Christmas movies…they’re all the same, right? Intoxicatingly sweet with the stereotypical happy ending. Now is the season for these flicks and while you may watch them in your comfy pjs, snuggled on the couch with a comforting beverage, Last Christmas from Universal Pictures, featuring Emilia Clark and Henery Golding, may just be the one to get you off that couch and into the movie theater. This was definitely not the Christmas movie I thought it was going to be. Plan a girl’s night out. You won’t want to miss this one!
So what is it that makes Last Christmas worthy of being seen on a big screen as opposed to your tv? Let’s chat – without any spoilers…
About the Movie
**No spoilers – from Universal:
Emilia Clarke (HBO’s Game of Thrones), Henry Golding (A Simple Favor, Crazy Rich Asians), Michelle Yeoh and Emma Thompson star for director Paul Feig (A Simple Favor, Spy, Bridesmaids) in Last Christmas, a romantic comedy inspired by a George Michael beat, from a screenplay by Academy Award® winner Thompson (Sense and Sensibility, Bridget Jones’s Baby) and playwright Bryony Kimmings.
Kate (Emilia Clarke) harumphs around London, a bundle of bad decisions accompanied by the jangle of bells on her shoes, another irritating consequence from her job as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Tom (Henry Golding) seems too good to be true when he walks into her life and starts to see through so many of Kate’s barriers. As London transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, nothing should work for these two. But sometimes, you gotta let the snowfall where it may, you gotta listen to your heart … and you gotta have faith.
Last Christmas features the music of George Michael, including the bittersweet holiday classic of the film’s title. The film will also premiere brand new unreleased material by the legendary Grammy-winning artist, who sold more than 115 million albums and recorded 10 No. 1 singles over the course of his iconic career.
Why You Should See This
While Last Christmas is your typical happy-ending holiday movie, that “happy ending” is not really what you think. Emilia Clarke’s character is very relatable in today’s modern world. The movie depicts a struggling 20-something year old, who wrestles with life, purpose, family, and friendship. Her struggles are real, and she deals with them while occasionally falling flat on her face. Henry Golding’s character, well, every good Christmas movie needs someone swoon-worthy, right? And then there is Emma Thompson – and who doesn’t love her?
While that may sound dire and not at all the definition of a “happy holidays” kind of flick, it is important to note that we laughed for most of this movie. There is so much humor scattered throughout this flick, you almost forget that this girl has so many troubles. There is a balance of happy/sad so you do not leave the theater a crying, sappy mess. There was one point, towards the end of the movie, that we all laughed so hard and loud, I could not even hear what was being said on the screen.
There is a lovely takeaway from Last Christmas – it is never too late to make a positive change. It may take a bit of time to heal your heart and make things right again. But once you start to make that change, everything will just fall into place. You can find happiness in creating happiness for others. And don’t forget to always look up. 🙂
Who Should See This Movie
Last Christmas is rated PG-13 for language and sexual content. And that pretty much dominates the movie. It is not a family movie (for those with younger children). This is a great movie for a girls-night-out or group holiday night out. I’m not sure I would say this is a “date night” movie. Definitely grab your best girlfriend and get ready to laugh!
Let’s Chat About the Music
Last Christmas features music by George Michael. I am a George Michael fan, so this did not bother me at all. But what if you are not a fan of Michael’s music? This isn’t a sing-along movie, nor is it overpowering. The music is throughout the film, but in many different ways. The music keeps the movie fun and helps pick up the pace.
Last Christmas is in theaters today, Friday November 8th. Go check it out and come back and let me know what you thought!
A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.
