Pete Holmes and Mike Make the Definitive Christmas Movie List
Dec 23, 2024
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Joining Mike is Pete Holmes, a comedian and actor renowned for his podcast "You Made It Weird" and his role in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." They dive into the world of Christmas movies, celebrating favorites like 'Elf' while critiquing 'Gremlins' for its confusing plot. Their playful debate even settles whether 'Die Hard' qualifies as a holiday film, and they analyze 'Love Actually,' discussing its mixed reviews. Personal anecdotes from their holiday experiences add a charming touch to this festive banter.
Mike and Pete emphasize that holiday films should contain Christmas-related themes for meaningful inclusion rather than just a seasonal setting.
The hosts highlight the blend of humor and poignant moments in holiday movies, illustrating how both elements enhance storytelling and viewer enjoyment.
Deep dives
Favorite Christmas Movies Debate
The discussion centers around the hosts’ personal favorite Christmas movies, culminating in a lighthearted debate about which films deserve a spot on their top five list. The hosts engage in playful banter, teasing each other while expressing their differing opinions about iconic films such as 'Home Alone' and 'Elf.' They emphasize the criteria for holiday films, suggesting that they should incorporate themes and elements directly related to Christmas rather than being set during the season for arbitrary reasons. The hosts acknowledge how critics and fans eagerly await their definitive list, highlighting the cultural significance of establishing such rankings.
Inclusion and Emotional Depth in Holiday Films
The conversation also touches on the deeper meanings found in holiday films, particularly in the context of the new movie featuring Judy Greer and Pete Holmes. They discuss how many Christmas movies often carry themes of inclusion and unity, echoing spiritual messages about acceptance rather than judgment. One of the hosts reflects on how he was moved by the story as it communicates the importance of embracing those who feel like outcasts during the holiday season. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they explore how holiday narratives can shape familial and social dynamics while offering profound emotional resonance.
The Role of Humor in Christmas Classics
The hosts delve into the humor present in holiday films, analyzing examples like 'Bad Santa' and 'Love Actually.' They mention how these films blend comedy with poignant moments that can resonate across age groups, albeit with varying degrees of appropriateness for family viewing. Through examining specific scenes, they illustrate how the integration of humor can enhance the storytelling and contribute to the overall enjoyment of the movie. The discussion reveals the balance between lighthearted humor and serious themes often found in holiday films, adding another layer to their top picks.
Cultural Impact of Christmas Movies
The hosts reflect on the cultural significance of classic Christmas movies and their lasting impacts on audiences. They remark on how films like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'A Christmas Story' have become staples in holiday viewing, eliciting a sense of nostalgia and connection across generations. There’s a critical discussion about how some popular choices, such as 'Die Hard,' have shifted from being novel selections to ubiquitous favorites among holiday movie discussions. The conversation captures the essence of how holiday films continue to evolve in public consciousness, fostering debates that keep them alive in popular culture.
In this special episode of Working It Out, Mike’s old friend and frequent guest Pete Holmes sits down for a holly jolly discussion about classic and new classic Christmas movies. Mike and Pete sing the praises of Elf, examine the dark underbelly of A Christmas Story, and take the Gremlins to task over their many nonsensical rules. Plus, Pete breaks down his own performance in the new film The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.