When it comes to holiday traditions, everyone has their own favorites, and Christmas movies often spark the most passionate debates. Whether it's a heartwarming classic or a modern comedy, these films have a way of bringing people together—sometimes even sparking lively disagreements. In a recent podcast episode, NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce took center stage, sharing their surprisingly candid opinions about beloved Christmas movies, including Travis's mixed feelings about Taylor Swift’s favorite, Love Actually. Strap in as we explore their unique takes, their personal favorites, and how these festive films hold a special place in their holiday hearts.
Travis Kelce's Mixed Feelings About "Love Actually"
Positive Aspects of the Film
Travis Kelce admitted that he “actually enjoyed” watching "Love Actually." Despite his critiques, the overall experience was not entirely negative for him. He acknowledged that the movie presented a variety of love stories that tied together within a community, an aspect he found interesting. His enjoyment came from following these interconnected stories, which he noted had “good values.” This suggests that the film's storyline and themes did resonate with him on some level, even if it wasn’t entirely up to his expectations.
Travis's Criticisms
However, Travis also had several criticisms of the film. He felt that "Love Actually" did not evoke a sense of Christmas spirit, which is a significant drawback for a movie categorized as a Christmas film. He remarked that he “didn’t feel ‘Christmas’ at all during the movie.” Additionally, he found some of the plotlines “a little far-fetched,” which made it difficult for him to fully engage with the story. Travis also mentioned that he “couldn’t relate to anybody on screen,” highlighting a disconnect between his experiences and the characters' narratives. Ultimately, these critiques led him to believe that "Love Actually" should not be considered a Christmas film.
Jason Kelce's Harsh Critique of the Film
Overall Impression
Jason Kelce was even less forgiving in his assessment of "Love Actually." He described his overall impression of the film as just “OK,” implying that it did not leave a strong impact on him. Though he did not completely dislike the movie, his comments indicated that he found it mediocre at best.
Critique of the Christmas Spirit
Jason went further in his critique by emphasizing the film’s lack of Christmas spirit. He stated, “There was zero Christmas spirit or anything resembling that,” which is a damning observation for a holiday film. His strong negative reaction led him to claim that "Love Actually" might be “the worst Christmas movie” he has ever seen. He felt so strongly about this opinion that he said it wasn’t even up for debate.
Travis Kelce's Enjoyment of the Cue Card Scene
The Scene's Impact
One particular scene from "Love Actually" did have a significant impact on Travis Kelce. The scene in question involves Andrew Lincoln’s character, Mark, using a series of cue cards to silently confess his love to his best friend's wife, Juliet, played by Keira Knightley. This moment stood out to Travis as being exceptionally romantic and memorable.
Why It Stood Out
Travis explained that the cue card scene was iconic in its romantic expression, describing it as “the most romantic way to tell someone you’re in love with them.” This indicates that despite his overall critiques, there were elements of the film that resonated deeply with him on an emotional level. The creativity and emotional intensity of this scene were enough to leave a lasting impression on him.
Travis and Jason's Film Ratings
Travis's Rating and Reasoning
In the end, Travis Kelce rated "Love Actually" a three out of 10. Despite the film's high-quality acting—which he rated a “solid nine”—the overall story did not meet his expectations. The disconnect he felt with the characters and the lack of Christmas spirit significantly influenced his low rating. His evaluation was balanced by an appreciation for the acting performances, even if the story fell short for him.
Jason's Rating and Reasoning
Jason Kelce was slightly kinder in his assessment, giving the film a four out of 10. His rating suggests that while he found the movie more bearable than Travis did, he still did not think highly of it. The lack of Christmas spirit and the general mediocrity of the film contributed to his low score. Both brothers' ratings underline their disappointment with "Love Actually" as a Christmas movie.
Taylor Swift's Favorite Motto from the Movie
The Motto's Significance
Taylor Swift has previously mentioned how much the movie "Love Actually" means to her. In a May 2014 interview, she revealed that one of the film’s lines became a personal motto for her. “If you look around, love actually is all around” is a phrase spoken by Hugh Grant’s character in the movie. This line encapsulates the film’s overarching theme of love being omnipresent, a message that clearly resonated with Taylor.
Influence on Taylor Swift
This motto has had a lasting influence on Taylor Swift’s perspective on life and love. It represents the idea that love can be found in many different forms and places if one is open to seeing it. Taylor’s adoption of this motto suggests that the film's message profoundly impacted her, offering a lens through which she views her own experiences and relationships.
Travis Kelce's Favorite Holiday Movie: "A Christmas Story"
Connection to Cleveland
While "Love Actually" did not resonate with Travis Kelce as a Christmas movie, he has a clear favorite in the holiday film genre: "A Christmas Story." This 1983 classic holds a special place in his heart, particularly because parts of it were filmed in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Travis's personal connection to the film is deeply tied to his experiences growing up in Cleveland.
Childhood Memories
Travis shared fond memories of visiting locations from "A Christmas Story" during his childhood. He recalled going down the slide at Tower City and exploring the mall area depicted in the movie. These experiences have made the film especially nostalgic for him. The snowy, Christmassy scenes in the movie remind him of his own childhood Christmases in Cleveland, contributing to the emotional connection he feels towards the film. It’s this strong sense of nostalgia and personal history that makes "A Christmas Story" his favorite holiday movie.
Jason Kelce's Top Christmas Films
Four Christmases
Jason Kelce has his own list of favorite Christmas films, starting with "Four Christmases." This comedy, starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, follows a couple who must visit all four of their divorced parents during the holiday season. The film’s humor and relatable family dynamics likely contribute to Jason’s enjoyment.
The Grinch
Another favorite of Jason’s is "The Grinch." The tale of the grumpy, Christmas-hating creature has been a holiday staple in many households. Whether it’s the animated original, the live-action version starring Jim Carrey, or the more recent animated adaptation, "The Grinch" embodies the theme of redemption and the true spirit of Christmas, which resonates with many viewers, including Jason.
A Christmas Vacation
Finally, Jason includes "A Christmas Vacation" on his list of top Christmas films. This comedy classic, starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, follows the chaotic yet heartwarming holiday adventures of the Griswold family. Its humor, memorable scenes, and the depiction of dysfunctional yet loving family gatherings make it a beloved choice for many, including Jason Kelce.
The Heart of Holiday Films
As the Kelce brothers have shown, holiday films resonate differently with everyone, stirring unique memories and emotions. Whether it's the charm of "Love Actually," the nostalgia of "A Christmas Story," or the comedic chaos in "A Christmas Vacation," these movies play a special role in defining the season for each of us. Their differing opinions remind us that the magic of Christmas films lies not in universal appeal but in their ability to evoke feelings of warmth, connection, and perhaps a lively debate. So, as you cozy up to watch your favorite holiday movie, remember that the true spirit of the season is found in the love and memories we share.