I’m not typically drawn to straightforward romantic comedies; they rarely elicit strong feelings from me, and when I do enjoy one, it often blends elements of other genres like musicals or dramas. Most rom-coms leave me feeling content enough, but very few genuinely disappoint or evoke negative reactions. Paul Feig has created some memorable comedies in the past—including *Bridesmaids*, *Spy*, and the underrated *A Simple Favor*—and with Emma Thompson (as Adelia) involved both as a supporting actress and screenwriter, alongside Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding as the leads, I initially felt quite enthusiastic about *Last Christmas*. This holiday film lands somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. While I wouldn't say I particularly "like" it, I did leave the cinema feeling reasonably entertained and pleasantly satisfied. There’s a dramatic undercurrent present throughout, but it isn't fully explored, maintaining a generally cheerful and festive atmosphere. Clarke and Golding have undeniable chemistry, and their romantic scenes are sweet and emotionally resonant. However, the film doesn’t offer anything new; it adheres to the same predictable tropes found in countless other rom-coms. The one bold choice made was a plot twist that unfortunately raises several logical inconsistencies. Rather than delivering a truly moving emotional impact, it primarily creates an initial surprise that dissipates upon reflection. Despite this, I appreciate the attempt at originality. It's challenging to execute a successful twist, and without it, I likely would have forgotten about the film almost immediately after leaving the theater. So, congratulations on trying something different, even if it didn’t entirely succeed for me. Emma Thompson is excellent as Kate’s mother, delivering consistent humor and some of the movie's funniest lines. Michelle Yeoh (as Santa) also has a few amusing moments, though her subplot feels somewhat forced. Emilia Clarke embodies her character's awkwardness and clumsiness effortlessly; anyone familiar with Clarke’s interviews will recognize that Kate is essentially an exaggerated version of Clarke herself. Despite facing hardship, she remains charming and inherently good, having experienced a traumatic event that significantly altered her life. Golding is perfectly cast as the glamorous lead his role demanded. Their relationship develops in a way that feels somewhat unrealistic, although this might be partially explained by the twist in the final act. However, other aspects of the plot are less convincing. My biggest criticism lies with those last 20 minutes. Beyond the twist itself, every subplot is resolved too conveniently, as if nothing had happened—from a sensitive family matter concerning sexual orientation to Yeoh's entire storyline. It’s a mixed bag of good and bad writing choices; there are moments of excitement and sharp turns, but largely it feels like a slow, unremarkable ride. *Last Christmas* aspired to become the next beloved holiday classic, but ultimately falls short. Despite its strong cast—featuring two captivating leads in Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding—Paul Feig has created a lighthearted and festive film that is unfortunately weighed down by clichés and a twist that doesn't quite land. Emma Thompson shines in her supporting role, but she and Bryony Kimmings struggled to cohesively tie up the loose ends of the various subplots. Despite its shortcomings, I would still recommend it to those who enjoy seasonal movies with an uplifting message, some amusing moments, and a soundtrack featuring George Michael’s popular songs. Rating: C+

Source on TMDB