LAST CHRISTMAS
****
Dir: Paul Feig (12A, 102 mins)
A feelgood romantic comedy set around the music of Wham! and George Michael; directed by Paul Feig, the man behind Bridesmaids and Spy, with Emma Thompson and Bryony Kummings on writing duties, Last Christmas should provide a modicum of Yuletide cheer. Emilia Clarke plays Kate, a moody elf in a year-round Christmas shop who is all front and no festive cheer. When Henry Golding’s Tom strides suavely on the scene, however, he breaks down some of her barriers and she finds herself reawakening. But who is this mysterious stranger and why is he always popping up around snowy London streets? Emma Thompson dons an accent as Kate’s mother and there’s an advent calendar full of cameos from the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Rob Delaney, Sue Perkins, Patti LuPone, Andrew Ridgeley and Richard Curtis himself, to whom this film owes an obvious debt. Bittersweet, with a picture-perfect tourist’s version of wintry London, this is a Quality Street confection aimed at warming the heart, with that Wham! classic forming the backbone of the story. Other songs from George Michael’s songbook play in the background, but thankfully this isn’t a jukebox musical, rather a romantic comedy drama that utilizes the music well. Expect laughs, tears and endless repeats around Christmas time on telly in years to come.
Opens Nov 15
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