movie review last holiday

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"Last Holiday" is a movie that takes advantage of the great good nature and warmth of Queen Latifah , and uses it to transform a creaky old formula into a comedy that is just plain lovable. To describe the plot is to miss the point, because this plot could have been made into countless movies not as funny and charming as this one.

Latifah plays a sales clerk named Georgia Byrd, who works in a big chain store in antediluvian New Orleans, giving cooking demonstrations. At home alone in the evenings, she prepares elaborate gourmet dishes, watching TV cooking shows and training herself to be a great chef. Then, more often than not, she eats a lonely Lean Cuisine, because she's on a diet.

The need for dieting comes to a sudden halt when she receives bad news: She has three or four weeks to live. Her HMO won't cover the expensive treatment, which might not work anyway, and so Georgia throws caution to the wind, cashes in her 401-K, and buys a ticket to Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic. That's where her hero, Chef Didier ( Gerard Depardieu ), rules the kitchen, and she decides to go out in style, eating everything on the menu and treating herself to all the services of the spa and the ski slopes.

Karlovy Vary is a jewel box of a spa town 90 minutes outside of Prague. Its hotels are high and wide but not deep, because steep mountain walls rise close behind them. A stream runs down the center of the town, and at the top of the little valley is the Grand Hotel Pupp, where Georgia checks in. My wife and I were in Karlovy Vary four years ago for the film festival, and, like Georgia, we did a double-take when we discovered that the correct pronunciation of the hotel rhymes with "poop." Yes, but it is a magnificent edifice, and soon Georgia is walking eagerly into the dining room to order -- well, everything on the menu.

Visiting this hotel is another party, consisting of a retail tycoon named Matthew Kragen ( Timothy Hutton ), who owns the chain of giant stores including the one Georgia resigned from in New Orleans. At his table are his mistress ( Alicia Witt ), a senator ( Giancarlo Esposito ) and a congressman ( Michael Nouri ). They are startled when Chef Didier pays more attention to the woman dining by herself than to their self-important table. They don't know that Georgia has already invaded the chef's kitchen and impressed him with her cooking skills -- both disciplined, and improvised.

Who is this woman? Kragen's table becomes consumed with curiosity, especially since Georgia Byrd is obviously very wealthy. There's a montage that reminds us of " Pretty Woman ," as she raids a high-fashion dress shop (while "If I Were a Rich Girl" plays on the soundtrack), and subjects herself to being beaten with birch leaves at the spa ("I Feel Pretty"). A spa in Karlovy Vary is not quite as spartan as one in America, and does not count so many calories; after your treatments, you are free to recover with roast duck and dumplings, followed by apple strudel.

By making no claims, putting on no airs, telling no lies and acting as if she had nothing to lose, Georgia transforms the hotel. The important guests are in awe of her. The staff is in love with her. The chef adores her. And there is even romance in the air, because of her unmistakable chemistry with Sean Matthews (LL Cool J), a New Orleans co-worker who is shy but -- I will not reveal more.

All of these things may be true and yet not inspire you to see this movie. I am the first to admit that the plot is not blindingly original, although transporting the action to Karlovy Vary at least adds an intriguing location. The movie is a remake of a 1950 film which starred Alec Guinness in the Queen Latifah role, and the story was not precisely original even then.

All depends on the Queen, who has been known to go over the top on occasion, but in this film finds all the right notes and dances to them delightfully. It is good to attend to important cinema like " Syriana " and " Munich ," but on occasion we must be open to movies that have more modest ambitions: They only want to amuse us, warm us, and make us feel good. "Last Holiday" plays like a hug.

When a movie can do that, a strange transformation takes place. Scenes that in a lesser movie would be contrived and cornball are, in a better movie, redeemed by the characters. There is a moment here when Georgia and another hotel guest find themselves on a ledge on the roof of the Hotel Pupp. A crowd gathers below. Such a scene could be creaky and artificial. Not here. It works.

And what, you ask, about the Idiot Plot? The whole story depends on a series of elaborate misunderstandings. One word would set everybody straight. Yes, true, and yet the movie smiles and winks at its own contrivances, and we enjoy them. The point of this story is not to discover the truth about Queen Latifah's past life, but to enjoy the unfolding of her future life (if of course she has one).

The movie was directed by Wayne Wang , whose "Joy Luck Club" and " Maid in Manhattan " showed a sure feel for romantic comedy with a human dimension. The key thing he does with Queen Latifah is to accept her. She is not elbowed into an unlikely comic posture or remade into a cliche, but accepted for who she is. Or perhaps not for who she really is (for which of us knows the mystery of another?) but for who she can play so comfortably and warmly on the screen. One of the movie's best scenes comes when she gives advice to the tycoon's mistress -- who is conventionally sexy, but senses that Georgia is sexy in a transcendent way because of who she is. The mistress is sexy to look at. Georgia is sexy when you see her. The men at the other table can't take their eyes off.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Last Holiday (2006)

Rated PG-13 for some sexual references

112 minutes

Queen Latifah as Georgia Byrd

Ll Cool J as Sean Matthews

Timothy Hutton as Matthew Kragen

Giancarlo Esposito as Senator Dillings

Michael Nouri as Congressman

Alicia Witt as Ms. Burns

Gerard Depardieu as Chef Didier

Ranjit Chowdhry as Doctor

Jane Adams as Rochelle

Mike Estime as Marlon

Susan Kellermann as Ms. Gunther

Directed by

• Jeffrey Price
• Peter S. Seaman
• J.B. Priestly

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Last holiday, common sense media reviewers.

