The Last Holiday reviews are now coming in. Queen Latifa has become something of a poster child for “Squandered Opportunity”. You see, following her Oscar nomination (when people were recognizing that this lady can actually act… it took her YEARS… but she got there) she failed to follow up with more challenging roles in better films. Instead opting for stupid frat comedies (Bringing Down the House, Scary Movie 3, The Cookout, Beauty Shop, Taxi).
So now here comes along Last Holiday, a slightly higher brow project from her previous efforts, giving her the pure 100% spotlight and chance to show her stuff. And while the critics aren’t loving Last Holiday… they are, for the most part, enjoying her in it. Here’s what some of the critics have to say about Last Holiday:
“One of the most likable performers in the business, Queen Latifah finally gets a vehicle that gives her formidable talents and expansive spirit plenty of blooming room.”
Michael Rechtshaffen, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER“The most fatal pitfall is a purely Hollywood ending that would be enraging if it wasn’t such an obvious foregone conclusion.”
Dustin Putman, THEMOVIEBOY.COM“The gifted and charming Latifah deserves a better role than the bunch of cliche’s she’s asked to propogate about the wonders of American consumerism in this fluffy and inconsequential remake of the far superior 1950 Alec Guinness comedy.”
Emanuel Levy, EMANUELLEVY.COM“She’s (Queen Latifa) the unexpected and hugely effective star of Last Holiday, a pleasant trifle made far better than it should be by her effortless charm and expansive spirit.”
Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
As of this moment, Last Holiday is only carrying a 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, so it’s not exactly going to be the classic that could propel Queen Latifa into the A-List… but at worst it seems to at least be a step in the right direction for her.
Just PLEASE someone make sure she doesn’t do another film with Jimmy Fallon.
I went to a screening for Last Holiday with low expecations subliminally brainwashed by the Movie Blog. To my surprise, it was actually an entertaining movie and the first Queen Latifah flick I have liked. It’s a good movie.