CORPORATE LINE: Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) lives a small life tucked inside big dreams. A shy cookware salesperson for a New Orleans retail outlet, she handles knives and skillets with the flair of a master chef. But when Georgia learns her days are numbered, she throws caution to the wind and embarks on a dream holiday vacation to a grand resort in Europe. There, thinking she has nothing to lose, Georgia undergoes a metamorphosis… and her transformation affects everyone around her. Georgia’s newly uninhibited personality shakes up staff and guests alike, including a venerated chef (Gerard Depardieu) as well as a retail magnate (Timothy Hutton) who becomes convinced she’s a rival intent on sabotaging his business plans. From snowy slopes to spectacular spas, delectable dinners to midnight balls, Georgia is going to live a lifetime of fun in just a few weeks…
THE REVIEW: Last Holiday isn’t meant to be taken seriously. This is 100% fiction—not at its best—but a movie that can take you a way for an hour-and-a-half. It leaves viewers to question what they would do in a similar situation. What would you do if you had only so long to live? Would you run and hide and be in denial? Or go on a holiday? Would you live it up and spend every penny you have? These questions are what make Last Holiday fun.
Queen Latifah is entertaining but can’t carry the film. Gerard Depardieu is the scene stealer. Latifah is continually saved by Depardieu in each of their scenes together. One of the best aspects of Last Holiday is the total disregard for the usual stereotypes of African-Americans. Too often films with African-American’s in the lead roll become little more than a stereotype. Race never comes into play and that is one of the better aspects of Last Holiday.
FRANKLY: Last Holiday is amusing. There is no easier way to describe it. Sure you’ll check reality at the door. Thankfully you don’t have to check your funny-bone along with it.
+ Charlie Craine
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