Formulaic but sometimes winning comedy.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Lessons learned: greedy executives and politicians

Some winter sports result in crashes and bumps.

Breif, mostly comic references to sexual activity

One use of "motherf---," "damn," "hell," "ass."

Emeril on TV and in cameo, Lean Cusine, Travelocit

Drinking with dinners, and on New Year's Eve, one

Parents need to know that this film includes comedic references to a terminal illness and some nonexplicit but perhaps mildly worrisome scenes of medical examination (loud machines, doctor's bad news, lack of health insurance). Characters allude to sexual desire and appearances (references to "going down," "ass," …

Positive Messages

Lessons learned: greedy executives and politicians learn to be "better people" by listening to big-hearted Georgia.

Violence & Scariness

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Breif, mostly comic references to sexual activity ("going down"), desire, and body parts ("booty," "ass"), some kissing, some bodies barely exposed in massage and sauna scenes.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Emeril on TV and in cameo, Lean Cusine, Travelocity.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Drinking with dinners, and on New Year's Eve, one character becomes drunk and depressed; minor smoking by background characters.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this film includes comedic references to a terminal illness and some nonexplicit but perhaps mildly worrisome scenes of medical examination (loud machines, doctor's bad news, lack of health insurance). Characters allude to sexual desire and appearances (references to "going down," "ass," "booty," and breasts; soundtrack songs include "Let's Get It On"); women wear swimsuits, towels, and cleavage-revealing clothing; some brief kissing. A couple of characters smoke (cigar and cigarette) and multiple characters drink, one to the point of despairing intoxication, whereupon he sits on a building ledge while others worry he will jump. Characters are deceitful and selfish. Sports activities (snowboarding, base jumping) involve some antic violence. Some profanity. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (3)
• Kids say (3)

Based on 3 parent reviews

Latifah's charm reminds us that she is still the Queen!!

What's the story.

In LAST HOLIDAY, Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) sings in her church choir and sells cookware at a department store. An aspiring chef, she also dreams of marrying a handsome coworker Sean (LL Cool J). It takes a dreadful misunderstanding to drive Georgia to act on her desires. Following a clunk on the head at work, a doctor tells her that she has only weeks to live. She quits the job and cleans out her savings for a trip to a European resort village where she stays at the Hotel Pupp and impresses the magnificent Chef Didier (Gérard Depardieu) with her grand appetite. She also affects various unhappy hotel guests and staff. Senator Dillings (Giancarlo Esposito) needs to get back in touch with his public mission. Ms. Burns (Alicia Witt) works for and sleeps with self-absorbed executive Kragen (Timothy Hutton), who believes Georgia is a business competitor. And imperious hotel valet Ms. Gunther (Susan Kellermann) first perceives Georgia as the enemy.

Is It Any Good?

Wayne Wang's remake of the 1950 Alec Guinness film is a mostly generic romantic comedy, buoyed by the amazing Queen Latifah. The film offers a rudimentary class critique in working-class Georgia's boisterous reeducation of the hoity-toity types. She does this by thoughtful listening and also by doing, enthusiastically taking up snowboarding, gambling, base jumping, and cooking with Chef Didier.

But this comfort-foodish film can't get out from under its burden of clichés. As she gains increased clout (maybe her new Hollywood star counts for something), perhaps the Queen can angle for work that's challenging and rewarding for all her subjects.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about Georgia's decision to pursue her dreams -- only after she believes she is about to die. How does she "teach" others who are focused on material success, greed, and reputations to reconsider priorities?

Movie Details

• In theaters : January 13, 2006
• On DVD or streaming : August 1, 2017
• Cast : Alicia Witt , LL Cool J , Queen Latifah
• Director : Wayne Wang
• Inclusion Information : Female actors, Black actors
• Studio : Paramount Pictures
• Genre : Comedy
• Run time : 112 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG-13
• MPAA explanation : for some sexual reference
• Last updated : December 2, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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Last Holiday Reviews

LL Cool J's performance is so out of control that it's the only entertaining thing about this film.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | May 7, 2021

This movie was NOT good. The story was completely insane and illogical.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | May 7, 2021

Here I am, today, sitting here remembering Georgia, smiling, hearing Georgia's words and, most of all, feeling good about life.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.0/4.0 | Sep 13, 2020

Everyone knows I especially love a good romantic Christmas movie and Last Holiday definitely fits the bill.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Mar 7, 2019

It's the perfect feel-good story blessed by the comedic timing of Queen Latifah and the adorable face of LL Cool J.

Full Review | Jan 2, 2019

The main reason I find Last Holiday so charming, despite its corny concept and broad humor, is because I get to see good things happen to a good person.

