Last Christmas (2019) George Michael, Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, & Emma Thompson

Book Vs. Movie: Last ChristmasThe George Michael Classic Song Vs. the 2019 Holiday FilmHappy Holidays!The Margos have covered so many Christmas-themed episodes in the past that we had to reach out and use a classic holiday song, Last Christmas, written and produced by the late great George Michael, and talk about the adorable 2019 film adaptation written by the revered Emma Thompson.The song is one of those “earworm” ditties that you either hate or love (similar to Paul McCartney's Wonderful Christmas Time) that several major artists have sung since its debut in 1984. It’s a holiday story about love and longing that anyone can relate to, and if you hate it, you might as well skip this episode!Before he passed away on Christmas day in 2016 (the irony!), Michael said he would only accept Thompson as the screenwriter if it were ever made into a film. The result is a delightful mixture of wonderful acting (Emilia Clark, Henry Golding, and Michelle Yeoh,) direction by Paul Feig, a bevy of Michael’s best tunes, and gobsmacking London locations that will melt the biggest Scrooge into a puddle of holiday happiness. Clarke plays Kate Andrich, a Yugoslavian immigrant who is having a rotten time in life. She works as an “Elf” at a year-round Christmas shop, has no place to live permanently, and is strained from her family. Eventually, she befriends Tom, a nice man who mysteriously shows up to help her learn to grow up, be more responsible, take care of her health (Kate had a heart transplant!), give back to her community working at a shelter, and finding out that her dream man is an angel who saved her life. SWOON!Most critics don’t get it, but who cares? It’s a sweet confection! Which did we like better, the song or the movie? Listen to find out!Kensington Books and the novel Colorado Country by Diana Palmer sponsor this episode!New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer takes readers to Christmastime in Colorado with two of her celebrated novellas in one collection featuring solitary, silent cowboys who find their restless hearts tamed by women of uncommon grace and strength. This a gift for readers who love heartwarming contemporary romance, gorgeous rugged cowboys, and fans of Carolyn Brown, Linda Lael Miller, and Delores Fossen. Meadow Dawson is struggling to manage the enormous ranch she just inherited. Too bad she’s not on speaking terms with the one man who can help her out. Cattleman Dal Blake wishes Meadow’s dog would quit digging under his fence—and that his pretty neighbor wasn’t just as good at getting under his skin. . . Widowed schoolteacher Katy is starting over with her young daughter, and she knows the perfect place—her grandmother’s Colorado ranch. A runaway Palomino brings reclusive horse wrangler Parker to her door. Parker knows all there is to know about horses, but with Katy, he’s learning about the gift of family.Diana Palmer is the author of over 100 books and was voted one of the top 10 romance writers with over 40 million books in print. She is known as the “queen of desperado quests for justice and true love” (Publisher’s Weekly) You can find her at Diana Palmer.com. In this ep the Margos discuss:The life and career of George MichaelThe durability of the song and how hard it is to write a Christmas classicThe plot twist of the movieMargo D’s attempt to “sing” on the Troubled Waters podcast The cast: Emilia Clarke (Kate,) Henry Golding (Tom,) Emma Thompson (Petra Andrich,) Boris Isakovic (Ivan Andrich,) Lydia Leonard (Maria Andrich,) Michelle Yeoh (Santa,) Ritu Arya (Jenna,) Jade Anouka (Alba,) Patti Lupone (customer,) and Rob Delaney as the theater director. Clips used:Kate talks about her heart transplant to TomLast Christmas 2019 original trailerMargo D on the Troubled Waters...