Paul Feig directs the first legitimate holiday movie of the season, Last Christmas, with a knack for revitalizing old rom-com tropes. This one comes with a screenplay by Bryony Kimmings and Emma Thompson, who also co-stars. A lovably klutzy young woman (Emilia Clarke) takes a seasonal job as an in-house elf at an ailing department store, meets a charming hunk (Henry Golding), and begins volunteering at a shelter, the sum of which transforms her life. You’ve seen all of this before, but the appealing cast (including a standout Michelle Yeoh as the store owner) keeps everything perky. And yes, it does feature the music of George Michael, as promised by the title.

Also opening Friday, November 8: Good Girls Get High; Honey Boy; The Kingmaker; Mickey and the Bear; Racetime; Sunday Girl; Shakira in Concert: El Dorado World Tour.

 

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.