Full Review | Dec 11, 2018

Might not be in the first tier of holiday classics, but its winning cast led by its captivating star make this one you'll want to keep in your Christmas viewing rotation.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Dec 22, 2014

Formulaic but sometimes winning comedy.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 16, 2010

Queen Latifah remains here an utterly imperturbable, warm and human presence.

Full Review | Mar 1, 2007

A nice little romantic comedy which also packs an emotional punch.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Jan 27, 2007

For a film ostensibly about how life means nothing without adventure and unpredictability, Last Holiday all feels as preordained as the film-ending Emeril cameo.

Full Review | Original Score: C- | Nov 27, 2006

If you had three weeks left to live, I wouldn't recommend you spend your precious time watching this.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Sep 26, 2006

It's not exactly distinguished, but pleasantly warm-hearted, and the sort of thing you might enjoy on afternoon TV when laid up with the flu.

Full Review | Jun 24, 2006

It's obvious where "Last Holiday" goes and at times it takes too long to get there, but watching Latifah work her style and spirit when she gets to the Grandhotel Pupp is pure enjoyment.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 16, 2006

Not the worst movie ever made -- no thanks to Latifah.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 3, 2006

A wish fulfilment fantasy dressed up with a shopping spree, a gorgeous mountain resort in Europe, a world class chef creating new menus every day, champagne, exotic massage and health spa, snow capped scenery and linen to die for

Full Review | May 13, 2006

Wayne Wang keeps things on an even keel, with good supporting performances from LL Cool J as Latifah's romantic interest, Timothy Hutton as a corporate villain and Alicia Witt as Hutton's secretary/mistress.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | May 12, 2006

Latifah is the risk-taking spark in a film that takes few chances of its own.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 4, 2006

Is Wayne Wang going to keep remaking Maid In Manhattan until he gets it right? Well, keep trying Wayne.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 8, 2006

Money can buy you happiness in this inferior remake - although its makeover storyline may please fans of The Princess Diaries et al.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Apr 1, 2006

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Last Holiday

Upon learning of a terminal illness, a shy woman decides to sell all her possessions and live it up at a posh Central European hotel. Upon learning of a terminal illness, a shy woman decides to sell all her possessions and live it up at a posh Central European hotel. Upon learning of a terminal illness, a shy woman decides to sell all her possessions and live it up at a posh Central European hotel.

• Jeffrey Price
• Peter S. Seaman
• J.B. Priestley
• Queen Latifah
• Timothy Hutton
• 154 User reviews
• 95 Critic reviews
• 52 Metascore
• 7 nominations

• Georgia Byrd

• Sean Williams

• Matthew Kragen

• Senator Dillings

• Chef Didier

• (as Mike Estime)

• Congressman Stewart

• Dr. Thompson
• J.B. Priestley (1950 screenplay)
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

• Lobster Salad in Potato Leek Nests
• Duck Hash on Toasted Baguette
• Spiced Lamb Shanks with Blood Orange Relish
• Roasted Quail with Brioche and Chorizo Stuffing
• Risotto Barolo with Roasted Vegetables
• Bananas Foster
• Poulet Tchoupitoulas.
• Goofs When at the roulette table, one of the characters tells Georgia that her single bet on black 17 is very large. After winning 3 times in a row on that number, rebankrolling her winnings each time she walks away from the table and the other character tells her she has won almost 100,000 us dollars. Since roulette pays 36 to 1 on a single spot, that means her initial bet was only approximately 2 dollars! Since she has approximately 4 stacks of red chips ($5) I would estimate her to have put about $400 down initially, which would have netted her about 18.6 million!

[from trailer]

Georgia Byrd : Next time... we will laugh more, we'll love more; we just won't be so afraid.

• Crazy credits The end credits show us how everybody in the movie's futures turned out.
• Connections Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Last Holiday/The Matador/The Libertine (2006)
• Soundtracks Every Time I Feel the Spirit Traditional Arranged by Shelby J. Wills Performed by Queen Latifah & Ebenezer Baptist Church Radio Choir

User reviews 154

• almostoscartime
• Jan 24, 2006
• How long is Last Holiday? Powered by Alexa
• January 13, 2006 (United States)
• United States
• Las últimas vacaciones
• Pupp Hotel, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
• Last Holiday Productions
• Paramount Pictures
• ImageMovers
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $45,000,000 (estimated)
• $38,399,961
• $12,806,188
• Jan 15, 2006
• $43,451,846

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 52 minutes
• Dolby Digital

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• DVD & Streaming

Last Holiday

• Action/Adventure , Comedy , Drama

Content Caution

In Theaters

• Queen Latifah as Georgia Byrd; LL Cool J as Sean Matthews; Timothy Hutton as Matthew Kragen; Giancarlo Esposito as Senator Dillings; Alicia Witt as Ms. Burns; Gérard Depardieu as Chef Didier; Emeril Lagasse makes a cameo appearance as Himself

Home Release Date

Distributor.

• Paramount Pictures

Movie Review

Georgia Byrd lives a meek, careful life, watching the world go by safely from the sidelines. She wears frumpy clothes, and even though she’s an excellent cook, she serves her gourmet delights to friends while eating frozen entrées herself. Her life dreams never go farther than her “Book of Possibilities,” a scrapbook of places she’d like to visit and people she’d like to get to know, including her co-worker Sean. (She has pasted photos of her face and his over magazine wedding photos.)

