Last Christmas

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I'm not the biggest fan of straight-up romantic comedies (rom-coms). I don't think I absolutely love a film from this genre, and if I do, it probably doesn't solely belong to the rom-com's list (they could also be musicals, dramas, etc). Most of the times, I appreciate them enough to feel fulfilled. Very rarely, I feel totally disappointed or with a hate feeling towards one. Paul Feig delivered a couple of great comedies during his career (Bridesmaids, Spy), and the underrated/overlooked A Simple Favor, which I enjoyed very much. With Emma Thompson (Adelia) as both supporting actress and screenwriter, Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding as prota...

Some nice moments and I did like the cast as Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding had some nice chemistry. The twist felt forced but I guess I should expect it from a sappy Christmas movie. IDK, I enjoyed parts of this mostly for the core cast though doubt I'd have much desire to watch again (also feels odd watching a Christmas movie like this in February). 3.25/5

I will freely admit to being a fairly easy grader when it comes to sci-if movies and romantic comedies. If the dialogue is realistic and sharp and the plot doesnt insult my intelligence, I am in.

I enjoyed Last Christmas on that basis and because of what I saw as a good group of actors. The script was co-written by Emma Thompson and her spouse, Greg Wise (Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility, also written by Thompson. Hmm.) I found Kates character development from being a rather selfish slacker to a decent person fairly believable as it was tackled gradually and partly based on events happening all around her, not just on her developing feelings for bike-riding Tom.

The Yugoslav family history and cultural influences felt odd and some...

This is quite a joyous little Christmas film with an interesting twist at the end and a gentle reminder for us to consider those less fortunate at this time of year. Emilia Clarke carries off her role as a slightly self-destructive elf quite charismatically - though the script is a touch wordy at times. Emma Thompson and Michelle Yeoh steal their scenes and the Wham/George Michael soundtrack adds a soupçon of nostalgia to the proceedings. The hero is, however, a bit of a drip. Easy on the eye, but he is still a bit of a wet blanket. That said, they all look like they had fun making this, and that does come across. At any other time of year, I probably wouldn't recommend this at a cinema, but it does put a smile on your face so go on, give it a go!