Let’s face it: we all have those holiday movies that we secretly love, even though we know they’re a little—or a lot—embarrassing. But here’s where it gets controversial: Scott ‘Movie’ Mantz, KTLA 5’s resident film expert, isn’t afraid to spill the popcorn on his own guilty pleasures. From fan favorites to one utterly obscure gem, his top five list is a wild ride through nostalgia, humor, and yes, plenty of cheese. And this is the part most people miss: his number one pick is so cringe-worthy, it’s practically unwatchable—yet somehow, utterly fascinating.
Kicking things off at number five is the 1996 slapstick comedy Jingle All the Way, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rita Wilson, and Sinbad. Scott highlights this as a rare comedic detour for Schwarzenegger, who was then Hollywood’s go-to action hero. It’s a chaotic, holiday-themed race that’s as absurd as it is entertaining.
At number four, we have The Family Stone (2005), a star-studded affair featuring Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel McAdams, and Claire Danes. Scott admits it’s ‘cheesy’ and ‘over-the-top,’ but the cast’s chemistry keeps it oddly watchable—even if the clichés are thick enough to cut with a candy cane.
Sliding into the third spot is The Holiday (2006), boasting a dream team of Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black, and Kate Winslet. While Scott praises the casting, he questions the believability of Black and Winslet’s on-screen romance. ‘It’s cheesy, corny, and cliché,’ he says, ‘but there’s something undeniably charming about it.’ Bold claim: Is this movie a heartwarming classic or a saccharine mess? You decide.
Number two is Love Actually, a film Scott openly despises—yet admits is the ultimate guilty pleasure. ‘It’s contrived, cliché-ridden, and has a mean streak,’ he declares, pointing out its less festive moments involving adultery and body-shaming. But with a cast including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Liam Neeson, it’s a fan favorite despite its flaws. Controversial question: Does its star power outweigh its problematic elements? Let’s debate.
Finally, Scott’s number one pick is the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special—a television oddity so bizarre, it’s been practically erased from history. Following the success of Star Wars (1977), George Lucas created this low-budget, cringe-inducing special featuring the original cast. Scott notes that Harrison Ford would ‘never be caught dead’ in it today. Yet, it holds a strange place in pop culture history, marking the first appearance of Boba Fett—two years before The Empire Strikes Back. Fun fact: While every other Star Wars project streams on Disney+, this special is nowhere to be found. The closest you’ll get is the documentary A Disturbance in the Force, which you can rent here (https://www.disturbanceintheforce.com/).
So, what’s your take? Are these movies holiday gold or cinematic coal? Let us know in the comments—and don’t hold back!