An accidental bump on the head leads her to the doctor’s office, where a CAT scan reveals more than a knot on her skull; Georgia apparently suffers from a fatal brain disease, and the doctor gives her three weeks to live. Only then does Georgia realize that life is meant to be lived. She cashes out her bank account to take her dream vacation to the Grandhotel Pupp, a majestic ski resort in the heart of Old Europe frequented by movie stars and royalty. Georgia has long dreamed of sampling the dishes of the hotel’s famous kitchen maestro, Chef Didier.

The people she “gets to know” while there–including, improbably, her own boss–gradually teach her to open up to life’s possibilities and make them realities. In return, she provides them valuable lessons on generosity, humility and her new life motto: “It’s not how you start; it’s how you finish.”

Positive Elements

Georgia is a generous, giving soul, always willing to forgive a slight and to give others the benefit of the doubt. She never returns an insult. She stresses personal integrity and the importance of keeping one’s promises, a lesson several characters need to learn. Everyone, including the arrogant, greedy Matthew Kragen (her boss), seems better off for having known her.

Georgia comes to the defense of hotel employees who are being verbally abused by wealthy patrons. A hotel bellhop returns part of an overly generous tip given out of ignorance. A high-powered executive’s mistress learns an important negative lesson when she realizes her affair with the boss is fooling no one: “I’m marked by this,” she says with regret.

Sean is a goofy, good-hearted galoot whose intentions for Georgia are pure, and he’s willing to walk the extra mile–or an extra dozen or so, uphill in the snow–to win her love.

Spiritual Elements

Georgia sings in the church choir, and several scenes are set during exuberant church services. At one point the pastor prays for a politician, asking “the Good Lord to guide his hand.” At Christmastime, a sign outside the church reads, “Jesus Is the Reason for the Season,” and we see a billboard for the Knights of Columbus featuring a nativity scene.

Georgia says grace over her meal–it stands out in the posh European hotel–and periodically throughout the story she looks skyward and talks to God. At times she seemingly doubts His providence by asking, “You’re playing with me, right?” and “You’re not going to cut me any slack, are you?” Sean, who is afraid of flying, utters a loud “Thank you, God!” when his plane touches down.

Dr. Gupta seems to possess a hodgepodge of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, with one scene showing him meditating while chanting Om. A postscript at the end of the movie says he and Kragen moved to a New Agey ashram in India.

Sexual Content

It’s clear Kragen, who is married, and Ms. Burns are having an affair. The two kiss passionately in an elevator until interrupted by other hotel guests. She encourages him to join her in a bubble bath–he’s too busy thinking about business matters–but later when he hints at sex, she tells him to take a cold bath. Georgia makes a remark that implies the pair are having oral sex, but it’s unclear whether Georgia realizes what she’s actually said.

Georgia and a female co-worker admire Sean’s rear end when he bends over to pick up something. The co-worker says Sean can grab her “booty” any time he wants. After a knock on the head, a delirious Georgia imagines Sean making a sexual come-on to her, unbuttoning his shirt and licking his lips (in soft focus) as the Marvin Gaye song “Let’s Get It On” plays in the background. (To his credit, Sean is always a perfect gentleman around women.)

A few double entendres and a lesbian jape are joined by a lot of cleavage shown by Georgia and another character, who also shows a considerable amount of her bare back and side during a hotel massage. Gilded statues in the hotel lobby show bare breasts. Georgia states that her sister “slept around” a lot but that she hasn’t. Georgia holds up a thong while shopping.

Violent Content

Mostly of the slapstick variety, played for laughs. Georgia smashes a man’s annoying cell phone, threatening to “beat the crap out of him.” She loses control during a snowboarding lesson and rockets down the slope, knocking over other skiers and crashing into a picnic table.

Played for laughs but not funny, a hotel manager fires a waiter (at the urging of a rich patron) by slapping him on the back of the head.

Crude or Profane Language

A teenage boy starts to mouth the f-word before Georgia cuts him off and rebukes him for using such language. The s-word is used about five times (once in French), and other crudities such as “d–n,” “a—” and “h—” appear a few times. God’s name is abused about 10 times.

Drug and Alcohol Content

Several scenes of people having wine with meals or toasting with champagne. A forlorn man guzzles wine from a bottle while sitting on a high ledge, leading people to think he’s about to kill himself. Georgia downs a mixed drink and is served champagne in her first-class plane section. We see bottles of booze behind the counter in a convenience store. A TV scene featuring Emeril Lagasse shows him joking about pouring extra wine into his dishes. A few background characters smoke cigarettes, and one lights up a huge cigar.

Other Negative Elements

Georgia is determined to spend every penny she has, so she goes to the hotel casino and makes risky bets at the roulette wheel–but wins every time, implying that God is behind her luck.

Last Holiday is a remake of a 1950 film starring Alec Guinness. It’s a good-hearted movie with lots to say about seizing the day and using the gifts God has given you to help others. To be sure, it’s selfish for Georgia to determine to blow every last penny on herself, but in actuality she is quite generous in sharing her bounty with those around her. Accustomed to being an underdog herself, she readily comes to the defense of the powerless and easily makes friends of enemies. It’s also refreshing to see Sean court Georgia the old-fashioned way, without a hint of sexual lust involved. That’s why it’s especially disappointing that this Holiday gets rained on by gratuitous language and sexual situations.

