Pre-Screening Sips
- This is my mom’s favorite movie, so Last Holidaywill always hold a special place in my heart
- I truly believe thisis one of the most underrated feel-good movies out there and the film, and Queen Latifah’s performance, deserve more respect
- There has been debate over the years as to whether this really counts as a Christmas movie – some include it in their lists and some don’t
Post-Screening Snippets
- The references to Christmas are far more subtle than most movies – it’s not about the specific day, it’s more about the holiday season in general; in fact, the movie actually takes place over Christmas and New Year’s
- The opening sequence does such an excellent job establishing the reserved nature of Georgia, which is a nice change of pace for Queen Latifah—and for LL Cool J, too
- The “tell” for the twist is unfortunately quite obvious, but the plot still works even if you know how it’s going to end
- I appreciate all criticisms about the healthcare system
- I feel like the sister scene is painfully accurate for everyone who has a self-absorbed sibling
- Georgia’s boss’s obsession with Matthew Kragen is just like that middle-aged dad you know that is far too obsessed with unqualified self-help from other middle-aged dudes
- The spontaneous “Why?!” song deserves some radio play (wait, is radio still a thing?)
- There are many moments that I say, “Yes, Georgia,” throughout this movie, but no more so than when she is trying to get some leg room on the flight
- Georgia ordering all of Chef Didier’s specials is the truth I wish to live
- Besides the fact that Kragen is a disgusting Donald Trump-esque figure, his anger at seeing a successful black woman who garners attention is classic misogynoir
- Each of the self-care montage sequences are perfectly light and brief
- The climax of the film is both predictable, delightful, funny (the commentary from the senators is *chef’s kiss*), but also frustrating that we have to watch Georgia save Kragen from his feelings
- There is a specific realism in the film’s perspective about death that is admirable
- Treat Yo Self: The Movie
The Final Hot Chocolate
Last Holiday may really be more of a New Year’s or “holiday” movie than a Christmas movie, but the film’s heartwarming energy is certain to bring joy around any season. Who doesn’t need a reminder to live every day a little less afraid?
GRADE: A-
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