This week on Philosophy in Film, we light up the holiday season with the 1990 holiday classic, Home Alone! Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, this iconic family comedy follows Kevin McCallister, a pint-sized troublemaker accidentally left behind when his family heads to Paris for Christmas. As Kevin defends his home from two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, he discovers not only his knack for improvisation but also the true meaning of family and forgiveness. Craig jingles all the way through Producer’s Notes (7:38), Alain unwraps the details with the Beauclair Synopsis (19:46), and Chris delivers a sleigh full of behind-the-scenes fun facts and trivia in Philosopher’s Corner (31:01). The gang gathers around the Round Table (36:35) for a spirited discussion of slapstick ingenuity and nostalgia around this holiday fable, before unwrapping Reviews (1:06:04) and answering all your burning questions in the #Mailbag (1:11:14). As always, we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie, proving why Home Alone continues to deck the halls with laughter and timeless charm. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals!

Featured Beer: Wet Bandits Triple IPA by Eighty Eight Brewing Co. (Calgary, Alberta)

Episode 88: Alien: Romulus

Shaking up the release schedule with Episode 88 of Philosophy in Film, the gang boards the hauntingly dark Alien: Romulus, the latest installment in the storied sci-fi horror franchise. Returning to the series’ roots, this new chapter explores themes of survival, creation, and the horrifying unknown. Craig starts the countdown with Producer’s Notes (6:54), setting the stage for Alain’s Beauclair Synopsis (17:12), which pieces together the film’s gripping narrative. Chris navigates the depths of terror and existential inquiry in Philosopher’s Corner (43:35), while the Round Table Discussion (53:29) tackles the movie’s tension, terror, and timeless reflections on humanity's fragility in the face of cosmic horror. The ship’s log concludes with Reviews (1:37:01), breaking down the film’s impact, and Mailbag (1:54:56), featuring your transmissions from deep space. As always, we delve into the philosophical and non-philosophical elements that made Alien: Romulus a spine-chilling voyage into the unknown.

Featured Beer: Twenty Pounder Double IPA by Driftwood Brewery (Victoria, BC)

Episode 89: Pump Up The Volume

This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang cranks up the dial with the 1990 cult classic Pump Up The Volume. Starring Christian Slater as the enigmatic pirate radio DJ Hard Harry, this film delves into themes of rebellion, teenage angst, and the power of uncensored self-expression. From the airwaves of suburban Arizona to the philosophical crossroads of free speech and societal change, Pump Up The Volume asks what it truly means to find your voice in a world that doesn’t want to listen. Craig kicks off the broadcast with Producer’s Notes (7:38), Alain hits the mic with the Beauclair Synopsis (14:47), and Chris amplifies the conversation with Philosopher’s Corner (35:27). The gang dives into the Round Table Discussion (49:08), exploring the film’s raw energy, its critique of authority, and its enduring relevance in the digital age. Finally, let’s turn that dial to Reviews (1:26:14) before we sign off with the Mailbag (1:41:13). As always, we tune into the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that had us all shouting, “Talk hard!”

Featured Beer: Mixtape Hazy IPA by Polyrhythm Brewing (Edmonton, Alberta)