In this episode of the Wicked Indulgence podcast, my co-host Kevin and I dive into the age-old debate: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? We kick off the discussion with a passionate defense of Die Hard, asserting that it embodies the true spirit of Christmas through its themes of family, miracles, and, of course, action-packed excitement. We humorously challenge those who disagree, suggesting they "suck our butts" in jest.

As we transition into our main topic, we decide to rank our top 10 Christmas movies, starting from the bottom and working our way to the top. We agree that A Christmas Story is overrated, especially with its incessant marathon on TNT during the holiday season. Kevin expresses his preference for Hallmark Christmas movies over A Christmas Story, and we both share a mutual disdain for the film's repetitive nature.

We introduce ourselves and set the stage for our rankings, emphasizing that we will start with the number one Christmas movie rather than keeping our audience in suspense. Our first pick is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, which we both agree is a quintessential holiday film filled with relatable family dynamics, hilarious shenanigans, and a heartwarming conclusion that encapsulates the essence of Christmas.

Next, we discuss Die Hard, placing it at number two on our list. We highlight its action elements, memorable characters, and the underlying message about family and the true meaning of Christmas. We also touch on the iconic performances, particularly by Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman, and how the film has become a staple for many during the holiday season.

Moving on, we rank Home Alone (both one and two) as our third choice, praising its timeless appeal and the unforgettable antics of Kevin McCallister. We agree that the sequels that followed do not hold a candle to the original films. Following that, we place The Santa Clause at number four, lamenting the decline of the franchise after the first film and discussing Tim Allen's charm in the role.

As we continue our rankings, we delve into A Christmas Carol, noting its various adaptations and how each family tends to have their favorite version. We share our personal preferences, with Kevin favoring the classic 60s version and me leaning towards the Muppet adaptation.

At number six, we discuss Elf, highlighting Will Ferrell's commitment to the role and the film's ability to evoke the Christmas spirit. We appreciate its humor and the infectious charm of Zoe Deschanel's character.

As we reach number seven, we tackle Jim Carrey's The Grinch, acknowledging the actor's dedication to the role while critiquing the film's overall aesthetic and pacing. We express our admiration for Carrey's performance but agree that the film has its flaws.

Next, we rank Polar Express at number eight, sharing our mixed feelings about the film's animation and storytelling. We discuss the film's memorable moments, such as the hot chocolate song, while also critiquing the unsettling portrayal of the elves.

Finally, we arrive at our number nine pick, A Christmas Story, where we both express our frustrations with the film's repetitive nature and lack of a strong narrative. We share our thoughts on the characters, particularly Ralphie's father, and how the film has become a cultural staple despite its shortcomings.

Throughout the episode, we engage in light-hearted banter, share personal anecdotes, and provide our listeners with a fun and entertaining exploration of Christmas movies. We encourage our audience to join the conversation and share their own rankings and opinions on these holiday classics.

00:00:00 - Die Hard: A Christmas Movie Debate
00:01:00 - Overrated Christmas Classics
00:02:00 - Introduction to the Top 10 Christmas Movies
00:03:30 - Number 1: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
00:06:00 - Aunt Bethany and the Christmas Shenanigans
00:08:00 - Number 2: Die Hard
00:10:00 - Number 3: Home Alone (1 & 2)
00:12:00 - Number 4: The Santa Claus
00:13:50 - Number 5: A Christmas Carol
00:20:00 - Number 6: Elf
00:27:00 - Number 7: Jim Carrey's The Grinch
00:32:00 - Number 8: Polar Express
00:38:00 - Number 9: A Christmas Story
00:46:00 - Final Thoughts on Christmas Movies

In this episode of the Wicked Indulgence Podcast, we dive into the festive spirit by reviewing the Disney Christmas movie "Noelle," released in 2019. As the holiday season officially kicks off, my co-host Kevin and I share our ratings for the film, settling on a solid 8 out of 10 on our holiday scale. We emphasize that this rating is specific to the Christmas genre, acknowledging that while "Noelle" may not stand up against all-time great films, it certainly brings holiday cheer and essence.

We discuss the impressive cast, featuring Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader, Shirley MacLaine, and Billy Eichner, among others. The film's premise is straightforward: set in the North Pole, it follows Santa Claus's children, Noelle (Kendrick) and Nick (Hader), as they navigate the pressures of inheriting the family business after their father's passing. Nick struggles with the expectations placed upon him, leading him to run away, prompting Noelle to embark on a journey to bring him back and save Christmas.

Throughout our conversation, we highlight the film's charm, particularly the performances of Kendrick and Hader, who bring depth and humor to their roles. We also touch on the film's lighthearted take on classic Christmas tropes, with Noelle's character embodying the innocence and joy of the holiday season.

