Last Holiday (2006): Dir: Wayne Wang / Cast: Queen Latifah, L.L. Cool J., Timothy Hutton, Gerard Depardiau, Alicia Witt: Warm and delightful comedy about chances and living. Queen Latifah plays a cook who learns that she has only three weeks to live. She quits her job when her boss refuses to listen to reason, and decides to spend her savings doing everything she always wanted to do. This surprises the wealthy at the hotel she is staying at because of her nature. Setup works due to pacing but structure is formula and predictable. Conclusion demonstrates that happiness transpires from natural things that money cannot necessarily buy. An improvement for director Wayne Wang who previously made the awful Maid in Manhattan. Latifah holds strong playing off innocence as well as the willingness to excel without overshadowing others. L.L. Cool J. plays the standard potential boyfriend. Timothy Hutton plays the stereotypical rich snob who will get put in his place. The only supporting role that seems to elevate is Gerard Depardiau as the famous chef wooed by Latifah's love for food. And how about Alicia Witt as that snide spiteful bitch whom Latifah must give a lesson to on what life is like when you don't act like you're constantly on your period. Technically well made with great location work. Film suggests viewers to live life to the fullest as this is you last holiday. Score: 8 / 10

"Last Holiday" is one of my guilty pleasures. I watch every time I come across it.I won't go into plot details at this late date, but I will say that Latifah's performance is charming, sweet, and pretty much flawless.LL Cool J gives a surprisingly warm performance, and Alicia Witt more than rises to the occasion. She takes a stock character and gives it real depth and dimension. Kudos to Alicia.The other supporting players range from adequate to very good. Timothy Hutton, although playing a stereotypical "bad guy," manages to give his character a few good moments.The only let-down, is a comparatively weak ending. Don't get me wrong, the ending is not terrible, and it does wrap up the story, but I can picture several ways it could have been better.All in all, "Last Holiday" is well worth a look.

Queen Latifah plays Georgia Byrd, a woman on her "Last Holiday" in this 2006 film also starring Timothy Hutton, Gerard Depardieu, L.L. Cool J, Alicia Witt, and Giancarlo Esposito. Georgia works in the cookware department of a big department store chain. She's incredibly popular with customers, and at home, she keeps a "possibilities" scrapbook with recipes she's cooked copying her idol, Emeril Lagasse, photos of exotic places, and a photo of her married to her dream man (Cool J) who works with her. But her dream of a restaurant, marriage, a family - she's too shy to really go after them. Then she learns that she only has three weeks to live. She cashes in all of her retirement menu and sets off for Prague. There, she entrances everyone she meets and is unafraid to say what she thinks or take chances. Her popularity and attitudes rankle the owner of the store where she worked (Hutton) who is suspicious of her.Queen Latifah is a natural actress who radiates warmth and honesty in her portrayal of Georgia Byrd. Borrowing from "Nothing Sacred" and "Living it Up," the script emphasizes living life for all its worth and not being afraid to take chances.For all its simplicity, "Last Holiday" leaves the viewer feeling very good. It's predictable, somewhat generic, but delightful, with very good performances and the beautiful scenery of Prague as a backdrop.

Last Holiday, after watching the movie I felt really moved. Though predictable, the movie will make any man, woman, or child smile in the end. Before watching the movie, my friends told me the audience applauded at the theaters. The biggest regret I have about the movie was not watching it in theaters. No Oscar-awarded movie ever moved me like this. This is the only romantic movie I actually liked. I sadly expect a high-standard critic to despise this movie so don't be fulled by them. Honestly most movies are so complex nowadays, I tend to get lost in them. The movie is simple, funny, and something the whole family will enjoy.