Last Christmas (2019), Henry Golding, Emilia Clarke, Universal Pictures
Emilia Clarke, George Michael’s music (which is supposed to be heavily featured) and Emma Thompson are among the key reasons I felt drawn to Last Christmas, the latest comedy/romance from Spy (2015) director Paul Feig.
Also starring Henry Golding, at the centre of the film is Kate, a young woman who works at a Christmas store as Santa’s elf.
Kate also happens to be subscribed to making bad decisions; a truth that only starts to change after she meets the seemingly perfect Tom (Golding).
I found myself immediately happy as soon as Last Christmas began, thanks to the beautiful singing at the very beginning. Then came Michelle Yeoh and Thompson’s fun dialogue, plus impressive comic and dramatic timing. Another personal highlight is the Covent Garden setting, one of my favourite parts of London.
Overall though, Last Christmas isn’t quite my favourite London based Christmas film – and that’s largely because the story isn’t especially memorable. It really felt watchable at best. The fact that the key revelation towards the end is one I figured out before it was confirmed also didn’t help my enjoyment of Feig’s film.
Additionally, I expected George Michael’s music to be more prominently featured. However, in fairness, it may also be that it was heavily featured and I’m just not quite as familiar with Michael’s back catalogue as I thought.
Last Christmas is kind of ‘easy viewing’ and it’s one you watch if you’re curious enough. Also, maybe watch it for Yeoh and Thompson’s fun performances; plus the aforementioned beautiful singing at the very beginning.
Michelle Yeoh, Emma Thompson, Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding are the stars of new comedy/romance Last Christmas, the latest from Spy (2015) and Bridesmaids (2011) director Paul Feig.
At the centre of the story is a Kate, a young woman subscribed to bad decisions. After accepting a job as Santa’s elf for a department store, Kate soon meets Tom there and her life takes a turn that seems too good to be true….
After realising the similarity between Clarke and her character Kate’s story, Last Christmas has become even more intriguing.
As such, I’ve now decided that I’m going to ignore the cheesy line that made me wince a little after 2:35 minutes into the above trailer and just look forward to Christmas. Reason being, that is precisely when the mood for a film just like this tends to hit me, HARD!
The fact that George Michael’s music will be featured quite heavily is a plus. There’s also the London, England setting, particularly my beloved Covent Garden.
Patti LuPone, Nasir Jama, Ingrid Oliver, Ansu Kabia, Sue Perkins, Lydia Leonard, Rebecca Root, David Mumeni, Helena Holmes and Jade Anouka also star.
Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke and Woody Harrelson are the stars of Solo – A Star Wars Story, another instalment of the many more star wars movies to follow.
Directed by Ron Howard, the story is set years before the Rebellion when, in the midst of an adventure into a dark criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future copilot Chewbacca and encounters Lando Calrissian…
I’m intrigued by Solo’s implied rebel ways but that’s about it really. I’m still no closer to watching my first Star Wars movie. One day it’s possible that someone, somewhere will convince me. It just hasn’t happened yet.
Thandie Newton, Paul Bettany and Warwick Davis also star.
In Voice From The Stone, Emilia Clarke plays a solemn nurse whose task it is to aid a young boy who hasn’t spoken since his mother passed suddenly. Also starring Marton Csokas and Caterina Murino, this Eric D. Howell directed thriller is set in 1950s Tuscany…
If I were in the mood to be completely ridiculous, I’d say that Emilia Clarke has been ‘typecast’ because this is the second film where she’s been ‘brought in to help an unwell young man recover’. The first film of course being 2016’s romantic movie, Me Before You. The real truth is, I’m far too wise and therefore know only too well that twice does not a typecast actor make.
Watching Voice From The Stone shouldn’t be difficult for me because it’s not exactly a horror film. Also, I love Italy and I’m far too young to know what Tuscany was like in the 1950s but I want to know, so…
I enjoyedMe Before You as one of those films you don’t mind watching even though you know what’s going to happen. The entire cast which includes Charles Dance and Vanessa Kirby, along with the leads, Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke performed well. No one portrayal stood out for me more than the others.
