The Movie: Last Christmas
The Director: Paul Feig
The Cast: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Emma Thompson, Michelle Yeoh,
The Story: Kate's latest bad decision is taking a job as a Santa's elf in a department store although meeting Tom while on the job might just be the turn of luck she's been looking for.
The Review:
I went into this movie knowing absolutely nothing about it other than I love both Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding and holy Christmas trees Batman, it was absolutely fantastic. This is one of those classic holiday love stories that will get all up in your emotions because you fall for the characters as they fall for each other and, by the end, the story has sent you down one big stocking stuffer of a finale you won't soon forget.
Over the last two years, Henry Golding has established himself as a top leading man in Hollywood circles and his work here takes that even a step further as his charm and easy going nature are on full display for everyone to enjoy. Then the story pairs him up with Emilia Clarke who is completely ready to step out of the shadow of the dragons she has been matched up with on some cable TV show you might have heard of. Clarke's performance in this movie lights up the screen and sends her star power soaring into the stratosphere. Separately, these two are fantastic and together they are nothing short of magical.
The story centers around Kate, Emilia Clarke's character, who is having all sorts of trouble with life after a heart transplant surgery sent her reeling into near oblivion if it wasn't for the help of her friends and family who reluctantly keep the self destructing time bomb at a tentatively safe distance. Just when Kate is hanging from that one proverbial string, Tom, played by Golding, steps into the picture and begins to steer her in a more productive and positive direction.
There are passing similarities to Scrooge's classic story of redemption and George Bailey's rise from the ashes as Kate begins to see the error of her ways and begins to reclaim her sanity and the trust of those around her, mostly thanks to Tom's efforts at reminding her how wonderful life really is. Still, this little tale easily stands on its own two snow shoe'd feet and I feel like it will quickly become a holiday classic that people will watch over and over again for years to come.
Oh, and have I mentioned that Michelle Yeoh is in this movie?! She is amazing and as close to cinematic royalty as you will find anywhere in the world. Her supporting role in this film as Kate's boss is really fun and the two play off of each other with Yeoh showing a comedic timing we don't often get to see. Also, Emma Thompson is not only in the movie as Kate's mom but she also co-wrote and co-produced the whole thing as well. Her wickedly witty humor comes across through the entire film and her own performance, while limited, is as impactful as she always is.
The Verdict:
Last Christmas celebrates the spirit of the holidays with magical performances from Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding. This is one of those movies you will want to watch over and over while singing along to the George Michael infused soundtrack. Add this to your list of must see movies and make sure to bring some tissue. You're going to need it.
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