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Last Holiday

L ast Holiday is a Hollywood remake of a minor British movie of 1950, scripted by JB Priestley. Alec Guinness played a sad, anonymous clerk who, believing himself to be terminally ill, spends his savings on a final vacation at an exclusive country hotel. Freed from all inhibitions, he blossoms and discovers the joys of life. In Wayne Wang's film, the hero has become a heroine, black comedian Queen Latifah. After receiving her death sentence, she quits her job at a New Orleans department store and heads off to an ultra-expensive hotel in Karlovy Vary. She's a would-be gourmet cook and one of her favourite chefs (Gerard Depardieu) works there.

The movie is big-hearted, heavy-handed, and von Trier ought to see the way Queen Latifah wins friends, influences people and socks it to Mr Charlie. Priestley's film concluded on a note of tragic irony that anticipated the end of The Wages of Fear. The Hollywood version, being very much a death-lite film, ends happily.

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Why ‘Last Holiday’ is the greatest Christmas movie of all time

Choosing a favorite Christmas movie can feel like a real Battle Royale situation. Some people are willing to die on the hill of their favorite holiday films. To be clear, I do respect these “holiday classics” and their loyal defenders; but one Christmas movie underdog stands above the rest in this fight. “Last Holiday” has entered the proverbial ring, and she’s taking no prisoners.

THE GROUND RULES

Before the battle begins, we have to establish a baseline for what’s considered a “Christmas” movie. 

First: The film must center around the holiday season. The movie timeline should focus on the days leading up to Christmas, the holiday itself, or the brief window between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Any period before is bordering on a “Thanksgiving” movie and anything after is just… winter themed? Yikes. I want to see holiday decorations, people!

Second: Hi-jinks are a necessity. Holiday movies are full of hi-jinks, quirky mishaps, and significant misunderstandings. Princesses must be switched, houses must be booby-trapped, and angels must face considerable tasks to get their wings. 

Third: The soundtrack must feature at least one Holiday-themed song. At minimum, there should be delicate, festive piano music throughout the film. While I will agree that this is a loose parameter for establishing what a holiday movie is and isn’t, the soundtrack is still crucial. Have you ever watched a good Christmas movie that didn’t also sound like Christmas?

Finally, the movie has to teach viewers a lesson of morality. A holiday movie without morals lacks heart. Imagine if Scrooge didn’t learn to care or if the Grinch never discovered the value of community. “Die Hard” would’ve been real bleak if Bruce Willis never learned how important it was to fight for one’s family. No heart = no movie. 

THE BACKGROUND

“Last Holiday” hit theaters back in 2006 from director Wayne Wang, whose credits also include “Because of Winn-Dixie” and “Maid in Manhattan.” The masterpiece is based on a 1950s film of the same name, and stars Queen Latifah,  LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton, Alicia Witt, Gérard Depardieu and a pre-”Breaking Bad” Giancarlo Esposito.

Georgia Byrd (Latifah) is a sales clerk at Kragen Department Store in Louisiana, but it’s clear right from the jump – every day is pretty much the same for her. She works in the cookware department at the store, observes her crush, Sean Williams (LL Cool J), from afar, and then returns home. She goes to church every Sunday, dresses plainly, and speaks softly. 

There are brief moments where we see sparks of the real Georgia shine. She “puts her foot” in her cooking and executes elaborate dishes. She cares for her neighbor. She buys things from Sean that she doesn’t need, just to have a chance to talk to him. Finally, she saves pictures of the places she’d like to visit and the food she wants to cook in her “Possibilities” scrapbook.

Georgia secretly wishes for her dreams to come true without ever acting on them. By a twist of fate, just as things start to turn in her favor, a workplace accident lands her in the hospital for a CAT-scan.

The results of the scan deliver Georgia a devastating diagnosis: she has only weeks left to live. Her insurance won’t cover the cost of a life-saving procedure, and the operation is too expensive for Georgia to cover herself. She finds that the holidays are no longer important; her job isn’t a priority, her plans are obsolete, and even her feelings toward Sean are set aside. 

Georgia liquidates her assets and vows to blow all of her money. She flies to Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic and finally starts tackling some of the dreams in her “Possibilities” book. She lands at the Grandhotel Pupp, a place you can visit for real , and her entire world flips upside down. She winds up in the center of a social circle filled with politicians, wealthy businessmen and prying hotel staff. 

Movie watchers lay witness to Georgia completely rediscovering her life. She confronts liars, cheaters and capitalism-loving drones head-on. She faces her fears and literally takes flight on several occasions. In a deeply satisfying moment, we watch as she orders everything off one of her hero’s menus, with no ingredient substitutions. She treats herself to high-end fashion and blesses us with a fabulous makeover montage, too. She speaks truthfully, embraces everything and even saves some lives in the process. 

Guests and staff at the hotel twist themselves into knots trying to figure out who this mysterious force of a woman may be, while at the same time, Georgia grips onto her life, before it can completely pass through her fingers. 

