Mark Rivers, an NPR producer and Christmas movie classification expert, dives into the heated debate over what defines a true Christmas movie. He shines a light on iconic films like 'Die Hard' and 'Elf,' offering a unique classification system that challenges conventional wisdom. Rivers discusses how emotional resonance and holiday themes influence our connections to these films. He also explores the concept of tiered Christmas movies, highlighting how some use the holiday as mere backdrop, making the discourse both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Mark Rivers, an NPR producer, sheds light on the film adaptation of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Nickel Boys. He discusses the powerful bond between two Black boys at a segregated reform school in the Jim Crow South. The film's innovative first-person perspective offers a unique emotional depth, allowing viewers to truly connect with the characters. Rivers also explores the film's artistic ambition and its significant historical context, emphasizing the importance of overlooked narratives in cinema.