How Did This Get Made?

My Secret Santa

10 snips
Dec 26, 2025
The hosts dive into the absurd premise of a mom disguising herself as Santa for cheap snowboard lessons. They debate the problematic portrayal of Hugh Mann and the emotional stakes compared to Mrs. Doubtfire. The film’s obsession with hot cocoa and a questionable locker room scene sparks lively discussion. They critique character depth and missed opportunities in relationships, while also exploring bisexual subtext. Overall, it’s a fun but flawed holiday romp that leaves much to be desired.
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INSIGHT

Disguise Without Stakes

  • The film borrows Mrs. Doubtfire’s cross-dressing conceit but strips away stakes, making the disguise feel pointless.
  • Paul, June, and Jason argue the movie misses dramatic tension by rarely showing the protagonist out of Santa mode.
INSIGHT

Santa Industrial Complex Questions

  • The hosts critique the fictional 'Santa industrial complex' and how hiring and costumes are portrayed inconsistently.
  • They question logistics like who supplies suits, why performers bring their own kits, and how the world treats Santas.
INSIGHT

Mask Tech Feels Unmoored

  • The filmmakers give makeup/mask hobbyists Mission: Impossible-level capability without explaining their professional context.
  • Hosts see this as a missed opportunity to use those skills plausibly within the story.
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