THE CHRISTMAS MOVIE KNOCKOUT

Wang and Latifah take the classic “bucket list” trope and turn it into something refreshing. They deliver instant justice and karma for these characters. The duo also allow space and forgiveness for the characters willing to learn and grow. We see the value behind everyone, including the villains. 

We root for Georgia, encouraging her to say what everyone wishes to say, eat what we wish to eat and do the things we may be too scared to do. The storyline is earnest, heartwarming and important. We see the beauty and fun of a Black woman embracing the power and joy in her life. We watch her take agency and encourage those around her to take agency in their own lives too. Her honesty and mere existence make everyone around her better. 

“Last Holiday” has a bit of something for everyone: action, romance and comedy are all jammed into just two hours of movie. Beyond the rom-com, though, it’s still a “Christmas” movie at its core. 

Georgia takes off for Karlovy Vary on December 25th, satisfying our timeline requirement. 

Hi-jinks make up a majority of the film; the entire plot hinges on a major misunderstanding. We also witness out-of-control snowboarding, a trek across a snow-covered mountain, and a villain willing to humiliate himself to unlock Georgia’s secretive past. 

The movie soundtrack is where things start to get hazy; while it is fantastic – Smokey Robinson himself is featured in the movie – it’s noticeably free of traditional Christmas music. That is, until the big New Year’s Eve climax when the band at the Grandhotel Pupp gives a rousing performance of Auld Lang Syne. By Spotify’s standards, that is a “holiday” song. Check.

Lastly, moral lessons are clear throughout the movie. The filmmaker does an excellent job of delivering these virtuous lessons. At no point are we lectured about the importance of living one’s life fully. Instead, viewers find that they can relate to Georgia’s experience and wisdom, and agree that life is meant to be lived well.

One of the penultimate lessons of the movie is delivered by Georgia, to Georgia. She speaks to herself in the mirror, making a promise that has always squarely hit my heart. 

“Next time, we’ll do things different. We’ll laugh more. We’ll love more. We’ll see the world. We just won’t be so afraid.”

It’s corny, but it works. Amid a shocking diagnosis and her derailed life, Georgia finally steps out of the box she’s built around herself. She doesn’t give up. Her gratitude never waivers and, eventually, she learns to find joy beyond her fears. 

If that isn’t a damn good Christmas lesson, then I don’t know what is. 

If you’ve never seen “Last Holiday,” stream it tonight. If you have seen it, but it’s been a while, put it on. While this movie may not have been included in Inside The Film Room’s Holiday Movie Madness Bracket (negligent), it’s still a contender in my book. 

“Last Holiday” will bring you comforting joy, in a holiday season where joy is sorely needed. 

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2006 , Alicia Witt , Christmas , classic , Die Hard , feel good , film , Gerard Depardieu , Giancarlo Esposito , hi-jinks , holiday , holiday movie madness , Home Alone , Home Featured , Kylie Sheaffer , Last Holiday , LL Cool J , opinion , paramount , paramount pictures , Queen Latifah , review , Reviews , rom com , Timothy Hutton , Wayne Wang

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Last Holiday Review

03 Mar 2006

112 minutes

Last Holiday

It’s refreshing to see Queen Latifah playing a mild-mannered character in this remake of the lauded 1950 Alec Guinness comedy, but be warned: it doesn’t last long. As soon as she’s told she has three weeks to live (via a second-hand CAT scanner, should you be concerned), Georgia cashes in her bonds, lets her hair down and flies to Europe in search of a dream holiday and the many culinary delights of famous chef Didier (Gérard Depardieu).

That people speak French in the Czech Republic does not seem to concern her, nor does the fact that her passage appears to be at the mercy of product-placement sponsors. No, for Georgia now has money, which makes her a lot happier than friends, church, cooking or potential boyfriend Sean (LL Cool J) ever did. It’s a completely vacuous message, and its only purpose seems to be aspirational: after her Pretty Woman makeover to render her “international”, Georgia glides around the hotel turning heads and befriending influential rich folk who drink in her newfound honesty and wisdom.

If you can overlook the hideous Euro-stereotypes, Georgia’s DIY Pygmalion job has its pleasures, but after about an hour of watching her preening you begin to hope that CAT scan machine was correct...

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Movies | 25 10 2004

Search Reeling Reviews

Last holiday.

Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah, "Bringing Down the House," "Beauty Shop") is an under appreciated sales associate at Kragen's Department Store with dreams of becoming a chef and marrying her handsome coworker Sean Matthews (LL Cool J, "S.W.A.T."). But she toils away, keeping her dreams to herself, until a bump on the head lands her in a CAT Scan machine. The results uncover the lethal damage of a rare virus and Georgia is stunned to learn she has only about three weeks to live. Without telling a soul, Georgia withdraws all her savings from her New Orleans bank and heads to the restorative spa resort of Karlovy Vary for a "Last Holiday."

