Mark Manni

Movie Review: A screenplay written by Emma Thompson and a Christmas movie set in London? Shut up and take my money! Last Christmas ends up being totally charming and not at all cringeworthy. We meet Kate AKA Katarina sportingly played by Emilia Clarke AKA the Mother of Dragons. Kate is a mess. Couch surfing and being a selfish guest are the least of her worries. Her life couldn't be any more disastrous until she meets Tom who wants to give her a lesson or two about appreciating the small things. For a Christmas movie it does carry some hefty messages. Paying it forward and not using immigrants as scapegoats for a political agenda are two important themes throughout. I really enjoyed this movie as it highlighted the magic of London, especially at Christmas, which I have had the good fortune to experience for myself. And in the end that's what this movie is about, counting your blessings and if you can do it with a George Michael soundtrack it's a huge bonus!

I rented Destination Wedding from the Redbox because it had Winona Ryder. I was not expecting a very Woody Allen like movie. Hilarious and one of the funniest love scenes. The tale of two miserable people being miserable together is enhanced by voraciously sharp dialogue.