 Last Holiday
MPAA Rating:
 for some sexual referenceReviewed by: Rosemarie Ute Hoffman Average
Moviemaking Quality:
 ½Primary Audience:
Adults
Genre:
Action/Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Length:
_____
Year of Release:
2006
USA Release:
January 13, 2006 (wide)
        Relevant Issues
 Is Jesus Christ the answer to your questions?
 Paradise or Pain? Why is the world the way it is?
  
“She always thought she was somebody… and she was.”
Last Holiday is an awakening of sorts that pulls at the heartstrings. Queen Latifah, who portrays Ms. Georgia Byrd, reminds us that life is to be lived to its fullest—and sometimes as though we are dying. Her character is a quiet and demure do-gooder who works for a retail department store, and who dreams of possibilities. Although she has big dreams, her fears keep her from fulfilling them until she is diagnosed with a fatal disease. Georgia is a no-frills woman who finds it difficult to muster up the courage to share her feelings with her love interest Sean Matthews (LL Cool J). Sean and Georgia’s secret love for one another is nothing more than a dance, whereby unwanted purchases and run-ins at the department store are the usual. It is not until the very end when Sean travels halfway around the world to get his queen that they finally connect romantically. The most encouraging theme throughout this film is the on-going dialogue of Georgia with God. After her world turns upside down with news of her sudden illness, she questions God repeatedly, “Lord, why me?” During a Sunday service as a choir member, Georgia questions God again aloud during a lull. She is finally motivated to not only use her full voice, but steps out in front of the congregation and down the pews in a gospel flair with a few questions that include, “Come on Lord, why? I followed your commandments. Why, Lord!” In a desperate attempt to understand her destiny, she cries over a bottle of wine, while she asks herself why she did not pursue those things she dreamed of. After having an epiphany about her life not yet being over, she books a trip to a destination where there are healing waters—Karlovy Vary—in the Czech Republic. She arrives at the Grand Hotel Pupp, a complex of buildings first erected by the order of the then Lord Mayor Deiml in 1701. With its large-scale columns, crystal chandeliers and gilded cherubim that adorn the lobby ceiling it is enough to bring anyone to tears. And, Georgia with her new appetite for life is eager to share in the beauty of her surroundings. Trying to live out the best of her last few weeks at this fantasy getaway, Georgia meets up with the most unlikely characters. Senator Dillings (Giancarlo Esposito) from her home state of Louisiana is there, who just happened to pull a no-show the Sunday before at her church. The senator has an obvious for sale sign on his forehead when he is found in the company of Matthew Kragen (Timothy Hutton) author of a get rich book, and owner of Kragen stores. Matthew’s obnoxious attitude towards life and people has him in competition, while the rest of his intimate group are being captivated by Georgia’s new found freedom in living, loving, laughing, and letting loose. Georgia strikes up a surprise friendship with Chef Didier (Grard Depardieu) of the Grand Hotel Pupp. They discover they both share a passion for food and during this unexpected dish of friendship, Chef Didier shares with Georgia the secret of life while using a turnip analogy—an undesirable vegetable that gets better—“It’s not how you start, but how you finish!” The movie does allow an offhanded remark with reference to Ms. Burns (Alicia Witt) the mistress of Matthew Kragen “going down” on him. Unfortunately, there are numerous expressions of expletives, which are strewn throughout, but not exaggerated to the point that it subtracts from the inspiring story line. Still, parents/caregivers please consider that serious illnesses and dying are sensitive topics for young children, and some preteens. During what should be her last weeks of life, Georgia discovers a few truths that many never realize in their senior years. In a poignant scene, where she talks to herself in a mirror she professes, “You’re so lucky. You didn’t get everything you wanted. I should have laughed and loved more. I should have seen the world.” Her candor does not stop there. She sheds further light on life’s secret during a dinner party where she tells her new friends that, “The things we care about are pretty worthless.” A future without God is worthless, regardless of our allotted time here on earth. What makes a fulfilled life is not about acquiring or doing things, but should be a life driven by God’s purposes along with being free to love and laugh, with courage and a full voice! We should be more concerned with our relationship with Christ than fulfilling a to-do list before our eternity begins.
