This episode features a streaming-era Christmas triple feature examining how modern holiday films handle conflict, resentment, and emotional labor: Oh. What. Fun., A Merry Little Ex-Mas, and Jingle Bell Heist.<br /><br />Oh. What. Fun. was released by Prime Video in 2024 as a holiday comedy aimed at adult audiences, with a cast led by established, middle-aged performers and a narrative centered on maternal burnout and invisible labor. Critical reception was mixed to negative, with reviewers divided on tone, though some praised its willingness to depict flawed, resentful characters.<br /><br />A Merry Little Ex-Mas, a 2024 Netflix original rom-com, targets millennial and Gen Z viewers fluent in therapy culture, featuring a recognizable streaming-friendly cast and a Christmas setting built around emotional reconciliation. Critics largely noted its heavy reliance on therapy-speak and safe conflict resolution, resulting in lukewarm aggregate scores.<br /><br />Jingle Bell Heist, also released by Netflix in 2024, leans into the holiday caper genre, combining romance with a Christmas Eve robbery plot and a younger, internationally marketable cast. Reviews were mixed but slightly more favorable than typical seasonal filler, and the film performed well in Netflix’s global streaming charts despite modest critic scores.<br /><br />Together, these films offer a snapshot of how streaming platforms shape modern holiday storytelling.<br /><br /><br />Disclaimer: The following may contain offensive language, adult humor, and/or content that some viewers may find offensive – The views and opinions expressed by any one speaker does not explicitly or necessarily reflect or represent those of Mark Radulich or W2M Network.<br /><br />Mark Radulich and his wacky podcast on all the things:<br />https://linktr.ee/markkind76<br />also<br />https://www.teepublic.com/user/radulich-in-broadcasting-network<br />FB Messenger: Mark Radulich LCSW<br />Tiktok: @markradulich<br />twitter: @MarkRadulich<br />Instagram: markkind76<br />RIBN Album Playlist: https://suno.com/playlist/91d704c9-d1ea-45a0-9ffe-5069497bad59 <br />