Search
Search results
Merissa (13398 KP) created a post
Dec 6, 2023
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Last Christmas (2019) in Movies
Dec 8, 2019
I ummed and erred about how to start this review, should I burst into song? Should I be writing it while adorned with fairy lights? None of that is needed though, and I'll tell you why in a moment.
Kate the Christmas elf has lost her Christmas spirit, life just hasn't felt the same recently and it's affecting her friends and family as well as everything in her life. Tensions run high as she takes advantage of her close friends and slowly burns almost all of her bridges.
Then she meets Tom, he's happy-go-lucky and all about something more to life. Where she's single-minded and oblivious he's caring and mindful of everyone, the pair couldn't be more different while still being the perfect match.
So... a Christmas film using the music of George Michael. Christmas probably appears in 95% of the shots and yet at no point did I feel very Christmassy. As for the music, if I hadn't been told they use his tracks in there I would have just said they just used Last Christmas because they thought they should match the title.
A fair bit of the film takes place at night which does allow for some beautiful illuminated shots of London. The settings are all very well suited for this, I always think that Covent Garden looks like the perfect place for a Christmas paradise when it's made up properly... and that Christmas shop! I died and went to heaven!
I've had no real previous experience with Emilia Clarke as an actress, I've never knowingly seen her in anything (yes, I've never watched Game Of Thrones), but I was impressed with her portrayal of Kate. It all felt very natural, there was a lot of sass but she also managed to keep it together during the serious moments. I don't think I'll be going back to watch GoT after this but I may well give some of her other films a go.
Henry Golding plays the perfect gentleman, that might be his niche. There's nothing to object to in his performance at all, I might have some issues with the way he's written in the script but Golding brought Tom to life perfectly on screen.
The best support performance for me was definitely Santa, played by Michelle Yeoh. Santa and Kate playing off against each other was wonderful to see, no matter whether it eas a dramatic moment or a comedy one they bounced back and forth incredibly well. Seeing Yeoh listed for this was a little dubious but it was delightful to see.
Emma Thompson's portrayal was enjoyable, though the accent did change the feel of the humour. I do question why Kate's family needed to be of Croatian descent. I'm not one to say "this was trying to make a statement" but there wasn't anything of any major consequence in the film that required it to be that way. It didn't feel like the film gained anything from this apart from an opportunity to shoehorn in Brexit.
Despite my quibbling, which you know I love to do, Last Christmas was a thoroughly enjoyable film. It is much more drama than it is Christmas film, Christmas honestly feels incidental even though Emilia Clarke is dressed as an elf most of the time. Sure its message might be a little "hidden agenda" and overly sweet but it's a great bit of entertainment. Just remember, don't be the arsehole who spoils it for someone.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2019/11/last-christmas-movie-review.html
Kate the Christmas elf has lost her Christmas spirit, life just hasn't felt the same recently and it's affecting her friends and family as well as everything in her life. Tensions run high as she takes advantage of her close friends and slowly burns almost all of her bridges.
Then she meets Tom, he's happy-go-lucky and all about something more to life. Where she's single-minded and oblivious he's caring and mindful of everyone, the pair couldn't be more different while still being the perfect match.
So... a Christmas film using the music of George Michael. Christmas probably appears in 95% of the shots and yet at no point did I feel very Christmassy. As for the music, if I hadn't been told they use his tracks in there I would have just said they just used Last Christmas because they thought they should match the title.
A fair bit of the film takes place at night which does allow for some beautiful illuminated shots of London. The settings are all very well suited for this, I always think that Covent Garden looks like the perfect place for a Christmas paradise when it's made up properly... and that Christmas shop! I died and went to heaven!
I've had no real previous experience with Emilia Clarke as an actress, I've never knowingly seen her in anything (yes, I've never watched Game Of Thrones), but I was impressed with her portrayal of Kate. It all felt very natural, there was a lot of sass but she also managed to keep it together during the serious moments. I don't think I'll be going back to watch GoT after this but I may well give some of her other films a go.
