Critique of “Last Christmas” (2019): A Movie Review

Ah, Christmas. It can be the best time of year for some, with its Hallmark movie splendor, Bath and Body Works candle scents and candy canes. What does Hollywood offer? Netflix and Hallmark are cheaper than the traditional movie theaters, so there are fewer Christmas themed gifts. Tinseltown won’t give up easily. Their first offering? Their first offering? The film, adapted from Wham! The film tells the story about Katarina (Clarke), who is a heroine in a bad situation after a recent health scare. Kate, who is dressed from head to toe in Elf-themed glamour, works at a Christmas shop that runs every year. She meets Tom (Golding), who is both charming and mysterious. Tom is a constant presence in Kate’s life. He brings her hope and light. Will Kate’s life change? Will joy and love win out? How does Brexit fit in? Paul Feig’s team tries to answer this question in the film’s 1 hour and 42 minutes. It is clear that the majority of the Christmas media available in the world is not intended to satisfy those who are looking for Terrence Malick’s next project. Last christmas is a film that celebrates the aesthetic of the holidays. It’s both emotional and visually appealing. Kate’s grungey outfit is “Miracle on 34th Street”, meets Madewell. Tom’s apartment looks like something straight out of Pottery Barn. It’s all cozy, warm and inviting, just like Christmas should be. The soundtrack is equally comfortable, showcasing George Michael’s extensive collection of melodic delights. The Wham! From the Wham! After a few montage scenes, it’s hard to know what these songs have to do with this film (apart from the title song). Why couldn’t they have made this a light-jukebox like “I Saw The Light”, this year? This is a question we will never know the answer to, but it will be on the minds of all those who want Michael’s music staged. Last christmas instead is a playful examination of love and its many forms. The film explores every aspect of love, whether it is the type between a husband and wife, mother and daughter or the inner kind that so many people are searching for. What is sandwiched between the sentimental push towards the end of the story is a jumbled collection of bullet points. The script of Emma Thompson and Bryony Kimmerings, which includes mentions of immigrant struggles as well as political tensions in the United Kingdom can sometimes seem like a teenager’s angsty Tumblr during the holidays. The film’s trailers may have given you a hint that the story has a twist. No spoilers, but throughout the story, the way the world-building is done to make the fantastical seem “fairytale” logical, gets sloppily overlooked. This leaves the audience more unsatisfied than satisfied. Even with setbacks, the script will shine when the talent of the cast comes together. Emilia Clarke is already securing her place as England’s Meg Ryan of the modern age. Even though Kate’s decisions can leave you screaming, her charm as a girl next door is irresistible. Golding uses a similar trick to make it hard not to fall under his spell. Michelle Yeoh ( Morgan) as Kate’s Santa is the real surprise. Yeoh’s sharp comebacks are matched by her effortless timing and a cannon of sass. The real magician is Paul Feig, a director who has had many legitimate successes but is not often recognized for them. He may not make films that are screened at film festivals or that have a lasting impact on the world of cinema. What he creates are stories with interesting, flawed heroines – the kind who, even though they may be in cartoonish circumstances, are relatable. In a tradition of Christmas movies that haven’t shown women who are authentically flawed, it’s refreshing to see Kate as a Mary in “It’s a Wonderful Life”, rather than a Hallmark standee. Overall, The Last Christmas is a Christmas classic that has a sweet, modest sparkle. The script may be trying to cram too many ideas and details into the story, which doesn’t always work. In a world of tinsel and slapstick films such as “Love Actually” or “The Holiday,” last Christmas continues a tradition that is as harmless a leaving a cookie extra for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. This is an easy decision to make that will benefit you and Santa (wink).