This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 113! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there, lovely people! 🌈
So, after a recent deep dive into heavy dramas and a horror flick that left me checking under my bed more times than I’d like to admit, I decided my soul needed a bit of uplifting. Enter “Last Holiday,” directed by Wayne Wang, a 2006 gem starring the ever-fabulous Queen Latifah, and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint! I absolutely adored this movie. It was like a much-needed breath of fresh air or, you know, like finding an extra fried cheese curd at the bottom of your takeout bag. Pure joy!
The plot? Oh, it’s a doozy in the best possible way. Imagine this: Georgia Byrd, played by the queen herself, is a kind-hearted but unassuming department store employee with a passion for cooking and a secret crush on her co-worker, the dreamy LL Cool J (yes, you read that right!). Her life takes a wild turn when a terminal diagnosis convinces her she only has weeks to live. Girl, talk about a wake-up call!
But instead of succumbing to despair, Georgia decides to seize the day (and her savings account) and embarks on a luxurious European vacation, living it up like she’s got a first-class ticket to the afterlife. From swanky hotels and Michelin-starred meals to skiing down mountains and gambling like a high roller (though, let’s be honest, with Queen Latifah’s charm, she probably could have talked her way into anything), Georgia throws herself into every experience with infectious enthusiasm. It’s the kind of storyline that makes you want to stand up and cheer for her, especially when she starts ticking items off her bucket list like there’s no tomorrow—because, for her, there might not be.
There’s this amazing scene where she has this heart-to-heart with the renowned Chef Didier, played by the legendary Gérard Depardieu. They bond over, you guessed it, food (because what else brings people together like a good meal?), and Didier drops this gem: “The meaning of life? Butter.” Deep, right? But also kind of true. Savor the good stuff, people!
But it’s not all champagne wishes and caviar dreams. Georgia grapples with the weight of her supposed illness, the guilt of keeping it a secret, and the fear of letting go of the life she’s built, even if it wasn’t exactly fulfilling. There’s humor, sure, but also genuine emotional depth.
And let’s talk about the cast! Queen Latifah is, well, a queen. She brings so much warmth, humor, and vulnerability to Georgia that you can’t help but root for her. LL Cool J is charming as ever, and the supporting cast, including Giancarlo Esposito and Alicia Witt, adds layers of humor and heart.
Since I was in desperate need of something lighter, “Last Holiday” felt like it was made just for me. It’s funny without trying too hard, touching without being overly sappy, and just the right amount of inspirational without turning into a motivational poster.
This movie really has heart. It’s a reminder that life is short, and sometimes, we need a little push to start living it to the fullest. Georgia’s journey from a reserved, dream-deferring wallflower to a woman who embraces every moment is the kind of transformation story I’m here for.
Random true fact time: Did you know that the hotel scenes were filmed at the Grandhotel Pupp in the Czech Republic? The place is as grandiose in real life as it appears in the film. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale, which adds to the whole fantasy vibe of Georgia’s adventure.
So yeah, “Last Holiday” hit me right in the feels. It was the perfect palate cleanser after those heavy dramas and that one horror flick that shall not be named (because I’d like to sleep tonight, thank you very much). It’s a film that whispers to you, “Hey, it’s okay to dream big and live even bigger,” and honestly, that’s a message I can get behind.
So, if you’re looking for a movie that’s a mix of laughs, life lessons, and a little luxury, give “Last Holiday” a whirl. It might just be the cinematic hug you didn’t know you needed.
Catch you on the flip side, ✌️
Roger