Laura's Review: C+

Director Wayne Wang ("Maid in Manhattan") remakes the 1950 Alec Guinness original with a screenplay from the team behind the big screen adaptation of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" with mixed success. As with his last film, "Because of Winn-Dixie," Wang is blessed with a highly charismatic star, but his films have been awkward of late, the work of a man who either is losing his skills or his control over his films. "Last Holiday" is strictly by the numbers, but, as with "Beauty Shop," the Oscar-nominated Queen Latifah has the talent to give sub-par material a likability factor. If this woman could pair herself with better material and filmmakers, she could prove formidable. Georgia is a quiet woman who sings in her Church choir and waits for Sean to notice her rather than follow coworker Rochelle's (Jane Adams, "Happiness") advice to take action. She cooks along to Emeril Lagasse's TV Show and feeds the results to a young neighbor while she eats Lean Cuisine. But death, ironically, gives her a new lease on life and no sooner has she checked into the Grandhotel Pupp than her new outspokenness plunks her into a hometown power base that includes Matthew Kragen (Timothy Hutton, "Secret Window," "Kinsey"), her former biggest of bosses, and endears her to all but one of the hotel staff, most significantly Chef Didier (Gérard Depardieu, "102 Dalmatians," "The Closet"), a man who appreciates a healthy appetite. Of course, it is highly coincidental, in a script that takes liberal advantage of coincidence, that a working girl from New Orleans would arrive at a Czech resort town at the same time as her state's Senator (Giancarlo Esposito, "Ali," "Derailed") and Congressman (Michael Nouri, "The Terminal") and charm them enough to throw the retail magnate for whom she recently worked into a competitive frenzy. They, of course, all believe she's a wealthy mover and shaker seeing as how she's ensconced in the $4,000/night Presidential Suite and Kragen is afraid her agenda will replace the one he's paid for with the politicians. Hijinx, like a snow boarding run right out of "Bridget Jones's Diary 2," ensue. One of the most surprising aspects of "Last Holiday" is its claim to foodie movie fame. Besides Georgia's home cooking, there is the fun of watching Depardieu play a celebrity chef in a Grandhotel kitchen. As he connects with Georgia, he confides that they both know the secret of life - butter. In fact, the hotel staff - dreamy hotel clerk Marie (Lucie Vondrácková), protective bellboy Felipe (Petr Vanek), masseuse Brigitta (Lucie Brezovska) and snoopy valet Gunther (Susan Kellermann, "The Devil's Advocate") - are all more enjoyable than the 'where-have-they-been' collection cast as Georgia's playmates (including the talented Alicia Witt (TV's "Cybil," "The Upside of Anger") as Kragen's employee/mistress, whose career has surely skidded off the tracks). Giancarlo Esposito is the only exception to this rule, lending the air of a seasoned pol with a conscience to his Senator. It's Latifah, though, who makes this worth watching. She reins her big personality in and is winning and effortlessly believable as an everywoman with a scrapbook full of 'possibilities.' She gives a measured performance, only gradually allowing her character to become more forceful and never, ever taking her too far. LL Cool J adds some warmth as a nice guy slow to realize what's under his nose. While the script is fairly faithful to the original, with its message of taking chances in life (contrivances and all), the film doesn't maintain an even tone. Wang lets a nice moment of observation or a canny bit of comedy butt up against broad slapstick or makeover montages we've seen a hundred times before. Wang even misses an opportunity to use the phrase 'Act of God' in a third act scene which would have made ironic rebut to his heroine's self-pity bouts. The film feels directed by happenstance. "Last Holiday" is an easy sop to mainstream audiences during the winter doldrums, a star vehicle whose star deserves a far classier ride.

