“Last Holiday” an over-fluffy comedy
What would you do if you found out you had only three weeks to live? Would you live your life differently in its final days? Would you finally make your dreams become realities? Queen Latifah (“Chicago”) does all of these things as the leading lady in this fluffy, humble comedy about individual worth and living life to the fullest.
Latifah plays Georgia Byrd, a quiet, unassuming department store clerk whose secret love for a co-worker (LL Cool J, “Deep Blue Sea”) and talent for the culinary arts are the only things to disrupt her lonely, monotonous life. A clumsy bump on the head sends her to the doctor who diagnoses her with a terminal illness and states she has only three weeks left before her inevitable death. After the requisite period of sadness and tears, Georgia liquidates her assets and takes a journey across the globe to do all the things she has dreamed of. These dreams include snowboarding, gambling, lots of eating and a fancy new wardrobe.
While most of the comic material is rather prosaic and recycled, Latifah injects healthy doses of ghetto-black humor into every scene which helps the film sustain an entertaining and likable spunk. She proves to be a capable leading lady, through her consistent energy and sweetness, although not an explosive or commanding one. LL Cool J is rather minor in his role and just seems to be there so Latifah can have someone suitable to stare at. The rest of the supporting cast functions in much same way, just so Latifah can have a diverse group of people to help her along her passage to self-discovery. These supporting actors include Timothy Hutton (“Kinsey”) as a condescending businessman and Alicia Witt (“Two Weeks Notice”) as his subservient lover.
Director, Wayne Wang (“Maid in Manhattan”) has created another predictable romantic comedy and although you pretty much know how this story will end, he treats us to plenty of joyful, funny moments along the way. Nobody tries too hard in this film, which thankfully keeps it on an average level. And you never have to think very hard while watching. Fans of Latifah will surely enjoy themselves as she struts through each scene with a gradual confidence and charm. But laughter does not necessarily abound throughout this film due to the shaky imbalance of light humor and serious heart.
Although not being very original or brilliant, and having its fair share of bothersome plot holes, “Last Holiday” fits moderately well into the comedy genre. It scores some points for its tireless message of human value and the precious qualities of life that so many of us take for granted. At the film’s conclusion, Georgia realizes that the time to live your dreams is now. Life is too short for procrastination and our feelings are too important to be wasted with fear and doubt. Just like a Hallmark card, the film’s message is cheesy and old but its wholesomeness still manages to make us smile for at least a few seconds.
Casey T. Allen is a critic for the Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent to caseyal@cc.usu.edu.
Grade: B-