Content Warning: Some spoilers for the 1950 and 2006 movies “Last Holiday.”

It is offensive that when “Last Holiday” first debuted in 2006, it received mixed reviews from critics and underperformed at the box office. Occasionally, people discuss it, but it hasn’t yet earned its well-deserved status as a cult classic.

“Last Holiday” is a remake of the 1950 film “Last Holiday,” which I’ve never watched, but it’s on my list. The original film starred English actor Alec Guinness as George Bird, a mild-mannered salesman who mistakenly believes he has only a few weeks to live. Guinness’ character proceeds to blow his savings on a fabulous vacation and, in the process, gets a new lease on life. John Candy was originally set to star in the remake, but after his passing, the script was rewritten to star Queen Latifah. The casting of Queen Latifah, a plus-size black woman, in a role that was originated by an English actor, as well as the uplifting ending, drastically changed the film’s tone.

“Last Holiday” is a joyful, satisfying movie about a woman who finally lives her life to the fullest. Georgia Byrd works in kitchen appliances at a Department store in New Orleans, presumably making minimum wage despite being overqualified, and makes safe choices instead of doing what she wants. She has a crush on her coworker (LL Cool Jay) but is too shy to act on it.

Then she receives news of her “diagnosis,” and everything changes. As it’s 2006 and she lives in the United States, her health insurance refuses to cover her treatment, meaning she only has a few weeks left to live. Faced with this tragic news, she decides to live out her dream. She books a trip to Karlovy Vary, a spa town in the Czech Republic, and stays at the Grandhotel Pupp, with the intention of dining on the exquisite dishes prepared by Chef Didier (portrayed by Gérard Depardieu, who I immensely regretted looking up while writing about this movie). 

My favorite scene in this movie, and possibly in every movie ever, is when Georgia swans into the dining for her first night. She’s just given herself an expensive makeover and looks stunning, donning a red silk dress and simple jewelry. She sits at a table by herself, and upon hearing all of the specials and learning that Chef Didier never repeats a special, she orders everything on the menu. At a nearby table, other guests at the hotel take an interest in her, especially when Chef Didier himself comes out to speak with her. Every time I watch this scene, I feel like I’m the one wearing the beautiful dress, commanding the attention of everyone in the room and indulging in the finest food in the world.  

As someone who cried in dressing rooms while trying to find a fitting prom dress in 2009, there’s something particularly healing about watching Queen Latifah, a plus-size 5’10” woman, unapologetically take up space. The early 2000s were unforgiving to fat people, especially women. Remember, this was around the time the Atkins Diet was coming back, and America Ferrera was portrayed as an obese pig just because she wasn’t as thin as her costars in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” 

I loved that we got a full fashion montage of Queen Latifah trying on different, expensive outfits. In the real world, even wealthy plus-size women have a difficult time finding flattering, situationally- appropriate clothing. I am more than okay with embracing the fantasy presented in “Last Holiday.” 

“Last Holiday” is a movie that celebrates underdogs. Georgia Byrd saved what little money she made while working in retail, stretching her dollar by clipping coupons and taking public transit. When she finally lets loose and “blows” all her money, she still goes out of her way to treat the staff at the Grandhotel Pupp with dignity and respect. There’s a moment in the film where she rips into a wealthy woman for mistreating an employee at the spa, thus earning the loyalty of that staff member and inspiring personal growth in the woman who exhibits Karen-esque behavior. I really appreciated how often Georgia shows up for the other women in this movie, even women who give poor first impressions. 

In addition to Georgia’s ticking clock, the other conflict in this movie comes from Matthew Kragen, the wealthy owner of the department store where Georgia works. He’s obsessed with finding out Georgia’s real identity. He assumes she’s in Karlovy Vary as some form of corporate espionage and works to expose her. I’m happy to say that when Kragen’s duplicity is revealed, everyone rallies around Georgia and shuns Kragen for being an assh*le. 

This movie holds up well seventeen years later because, despite the initially dark subject matter, it’s still so joyful. Good things happen to the people who deserve it, and the narrative appreciates and rewards kind and hard-working characters. 

“Last Holiday” is the movie you should watch if you need a little reminder to go after what you want. It will remind you to cook with butter and wine, wear your nicest outfit, and speak your truth. Some of these sentiments may seem a little cheesy, but the holidays and end of the year can be hard, and the last thing some of us need is cynicism. 

I first watched this movie when my family visited Karlovy Vary a few years back. I should warn anyone who watches this movie that Karlovy Vary isn’t exactly how they pictured it in the movie (think more soviet vibes). As the movie takes place between Christmas and the new year, it’s my go-to New Year’s Eve watch. I recommend making it yours as well unless you have plans to go out or something; then, you should watch it on January 1st while nursing your hangover.

My only warning is to have a snack ready when watching this movie. Some kind of roast chicken dish and champagne would be appropriate, but as long as it’s something buttery and decadent (and inspired by New Orleans cuisine), you’ll be okay.