Violence: None / Profanity: Mild / Sex/Nudity: Mild See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Positive - Overall wholesome movie. This movie has an eye opening theme. 'Life is but a vapor', is what it brings to mind. No sexual content or violence. Counted strong language approximately 4 times. This is an excellent ministry tool for women ages 30 to 50. Teaches life is precious, be honest to yourself and others. Would be willing to spend $ to view this one. Positive - I was hoping this movie would be clean and funny, and I wasn’t disappointed. Last Holiday was a very entertaining and fun film, and Queen Latifah did an excellent job as the shy Georgia. There were only a few objectionable words in the movie, and no 'innuendos' or offensive jokes, which I was very happy about! Also, although Latifah’s character isn’t perfect (she does use at least one swear word in the movie), she is portrayed as a woman who loves God and keeps believing in Him and talking to Him throughout the film, even after she hears devasting news. This movie actually encouraged me in my faith! Georgia seems to learn that God always has His hand in her life… which is a very uplifting thing for Christians to remember! Positive - This is a very enoyable and funny movie. I wish Hollywood would sit up and listen. They can make great comedies without the foul language and sex. Positive - The Last Holiday is the remake of a classic of the same name. Although I
have not seen the predecessor, I do understand that the movie is quite
different, especially with concern to the ending. When I went to see this
movie, I was honestly had very negative expectations because I thought
that the previews just looked pretty lame. However when I was done, I
was presently surprised and really enjoyed the movie all together. Positive - Wonderful movie. One of the cleanest and best movies I’ve seen in years. Definitely worth spending a few dollars to go see. Positive - This was overall a good movie. The scenery was beautiful and quality of the movie was good. It was very upbeat and the moral of the story of was good. However, I think it is offensive for younger children. The movie had several offensive words and a couple of offensive situations. The overall movie was good. Positive - …there were several scenes which made us uncomfortable. In one scene, Georgia bumps her head on a cabinet and becomes unconscious. She then has a vision of her male counterpart undressing and erotically sucking on his fingers in preparation for…well, you can figure it out. In another scene, a supporting actress is complaining of neck pain during a massage and Georgia tells her it is due to her having 'gone down' on her boss, who happens to be married and cheating on his wife. Overall, it was a cute film with some good moral lessons to be learned, but I would personally not let anyone younger than 15 see it without giving it some thought. Positive - Very good clean movie. I was delighted with Queen’s performance and the cute story line. The romantic element was in good, clean taste, and the lesson of the movie, a good Biblical one. I think I counted only about 3 curse words. Definitely a good one for someone wanting to go out and see something clean. Positive - What a joy! It is so rare to freely enjoy movies at the theater, and this is one I would like to thank the entertainment industry for! We laughed, we cried, and we walked out wanting it to continue! It was also refreshing to see Christianity as uplifting and positive. They presented God as faithful! Wow! Comments from young people
Positive - I really thought this movie had a good point, good acting and a great storyline. Queen Latifah is good at acting and has a beutiful way of portraying her character. I love her in this movie. As the other actors go they too were excellent. I think that in a christian perspective there is nothing wrong with this movie. The only thing that got to me was the fact that the guy was cheating on his wife with his, I think it was his secretary. But that got a good ending. Also it doesn’t show any dissobeying clothes, just everyday clothes we wear. I truly think that this movie gives a good moral statement, to enjoy life and see the gift that God has offered. I give this movie a 100% and advise everyone of every age to see it. Positive - I went to this movie with my friends not knowing what it would be like. I was happily surprised and laughed through the whole movie, being throughly entertained. There are only a few curse words, and I think one bad joke. Throughout the movie Georgia keeps talking to God, and there’s a point in the movie where she’s at church. The movie was awesome, and I would go see it again if I could! Positive - I love this movie, I thought it would be kind of stupid, But, it really isn't. It's a good movie, and it teaches you to follow your dreams. I don't know why it's rated PG-13. There's nothing really bad in it. Positive - “Last Holiday” woke me up to the reality of our short life on Earth. I realized that we have such a short time to do so much stuff: fun and not-so-fun. Georgia Byrd, after realizing she would die soon, helped others she came into contact with see the things they needed to fix 'now.' Christ gave her an awesome sense of humor, and she used that gift to convict in a kind and encouraging but frank way. |
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