Last Holiday (2006)

When i started this movie i thought: ¨This is going to be another of those movies¨ you know ¨Just Silly¨cause it starts like you will die soon even thought you haven't had any symptom, so better enjoy whats left of your life, but seeing how much she is enjoying the food, the comfort of her room and the risk she takes, you will end up loving it, cause it is made to be enjoyed and to make you realize how life is supposed to be lived, just piece by piece, enjoying every little good moment.

I had seen clips, I assumed it was going to be some kind of humiliation film, everything that could go wrong will go wrong, but I still enjoyed what I saw. Basically department store worker Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) bangs her head while flirting with the guy she has a crush on, Sean Matthews (LL Cool J), and her CT scan gives her the shocking news of having untreatable neurological disorder called Lampington's Disease. Knowing she only has three weeks to live, she uses the time she has left to the fullest, taking all her savings out, quitting her job, and heading for her dream vacation in the Czech Republic, in the deluxe Grandhotel Pupp. Checking into the Presidential Suite, ordering everything on the menu prepared by world-renowned Chef Didier (Gérard Depardieu), snowboarding and much more she draws a lot of attention from high earners, including Congressman Stewart (Michael Nouri), Senator Dillings (Giancarlo Esposito), and magnate Matthew Kragen (Timothy Hutton), owner of the store company she worked, with mistress Ms. Burns (Alicia Witt). Meanwhile, Sean is missing Georgia's company, and of course near the end finds out the truth about her CT scan, of course it was a mistake, and they get their happy ending. Also starring Jane Adams as Rochelle, Susan Kellermann as Ms. Gunther, Jascha Washington as Darius and Julia Lashae (one of the highest foreheads I have ever seen) as HMO Administrator. Latifah is so likable that it could have been quite schmaltzy if not for her, it may be predictable in places, but with her and a few good slapstick scenes, it is a good fluffy comedy. Worth watching!

LAST HOLIDAY is a rather lame remake of an old Alec Guiness comedy that stars Queen Latifah as Georgia Byrd, a department store employee who finds out she's dying and decides to travel to Europe and blow all her money, not knowing her fantasy man/fellow employee (LL Cool J)has been fantasizing about her as much as she's been thinking about him. This film is so predictable that I could practically recite the dialogue along with the actors. Queen Latifah works very hard at making her Plain Jane character funny and believable, but her performance comes off as forced and annoying. LL Cool J shows solid leading man potential in a thankless role that's a waste of his and our time. There are plot holes you can drive a truck through, but the film does boast an impressive supporting cast including Gereard Depardieu as a world famous chef who befriends Georgia, Giancarlo Esposito as a US Senator from Georgia's hometown, who happens to be vacationing in the same European spot Georgia travels to, where she learns he is in bed with a ruthless, wealthy businessman (a surprisingly effective Timothy Hutton, cleverly cast against type), who is also dealing with a very discontent mistress (Alicia Witt). There's some gorgeous scenery and the supporting cast is fun; however, unless you're a hardcore Queen Latifah fan, I'd pass on this one.

Last Holiday, after watching the movie I felt really moved. Though predictable, the movie will make any man, woman, or child smile in the end. Before watching the movie, my friends told me the audience applauded at the theaters. The biggest regret I have about the movie was not watching it in theaters. No Oscar-awarded movie ever moved me like this. This is the only romantic movie I actually liked. I sadly expect a high-standard critic to despise this movie so don't be fulled by them. Honestly most movies are so complex nowadays, I tend to get lost in them. The movie is simple, funny, and something the whole family will enjoy.