Last Christmas

Based on the Wham! song by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, "Last Christmas" tells the story of two wayward people, Kate, played by Emilia Clarke, best known in her role as the mother of dragons on "Game of Thrones", and Tom, played by Henry Golding, best known for the film "Crazy Rich Asians."

Kate is a modern Londoner who is having a hard time in life. When we find her in the story she's homeless, because she chooses to couch surf rather than return to her parents home. She works in a Christmas shop where it's Christmas every day. She dresses in an elf costume every day of the year, and sells Christmas wares in the shop, everything from the sublime and beautiful to the tacky and God-awful.

One day, while dusting the shelves in the store window, she notices a man (Tom) out in the street in front of the shop, who is looking up to the sky. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she goes outside to see what the man is staring at. There she finds a rare falcon, who proceeds to defecate in her eye. It can only get uphill from there.

Kate and Tom then begin a friendship of sorts, sharing pieces of their life with one another. Before you know it, the two are inseparable. It's a love story unlike any I've ever seen in film.


The movie was written by Greg Wise and Emma Thompson, who also stars in the movie as Kate's mother. The movie was in the writing stage for years before it went into production.

As the movie shares its name with the George Michael song, Emma Thompson went to George to get his impressions on the project and thoughts on the film. George gave his blessing to the project, and loved the premise and message of the film. Sadly, George passed away Christmas Day of 2016.

After his passing, George's sisters Melanie and Yioda were consulted on the film, as well as George's manager and lifelong friend, David Austin. George's sisters and David are said to approve of the film. In fact, Yioda and Melanie are thanked in the end credits of the film.


It is important to note that this film centers around George Michael. If Kate goes to a bar, they're playing a George Michael song. If she goes to a friend's house, they're listening to a George Michael song.

More than his music, this film includes many challenges that George faced in his life, including his childhood, his history of depression, years of substance abuse, etc. Another theme touched upon in the film: George's philanthropic efforts. While alive, George was ranked second in the U.K. for charitable donations.

Also included in the film is an unreleased song by George, "This is How." It is a profound song with an addicting beat. As a George Michael fan, it is such a gift to hear his voice singing material I have not heard before. It's almost as if he's singing in heaven. Thank you to Yioda and Melanie and to the estate for making this music available to the public.

If you are a George Michael fan, you have to see this film. If you know about the man behind the music, you will pick up on these details as I have.

In closing, let me share a line from the movie, which is my new mantra:

"Love me, love George Michael."


Videos of the trailer of film, "Last Christmas", and "This is How" are found below.

I cannot recommend this movie enough. Ten stars.

Tell Me Who I Am

Now streaming on Netflix, this is a documentary about twin brothers, Alex and Marcus, and their lives.

One fateful day in their teen years, Alex was involved in a motorcycle accident, which gave him amnesia. In the hospital room, Alex awoke and didn't recognize anyone, except for his brother Marcus.

Once Alex returned home, he began to look at family pictures in the home. Alex would then ask Marcus about a photo, what happened that day, where they were, what the occasion was, etc. Marcus obliged his brother's inquiries, and filled in the blank spaces in Alex's memory.

But everything was not as it seemed in their family. When their mother died, Alex made a discovery that would change both of their lives forever.

A poignant documentary which encompasses the power of memory, vulnerability, and above all, a search for the truth.

At moments this film is difficult to watch. The pain that both brothers experience is palpable. But, as the adage says, the truth shall set you free.

An unflinching search for the truth, I cannot recommend this film highly enough. Ten stars.

The Laundromat

"The Laundromat" is a farce about money laundering and how the rich use corporate loopholes to avoid paying taxes. One of the tactics employed is creating a bogus company to mask their wealth. In other words, money laundering.

The movie has an amazing cast that includes Gary Oldman and Antonio Banderas as lawyers who are keeping their multi-millionaire clients rich. Meryl Streep plays two roles in the film, including a grieving widow who is seeking compensation for the wrongful death of her husband. David Schwimmer plays a business man whose company paid their insurance to a conglomerate, and is now on the hook for the wrongful death claims.

The movie is a farce based on truth, with the title referring to the United States as a money laundering operation. Worth a viewing, now on Netflix, 3 stars.

Inside Bill's Brain

Now streaming on Netflix, "Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates" is a three-part documentary series that takes a look at Bill Gates, Microsoft pioneer and philanthropist.

The film is part cinematic memoir and part guide on the future. The film takes a look at Bill's life, the young genius, his childhood, education, and rise in academics to computer science.

The film also looks at the projects Bill is focusing on to save the planet, including nuclear power and sanitation.

Also included in the film is Bill's husband Melinda Gates, who is a passionate advocate for the rights of women as well as women in roles of technology.

Now streaming on Netflix, three stars.