“Last Christmas,” a new, promising holiday film, may not satisfy viewers’ expectations. Though filled with great cinematography and actors, the film’s plot is confusing and at points feels like it’s trying too hard.
“Last Christmas,” a romantic Christmas movie about self-discovery, was released in theatres on Nov. 8. This movie clearly had potential but may fall short of viewers’ expectations.
New holiday romantic comedy “Last Christmas”, was released in local theaters on Nov. 8, leaving viewers confused and disappointed, definitely changing how one hears the Wham! holiday favorite.
The story follows 26-year-old Kate (Emilia Clarke) and her trials and tribulations following her heart transplant. A chance encounter with easygoing and handsome Tom (Henry Golding) causes her to rethink her destructive habits such as her alcoholism and selfishness. As they spend more time together, she begins to take his advice and lead a more fulfilling life, mending the relationships she had damaged with her friends and family and coming to understand her own role in her difficulties.
Ultimately, viewers are presented with scenes that are gimmicky and stale, diminishing the story and making the movie impossible to embrace fully.
“Last Christmas” is a visual feast of enchanting London, England settings, festive lighting and eccentric moments. The supporting cast is littered with seasoned performers being excellent in minor roles.
In the end though, talented actors, gorgeous cinematography and likeable lead characters are not enough to save “Last Christmas” from a feeble, cliché-filled romantic comedy plot and often uninspired or painfully awkward dialog. Overly quirky supporting characters become bizarre and cartoon-like when they are not stereotypical holiday movie inhabitants.
The vibe fluctuates between independent movie and typical rom-com pretense. This makes it hard for viewers to decide if it was a bad romantic comedy or a pitiful attempt at parody.
This whimsical yet clunky film is trying too hard to be the next great Christmas movie. The film just doesn’t build up enough goodwill for viewers to want to believe in the magic. “Last Christmas” is mostly pleasant and sometimes truly amusing, but far from the big sensation it was clearly intended to be.