Henry Golding plays the perfect gentleman, that might be his niche. There's nothing to object to in his performance at all, I might have some issues with the way he's written in the script but Golding brought Tom to life perfectly on screen.
The best support performance for me was definitely Santa, played by Michelle Yeoh. Santa and Kate playing off against each other was wonderful to see, no matter whether it eas a dramatic moment or a comedy one they bounced back and forth incredibly well. Seeing Yeoh listed for this was a little dubious but it was delightful to see.
Emma Thompson's portrayal was enjoyable, though the accent did change the feel of the humour. I do question why Kate's family needed to be of Croatian descent. I'm not one to say "this was trying to make a statement" but there wasn't anything of any major consequence in the film that required it to be that way. It didn't feel like the film gained anything from this apart from an opportunity to shoehorn in Brexit.
Despite my quibbling, which you know I love to do, Last Christmas was a thoroughly enjoyable film. It is much more drama than it is Christmas film, Christmas honestly feels incidental even though Emilia Clarke is dressed as an elf most of the time. Sure its message might be a little "hidden agenda" and overly sweet but it's a great bit of entertainment. Just remember, don't be the arsehole who spoils it for someone.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2019/11/last-christmas-movie-review.html
Obsessed book reviews (49 KP) rated Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas (Happy, Texas #2) in Books
May 7, 2019
This is the second book in this series by this author. You are always guaranteed a fantastic story with this author. This book has a sexy cowboy who meets a feisty women, the chemistry between them is electric. This is a sweet christmas romance to warm your heart this winter. This story is well paced, the perfect transition from friendship to romance to lovers. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended christmas read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
Highly recommended christmas read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
The Craggus (360 KP) rated The Princess Switch (2018) in Movies
Dec 20, 2018
The Great Christmas Bake-Off! Netflix's The Princess Switch (2018) #Review
As Netflix continues to make its big push to become the new Hallmark, a slew of cookie-cutter Christmas movies have started appearing on the streaming network. “The Princess Switch” takes the well-worn tale of “The Prince And The Pauper” and dusts it with the seasonal covering of icing sugar in the form of a fictional European principality, a conveniently staged baking competition and a pair of star-crossed would-be lovers...
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusPrincessSwitch
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusPrincessSwitch
Dean (6927 KP) rated Black Christmas (2019) in Movies
Dec 19, 2019
Plot (1 more)
No scares
A present to be returned
I was surprised to see yet another Black Christmas film as we have 2 already. The trailer looked OK if a little silly. Thought it might have gone down a tongue in cheek route. Unfortunately it tries to go down some weird preachy girls vs boys mess up with a supernatural element. So many daft decisions, no real scares and just bad storyline. Should have stuck to a more traditional slasher film. Skip this one like a gift of grey socks at Christmas!
Colin Newman recommended track Blackberry Way by The Move in Shazam by The Move in Music (curated)
5.0
Album
Favorite
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Chateau Christmas (2020) in Movies
Nov 11, 2020
Fairly run of the mill Hallmark Christmas movie made more enjoyable by the presence of Luke MacFarlane (Brothers & Sisters), who elevates everything he touches. A pianist is forced to celebrate the holidays with her family, where she reunites with her ex (a cellist), who is directing a Christmas concert at "the Chateau." Lovely music and excellent inclusion of older actors as various musicians. Patterson and MacFarlane make a good couple, no one is forced to give up their career (gasp), and there's some real and not forced emotion. Worthwhile entry in the 2020 slate.
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Anna and the Apocalypse (2018) in Movies
Dec 5, 2021
Musical numbers (1 more)
Cast
A Christmas virus
Another Christmas horror movie for the books, where the inbetweeners meets shaun of the dead (part of the actual description) in this emotional muscal ride of apocalyptic proportions as a virus quickly spreads through the world causing a Zombie outbreak where a local school is named a one of the "safe zones" (we all know what that's code for, right?) with plenty of gory kills and musical numbers perfectly written for there scenes, this apoca-flick is well worth a watch.