As we transition into our spoiler-filled discussion, we delve deeper into the character dynamics and plot points. We appreciate how the film addresses serious themes, such as the challenges of Christmas for those less fortunate, while still maintaining a whimsical tone. The scene at the homeless shelter stands out as a poignant moment, showcasing the magic of Christmas through Noelle's interactions with a mother and her deaf daughter.

We also explore the comedic elements, including Noelle's naivety and her adventures in Arizona, where she hilariously navigates a world far removed from the North Pole. The chemistry between the characters, especially the sibling rivalry and banter between Noelle and Nick, adds to the film's charm.

As we wrap up our review, we reflect on the film's heartwarming message about family, responsibility, and the true spirit of Christmas. "Noelle" may not be a groundbreaking film, but it certainly earns its place in our holiday movie rotation, thanks to its delightful cast and festive spirit. Join us as we celebrate the joy of the season and the magic of Christmas through this enchanting film!

00:00:00 - Introduction to Noel and Ratings
The hosts introduce the podcast episode, discuss the holiday season, and share their ratings for the Disney Christmas movie "Noel."

00:05:30 - Cast and Premise Overview
Discussion of the stacked cast, including Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader, and the simple premise of the movie set in the North Pole.

00:10:00 - Character Dynamics and Family Relationships
Exploration of the relationship between Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their children, Nick and Noel, highlighting Santa's role as a caring father.

00:15:00 - Nick's Struggles as Santa
Nick's challenges in taking on the role of Santa Claus and the comedic elements of his training.

00:20:00 - Noel's Quest to Find Nick
Noel's determination to find her brother after he runs away, leading to her adventures in the real world.

00:25:00 - Cultural Commentary on Christmas
The film's portrayal of Christmas as a difficult time for some, including a poignant scene at a homeless shelter.

00:30:00 - Sibling Reunion and Conflict
The comedic and heartfelt reunion between Noel and Nick, filled with sibling banter and conflict.

00:35:00 - Nick's Trial Run as Santa
Nick's trial run as Santa in a shopping mall, showcasing the humorous challenges he faces.

00:40:00 - Noel's Arrest and Escape
Noel's arrest for assaulting a police officer and the subsequent plan to break her out of the psych ward.

00:45:00 - Return to the North Pole
The journey back to the North Pole and the introduction of cousin Gabe as a replacement Santa.

Wicked Indulgence Podcast - Episode: Arcane Season 2, Act 3 Review

Episode Summary

In this episode, hosts Jessica and Kevin dive deep into the finale of Arcane Season 2, Act 3. They discuss the complexities of the characters, the themes of sacrifice, and the intricate storytelling that challenges the audience's perception of good and evil. The hosts provide a spoiler-free review before delving into the details of the final act, exploring character arcs, alternate timelines, and the emotional weight of the series.

Key Points Discussed

Spoiler-Free Review

Rating: 10 out of 10

The finale challenges the audience's understanding of villains and heroes, presenting a complex moral landscape.

Themes of sacrifice, balance between Zaun and Piltover, and the consequences of choices are prevalent.

The music and visuals continue to impress, enhancing the storytelling experience.

Character Development

The characters are portrayed as complex individuals with relatable motivations, making them feel real and grounded.

The hosts highlight the transformation of Echo and the exploration of his relationship with Powder (Jinx).

The episode showcases the impact of Vi's absence on the world and the characters.

Alternate Timelines

Echo finds himself in an alternate universe where the dynamics of Zaun and Piltover are drastically different due to Vi's sacrifice.

The hosts discuss the implications of this alternate timeline and how it affects Echo's character development and relationships.

Themes and Symbolism

The episode explores the "what-ifs" of character choices and their consequences.

The contrast between the two timelines emphasizes the importance of community and forgiveness.

The hosts appreciate the intentionality behind every scene, shot, and piece of music, noting the artistry involved in the storytelling.

Emotional Moments

The reunion between Echo and Powder is highlighted as a poignant moment, showcasing their connection and the healing that occurs.

The dance sequence between Echo and Powder is described as both beautiful and tragic, symbolizing their fleeting connection.

Jace's Journey

The episode also follows Jace, who ends up in a post-apocalyptic Piltover, dealing with the consequences of his actions and the loss of his leg.

The hosts discuss Jace's mental state and the challenges he faces in this new reality.

Conclusion

Jessica and Kevin wrap up the episode by emphasizing the brilliance of Arcane as a series, praising its storytelling, character development, and emotional depth. They express excitement for future discussions about the series and its characters.

Listener Engagement

What were your thoughts on the finale of Arcane Season 2?

Did you have a favorite moment or character arc?

Share your thoughts with us on social media or leave a comment!

Next Episode Teaser

Stay tuned for more episodes where we will dive into Season 1 of Arcane and explore character dynamics and themes in greater detail!