christmas Movies Actually: 127 - Nutcrackers (2024)
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 pl...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net
January 5, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Our latest episode is up! We always start the year with a Nutcracker movie and, well, this is close enough. We also talk about a short film that was sent to us, a funny parody of Hallmark movies. And lots of new blu-rays (with more Hallmark talk). Enjoy!
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmov...
Happy New year to all our listeners! We're glad you stuck with us, or have just joined us. Below are some pics of films we did in 2024 and a few we'll be doing in 2025. How many movies can you identify? Have a happy and safe holiday, everyone!
Collin & Kerry
Collin & Kerry
December 31, 2024 at 5:29 PM
Happy New year to all our listeners! We're glad you stuck with us, or have just joined us. Below are some pics of films we did in 2024 and a few we'll be doing in 2025. How many movies can you identify? Have a happy and safe holiday, everyone!
Collin & Kerry
Collin & Kerry
Why do we also talk about blu-rays on our show? Because we not only love Christmas and Christmas movies, we love movies more than anything and want to do what we can to keep physical media alive and well. Plus, movies still make great gifts! Excellent summary here: www.avclub.com/death-of-dvd...
DVD is dead. Long live DVD.
Tech’s takeover of show business has turned everything into streaming. The only recourse is to focus on the physical.
www.avclub.com
December 27, 2024 at 4:14 AM
Why do we also talk about blu-rays on our show? Because we not only love Christmas and Christmas movies, we love movies more than anything and want to do what we can to keep physical media alive and well. Plus, movies still make great gifts! Excellent summary here: www.avclub.com/death-of-dvd...