Last Holiday parents guide

Last Holiday Parent Guide

Overall B

When Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) is told she is going to die, she suddenly realizes she has never really lived. Cashing out her savings account, the terminally ill woman determines to take one Last Holiday and explore life's possibilities during the short time she has remaining.

Release date January 12, 2006

Violence B
Sexual Content B-
Profanity C
Substance Use C

Why is Last Holiday rated PG-13? The MPAA rated Last Holiday PG-13 for some sexual reference

Run Time: 112 minutes

Parent Movie Review

The spirit of legendary director Frank Capra permeates the script of Queen Latifah’s Last Holiday, the feel-good film about a reticent salesclerk. After discovering she is terminally ill, Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) quits her job to embrace the remaining weeks of her life.

Cashing in her bonds and savings, the once diet-driven woman resolves to realize the dreams she’s recorded in her Book of Possibilities. Flying to an expensive hotel in the Czech Republic, the aspiring cook takes pleasure in the fine foods prepared by world-renowned Chef Didier (Gerard Depardieu) and languishes on the luxurious sheets in the Presidential suite.

However her arrival at the Grand Hotel Pupp causes a stir among some of the other guests. Matthew Kragen (a younger and hipper but equally heartless version of Mr. Potter from It’s A Wonderful Life) owns the retail chain where Georgia worked, still has no idea who the former employee is. Staying at the hotel with his mistress, Ms. Burns (Alicia Witt), he is appealing for legislative support from Senator Dillings (Giancarlo Esposito) and Congressman Stewart (Michael Nouri) for some new business acquisitions. Disturbed by the appearance of the apparently wealthy, but unknown woman, Matthew (Timothy Hutton) scurries around trying to discover her identity.

In the meantime, Georgia, learning to put aside her inhibitions, goes base-jumping, rides in a helicopter and stands up for the staff when uppity patrons at the establishment berate their performance. Only one dream, revealing her feelings for her coworker Sean (LL Cool J), fails to materialize.

The plot of the goodhearted hero/heroine facing crushing life circumstances isn’t original and the screenplay stays true to the recipe. Portraying rich people as rude and service providers as incompetent, the script relies on stereotypical depictions for many of the cast members. Content concerns include excessive drinking, brief sexual references and infrequent moderate profanities that distract from an otherwise predictable yet heartwarming storyline. Fortunately, even a depressing premise and ridiculous scenarios can’t keep Queen Latifah’s energetic performance from giving oomph to her character and life to the film.

Taking the time to relish life is a deathbed reality for Georgia who regrets the years she wasted dreaming instead of doing. Learning to laugh more, love more and overcome fear is a worthwhile lesson. For time-starved viewers (who may be around for a while), the real trick will be following Georgia’s lead to live for today, while remembering there is still a tomorrow.

Starring Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton. Running time: 112 minutes. Theatrical release January 12, 2006. Updated

Last Holiday
Rating & Content Info

Why is Last Holiday rated PG-13? Last Holiday is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some sexual reference

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Georgia develops an interest in Sean and shares sexual comments about him with her female coworker. Following a workplace accident, she hallucinates about intimate activities between the two of them. Other sexually suggestive references are made about an adulterous couple. Female back nudity is shown through a screen in a spa setting. Characters in the film often turn to alcohol as an antidote when faced with devastating life setbacks. One man is portrayed as drunken and suicidal.

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Last Holiday Parents' Guide

According to Matthew Kragen, what makes a person important? How accurate are the stereotypical portrayals of rich people? How does Georgia treat the hotel staff and why does she do it?

Living everyday as if it were your last is one sentiment expressed in this script. What is the balance between living each day fully, and planning for the future? In what ways (other than spending all her money) does Georgia enjoy life? How does she affect people around her?

Georgia’s Book of Possibilities includes pamphlets and pictures of things she would like to experience or accomplish. How important are these visual reminders of her dreams? What would you put in your own book?

Video alternatives…

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Last Holiday movie is May 1, 2006. Here are some details…

DVD Notes: Last Holiday
DVD Release Date: 2 May 2006
Paramount Home Entertainment has packed up a number of bonus extras for the DVD release of Last Holiday. The sentimental journey includes deleted scenes, three featurettes, two recipes from the film and the theatrical trailer. Audio tracks are available in English (Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround) and French (Dolby Digital 5.1), with subtitles in English and Spanish.

Related home video titles:

In A Walk to Remember, Mandy Moore plays the part of a preacher’s, frumpy daughter who’s written a list of life goals she wants to accomplish. Known for trumpeting the plight of the average man, Frank Capra’s films include Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town as well as his Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life.