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It’s near impossible for anyone to dissociate the movie ‘Last Christmas’ from George Michael’s hit with the same name. I had spent a few years of my childhood listening to Lite FM courtesy of my mother, so I had little choice but to get used to the oldies and classics (including music from the singer-songwriter who is of Greek-English ancestry). Of course, like many kids, I didn’t pay much attention to what George Michael was singing about, or more specifically Wham! It was only once I heard of his passing that I suddenly had this flashback. Anyway, I thought I knew what this entire movie was going to be about when trailers began playing all over YouTube months ago (I wasn’t interested then so I skipped them). Today, out of curiosity, since nearly everyone is talking about this movie, I finally got around to scouring the Internet for more information on this romantic comedy with Christmas hints throughout.

Know what? 15 of George Michael’s songs will be featured in the movie. So, like it or not, you’re going to have to bear with those, particularly if you’re going to do so on the silver screen. In fact, there’ll be a new song as well.

Fortunately, the late George Michael agreed (this was before he passed away) to let his songs be featured and liked the idea. He also put forward a condition – only Emma Thompson could write the script. Thankfully, Thompson said yes and was able to push for the movie to be made and screened, even if the relevant people who came up to her became more interested only after his death. Too bad Michael won’t be able to see the final product for himself.

The best part? Henry Golding who is of English-Malaysian parentage will be playing a major role in the movie (Golding had spent five years living in Terengganu, though he was born to a mother of Iban heritage). But that’s not all, Ipoh-born, former Bond girl Michelle Yeoh is expected to play her part in the best possible way. The two had also formed a bond via working on ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, which was released in 2018. Let’s not leave out Emilia Clarke, famed for her portrayals in the Game of Thrones TV show (2011-2019), as well as the poignant tale Me Before You (2016).  Of course, how can I forget Professor Trelawney… oops, I mean, Emma Thompson from this? If you’ve watched some of her films, you’d have noticed that her roles are almost always tied to eccentricity, how much wit, and being motherly.

Helming the direction of this film is Paul Feig, who has previously worked on ‘A Simple Favour’ (2018) in a similar capacity.

Based on the reviews I’ve read, it feels like this movie is going to be predictable yet surprising. Well, there’s only one way to find out. And that’s by watching the movie before making your own judgement.

Until then, I’ll leave you with one of Michael’s other hits, ‘Faith’.