Matinee Monday: The Knight Before Christmas (w/ Jessica St. Clair)
Dec 23, 2024
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Jessica St. Clair, an actress and comedian known for her podcast "The Deep Dive," joins the crew to dive into the Netflix holiday classic, The Knight Before Christmas. They hilariously critique the film's romantic tropes, time travel absurdities, and the quirks of knights in modern settings. The conversation also touches on the cultural phenomenon of Christmas movie universes, technology mishaps, and the oddities of winter fashion. Expect laughs as they unravel the magic and mayhem of festive films!
The podcast humorously critiques 'The Knight Before Christmas,' highlighting its narrative inconsistencies while exploring the dynamics of a medieval knight's transition to modern life.
Participants discuss the importance of mature portrayals of romance in holiday films, arguing that authentic relationships would enhance audiences' connection to the story.
Amid laughter, the conversation shifts to charitable initiatives like Baby to Baby, reinforcing the value of giving back during the holiday season as a source of joy.
Deep dives
Paramount Plus Originals
Paramount Plus has launched several new original dramas, attracting significant attention with titles such as 'Landman,' featuring notable actors like Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, and Demi Moore. Other highlights include 'Lioness' starring Zoe Saldana and Nicole Kidman, and 'Tulsa King' featuring Sylvester Stallone. The streaming service emphasizes its growing library of content, especially with the addition of Showtime's new offerings, including 'The Agency,' a spy thriller with Michael Fassbender and Richard Gere. This array of original series positions Paramount Plus as a robust competitor in the streaming landscape.
Gift of Jefferson's Ocean Bourbon
For the holiday season, gifting Jefferson's Ocean Bourbon and Jefferson's Ocean Rye is highlighted as a unique and adventurous choice. This bourbon is notably aged at sea, which influences its flavor profile and adds a story behind each bottle. The aging process allows the spirits to interact with the ocean, infusing them with the essence of maritime elements such as ocean air and the Caribbean heat. Such a gift represents not just a fine drink, but also an experience, appealing to those who appreciate craft spirits.
Discussion of A Night Before Christmas
The podcast delves into the Netflix film 'A Night Before Christmas,' provoking mixed reactions from the participants. The movie's plot revolves around a medieval knight who, through unexplained circumstances, ends up in modern-day Ohio, where he falls for a college teacher. While some find charm in its whimsical romance, others critique its narrative inconsistencies and overall quality. The discussion humorously examines the film's perceived absurdities, raising questions about character motivations and the plausibility of the storyline.
The Role of Leading Characters
The dialogue focuses on the dynamics between Vanessa Hudgens' character and the knight, discussing their chemistry and the film's treatment of romance. The knight's transition to contemporary life is viewed with skepticism, as his naivety often leads to comedic scenarios and awkward interactions. Critics argue that the film underplays essential aspects of adult relationships, including the often-puritanical representations of romance prevalent in holiday films. It's suggested that a more mature portrayal would enhance the film's authenticity and relatability.
The Question of Movie Quality
Amidst the laughs, a serious analysis of the film's quality is conducted, weighing it against the standards of holiday fare. The film is likened to other romantic comedies and holiday specials, revealing that while it may not reach iconic status like 'Elf,' it occupies a niche in the genre of feel-good, lighthearted entertainment. Opinions vary, with some declaring enjoyment despite its flaws, while others declare it unforgivably mediocre. This prompts deeper reflections on the criteria we use to evaluate holiday films.
Charitable Endeavors and Community Support
Conversations turn to the community and charitable initiatives, with participants highlighting the importance of giving back during the holiday season. Organizations such as Baby to Baby, which supports families in need, and Donors Choose, which funds classroom projects, are praised for their impactful work. Engaging in philanthropic activities is suggested as not only a way to support those less fortunate but also to cultivate feelings of joy and purpose among givers. By advocating for charitable giving, the discussion emphasizes the true spirit of the holiday season.
Grab your Old Crones and Crones In Training because Paul, June, Jason and Jessica St. Clair (The Deep Dive) break down the Netflix Christmas classic, The Knight Before Christmas, starring Vanessa Hudgens. They explore the Netflix Christmas Cinematic Universe, Incognito Mode, and the source of Jessica’s ‘tech issues’ is revealed. (Originally Released 12/23/2021)
