Imagine the situation that Georgia Byrd has to face. After a cat scan she is told by the doctor she has an incurable disease and that her days are numbered. Anyone learning about a terminal illness must take stock of what is in store and prepare for a quiet death. Well, Georgia, on the other hand, a woman who has tried to lead a good life, foregoing material pleasures, suddenly decides to spend whatever she has doing what she wants before it's too late. She quits her job at a department store where Sean, the man she likes from a distance, also works.
Georgia has always dreamed about a fabulous vacation in places she can't afford. That is why the Grand Hotel Pupp is the only place she even contemplates. Located in the Tyrolean Alps, it's a picture perfect place for the rich and famous and since Georgia has come with the idea of enjoying herself, she doesn't mind the expense. After all, she cashed in all her securities for this last fling.
At the resort, she doesn't bat an eyelash about expenses. After all, she figures, she'd better pamper herself. Georgia realizes she must update her wardrobe as well and transforms herself into a beautiful creature. The party of Americans staying at the hotel include the senator from her home state of Louisiana and the rich man who owned the store where she worked in New Orleans. Georgia is an instant hit because she is herself all the time. She makes everyone at the hotel like her because they see in Georgia a genuine person.
Wayne Wang, the director of this film has always delivered well crafted pictures that are entertaining. This is a film loosely based on the English film of the same title that was a vehicle for Alec Guinnes and J.B. Pristley, the original writer is given credit. The adaptation for this version works out well because it's never meant to be anything more than a light comedy, a bit predictable, perhaps, but it satisfy none the less.
Queen Latifah is a natural actress with a lot of charm. She is the basic reason for watching "Last Holiday" because she dominates it with her charming presence. LL Cool J is seen as Sean, her love interest, who doesn't have much to do in the movie. Timothy Hutton plays the mean spirited American millionaire who feels upstaged by a woman who he learns was his employee. Gerard Depardieu plays Didier, a chef that sees in Georgia a kindred spirit. Alicia Witt, Giancarlo Esposito, and Michael Nouri, appear in supporting roles.
The winning combination of Wayne Wang with Queen Latifah proves to be irresistible.
Georgia has always dreamed about a fabulous vacation in places she can't afford. That is why the Grand Hotel Pupp is the only place she even contemplates. Located in the Tyrolean Alps, it's a picture perfect place for the rich and famous and since Georgia has come with the idea of enjoying herself, she doesn't mind the expense. After all, she cashed in all her securities for this last fling.
At the resort, she doesn't bat an eyelash about expenses. After all, she figures, she'd better pamper herself. Georgia realizes she must update her wardrobe as well and transforms herself into a beautiful creature. The party of Americans staying at the hotel include the senator from her home state of Louisiana and the rich man who owned the store where she worked in New Orleans. Georgia is an instant hit because she is herself all the time. She makes everyone at the hotel like her because they see in Georgia a genuine person.
Wayne Wang, the director of this film has always delivered well crafted pictures that are entertaining. This is a film loosely based on the English film of the same title that was a vehicle for Alec Guinnes and J.B. Pristley, the original writer is given credit. The adaptation for this version works out well because it's never meant to be anything more than a light comedy, a bit predictable, perhaps, but it satisfy none the less.
Queen Latifah is a natural actress with a lot of charm. She is the basic reason for watching "Last Holiday" because she dominates it with her charming presence. LL Cool J is seen as Sean, her love interest, who doesn't have much to do in the movie. Timothy Hutton plays the mean spirited American millionaire who feels upstaged by a woman who he learns was his employee. Gerard Depardieu plays Didier, a chef that sees in Georgia a kindred spirit. Alicia Witt, Giancarlo Esposito, and Michael Nouri, appear in supporting roles.
The winning combination of Wayne Wang with Queen Latifah proves to be irresistible.