A favourite moment that I remember fondly is the gift giving scene at the birthday do. The beautiful moment Emilia’s character opens hers and all that it means was just great. One other highlight has to be the parting words to the hostess, Sharon, right after the horse racing.
I’d heard plenty before I sat down to watch this movie. Things about how sad the story really is – especially considering what happens inthe end. It’s definitely sad but I also had fun. A few tears were shed but nothing major; especially since usually, I’m quite the ‘boohooer’ (a new word I just made up).
If you like a good romantic movie, watch Me Before You because it’s not a bad one. Another reason to watch is to help one’s understanding of those in situations similar to that of Claflin’s character. I for one agree with his freedom to decide.
Game Of Thrones (2011-), Michiel Huisman (Daario Naharis)
Based on the short stories by George R.R. Martin, my original plan to start watching Game of Thrones – only when the entire show is over has failed. I’m nearly up to date and I get why it’s a hit. The stories, characters, execution and eye candy are all part of the magic.
Soon after starting, I had strong doubts as to whether I could commit to watching the evil of the Lannisters and worse. Believe me, worse evil definitely follows. I eventually persevered but only after I was reassured that the Lannisters get whats coming to them in the following seasons.
To put it very simply, Game of Thrones is a fantasy TV show about the fight between several noble families for ultimate power; the power to sit upon the iron throne and rule over the land.
Game Of Thrones (2011-), Jack Gleeson (Joffrey Baratheon)
What became clear to me quite quickly as I watched is that there really is only one true royal that the iron throne appears to belong to. The real question is whether the rightful owner will win it. Having not read the books on which Game of Thrones is based, I have no idea – and with the shows reputation for killing characters the audience gets attached to, absolutely anything is possible. Even with all that I think the belief that evil is not going to win in the end is important. It’s part of the reason why I’m sticking with it; to see how evil is ended and everything concluded.
At this current point in season 6, I have to admit that I’m ready for things to be permanently wrapped up. Don’t get me wrong. Though I wouldn’t call myself as completely obsessed, I like the show and some characters. Especially Peter dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister (because of his dialogue), Tom Wlaschiha’s Jaqen H’ghar (because of the general mystery plus the rhythm of his speech). Then there’s Kit Harrington’s John Snow and his impeccable hair, of course.
Game Of Thrones (2011-) Tom Wlaschiha (Jagen H’gher) & Maisie Williams (Arya Stark)
As for a few things about the show that I wish weren’t so, I think there are too many different stories and they’re not always the ones you wish you were watching in a given hour long episode.
At one or two moments, I did find myself thinking ‘but does that ring true?’ For example, if you’re likely to be killed very shortly unless someone in the most deep of ‘sleeps’ wakes up and helps, would you not slap them in the face at least once when simply shouting and shaking them isn’t working? I’m not saying the slap would definitely work, but surely you would slap someone? Particularly if a bucket of iced water isn’t an option. It may just be that everyone is just not as smart / violent as I am. Perhaps. Wink, wink.
Game Of Thrones (2011-), Kit Harrington (Jon Snow) & Ciarán Hinds (Mance Rayder)
There’s no doubt that Game of Thrones is good, it’s just a question of whether it’s your kind of good. What has impressed me most about the show isn’t a single character or story line, but rather, the 10-15 minute action sequence when the white walkers attack the wildlings. Epic is most definitely the word. I was gripped for every single second of that, thanks to a great musical score, well choreographed action, good editing and everything else.
Based on the title alone, todays is for a romantic film. Directed by Thea Sharrock, Me Before You is based on a best-selling book of the same name by Jojo Moyes and it stars Sam Claflin of Love, Rosie (2014) and Emilia Clarke (Game Of Thrones)…
Trailer 1
Trailer 2
Unfortunately, for lovers of everything love, Me Before You will be here very soon for June is just around the corner. Trailer two is good. I needed to know no more after it. Trailer two is also good. I Though I half wish I hadn’t seen it because I’d rather just watch the movie.
Matthew Lewis, Jenna Coleman and Charles Dance also star.
The Movie My Life 