‘Last Holiday’ is a film to die for

Last HolidaySo, Hollywood has decided to remake an Alec Guinness movie from the 1950s in which the diagnosis of a terminal illness inspires someone with a pretty unremarkable life to really live it up in the short time they have left. And it was a great idea to put Queen Latifah in it!

There is something so genuine about her -- she really comes across as someone with a good heart who deserves every last bit of over-the-top fun she can dream up. And as she transforms herself (Cinderella-style) into a shimmering princess, we are only too happy to cheer her on in her quest to live life to the fullest.

When we first meet her, she leads a shy, quiet, unassuming, careful little life, waiting for something big to happen to her. The love interest, played nicely by LL Cool J, seems, at first, a distant possibility because she is too fearful of rejection even to speak to him.

She does not indulge herself with excess in any way, strictly adhering to her Lean Cuisine-diet fare, even though she is a talented and experienced cook with a great passion for gourmet food and celebrity chefs. She dresses conservatively, has nice manners and does not take chances or rock the boat. And, oh, how exciting it is for us to see her really break out of that box!

It’s a joy to watch her transform from homely caterpillar to brilliant butterfly during a glamorous makeover, complete with a “Pretty Woman”-style boutique scene where she tries on lots of gorgeous, outrageous outfits, followed by a session of pampering with luxurious spa treatments.

As she realizes that she has so little time left, she allows herself to become confident, speaking her mind and calling it like she sees it. She eats fabulous food, drinks champagne and allows herself to be merry, just for the sheer fun of it all.

The best part is that all of this joi de vivre brings out an irresistibly charismatic personality, and all the characters are drawn to her warmth, courage and honesty. We get to see her thrive in the exotic fantasy land of the super-rich, while the story tells us that money will never make us truly happy.

Gerard Depardieu plays Chef Didier, one of Georgia’s (Queen Latifah) absolute favorites. The relationship that grows between them, based on a mutual love of great food, is wonderful to watch. And the food! There are great shots of really yummy-looking dishes throughout the film, reminding us, to quote the chef, that “ ... you cannot find eternal salvation in a single tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil” and that “the true secret of life is butter!”

Georgia Byrd vows that next time around, she’ll remember to live more, love more, and not to be afraid.

I love that idea!

* MARLA MARTIN is a belly-dance performer and instructor in the Glendale area.

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