Robin's Review: C

Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) is a hard working, but shy and soft-spoken, employee at the Kragen department stores New Orleans location. She keeps a secret Possibilities” book in which co-worker Sean Matthews (LL Cool J) plays prominent. An attempt to overcome her shyness with Sean results in a bumped head, then a cat scan that shows she is dying. With only three weeks to live, Georgia decides to cash in all her savings for one, “Last Holiday.” In 1950, Alec Guinness (as George Bird) created the indelible character of a man, suddenly facing imminent death, who takes one last holiday and ends up finding a life worth living. The original “Last Holiday” was such a sweet, sometimes melancholy, film, with a wonderful star and supporting cast, that it makes me wonder why anyone would even try to remake it. After seeing the remake the question still stands. It’s not that the new “Last Holiday” is a bad film. It is just a bland one. Queen Latifah is a likable personality but her strength is in being a strong, dominant character – totally unlike Georgia. This is one of the weaknesses of the movie as Georgia, after receiving the bad news, simply spends her hard-earned savings to find happiness. Money can buy anything seems to be the point of this mild, innocuous little comedy. It takes about 30 minutes for the holiday portion of Last Holiday” to kick in. During this initial phase Georgia goes about her business – working as an unassuming sales associate at Kragen’s – and her passion – cooking. All the while, she serves her elaborate culinary delights to her neighbor, Darius (Jascha Washington), and starves herself on Lean Cuisine. She harbors a huge crush for co-worker Sean but when she finally decides to act on it she ends up in the store’s infirmary with a severely bumped noggin. Company physician, Dr. Gupta (Ranjit Chowdhry), eager to play with his new, but well used, CT scanner runs tests on Georgia’s bumped head but is aghast to learn that she has Lampington’s disease. He gives his patient just three weeks to live. The bad news proves a catalyst of change for Georgia and she cashes in her all of her retirement funds for one last hurrah. She packs her bags and heads off to Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, the base of her favorite chef, Didier (Gerald Depardieu), at the Grand Hotel Pupp. Because of a mix up in reservations, Georgia throws caution to the wind and takes the posh Presidential suite to the tune of $4000 per night. This extravagance becomes the buzz of the hoteliers who wonder about the mysterious rich lady. Other guests at the Pupp include, as it happens, Georgia’s big boss, Matthew Kragen (Timothy Hutton), Senator Dillings (Giancarlo Esposito) and Congressman Stewart (Michael Nouri), who have assembled at the grand hotel for some secret wheeling and dealing. They, too, wonder about the rich single lady who has become the subject of Chef Didier’s attention. The rest of the film deals with uncovering the mystery, self-realization (on several levels) and, as a side story, hope for Georgia – in both love and health. Director Wayne Wang, early in his career, created such charming films as “Dim Sum” and “Eat a Bowl of Tea.” Since then, though, his works have become more commercial and generic – see “Maid in Manhattan” and Because of Winn Dixie” as examples of his more recent films. “Last Holiday” falls in with the latter movies as a likable, predictable and mildly amusing romantic comedy that is short on both romance and comedy. The script, by Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman (adapting J.B. Priestley’s original 1950 screenplay), lacks the charm and whimsy of the earlier work, leaving us with a by-the-numbers, manufactured venture. Implausible concepts – like Georgia ordering all of the many specials offered by Chef Didier, all in one sitting – keep things light and non-involving, resulting in the expected “happily ever after” finale. The list of telegraphed plot lines and many clichés makes “Last Holiday” the kind of film that starts off mildly entertaining but, as it unrolls its 112-minute run time, I just wanted it to be finished. The 1950 original was only 89-minutes long and there is little reason why the remake should run so much longer. The cast, besides Latifah and Depardieu, is made up with a who’s who of where-the-heck-have-they-been actors. Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner for Ordinary People,” Timothy Hutton, does nothing as the conniving businessman, Kragen. Giancarlo Esposito, someone whom I have always thought a fine actor, picks up a paycheck as the possibly corrupt senator. Michael Nouri (remember him as the hunk in “Flash Dance”?) is window dressing only. Alicia Witt, a promising young actress when she played Cybill Shephard’s smart aleck daughter on TV’s “Cybill,” does nothing here. LL Cool J, as love interest Sean, is likable but not of any note. If the mostly femme audience attending the screening is any indication, “Last Holiday” may have some shoulders with that demographic. But, it left me less than satisfied.

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"We waste our money so you don't have to."

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Movie Review

Last holiday.

US Release Date: 01-13-2006

Directed by: Wayne Wang

Starring ▸ ▾

• Queen Latifah ,  as
• Georgia Byrd
• LL Cool J ,  as
• Sean Matthews
• Timothy Hutton ,  as
• Matthew Kragen
• Giancarlo Esposito ,  as
• Senator Dillings
• Alicia Witt ,  as
• Gerard Depardieu ,  as
• Chef Didier
• Jane Adams ,  as
• Matt Ross as

Queen Latifah in Last Holiday .

If you found out you only had three weeks to live what would you do? Last Holiday asks this intriguing question but it hardly has an intriguing answer. Along with a few huge plot holes Last Holiday suffers greatly due to cliches and stereotypes.

Georgia is a meek sales clerk in a large department store. She has a crush on a co-worker and in her off time she likes to fancy herself a gourmet cook. One day she is diagnosed to have a fatal brain condition. She needs a surgery to save her life that would cost $350,000. She cashes in her savings and bonds and decides to go on one last big vacation to a European hotel/resort where her favorite chef works. Why she didn't put that money toward her surgery is never explained. The movie never says how much money she has but she flies first class, charters a helicopter, goes on an expensive shopping spree and stays two weeks in the $4,000 a night Presidential Suite. At one point she gambles and wins $100,000. Again she never thinks to put the money toward her surgery.

Queen Latifah proves she can do a romantic comedy here. Georgia charms everyone around by her opinions. With the knowledge that she is going to die she has no reason to hold back. Her honesty endears her to people.

<img alt="&quot;Queen" latifah="" in="" paramount="" pictures'="" last="" holiday="" -="" 2006"="" data-cke-saved-src="" src="&quot;miscreview/eric_lastholiday2.jpg&quot;" title="&quot;Queen" align="&quot;right&quot;" hspace="&quot;5&quot;" vspace="&quot;3&quot;"> LL Cool J, like Latifah, plays against type by down playing it as the slightly shy love interest. The rest of the cast suffers greatly as caricatures. Hutton plays the usual greedy, win at all cost CEO. Esposito plays the usual slippery politician sucking up to Hutton.

Last Holiday is supposed to be a life affirming film. Whereas Georgia does come out of her shell, the credit can be given to her looking and acting like she has a million dollars as it can be for her dying. The real message of the movie is not to laugh more, love more and not to be afraid, as Georgia says to herself. The real message is, it sure can be fun when you have money to spend!

Photos © Copyright Paramount Pictures (2006)

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Last Holiday Parent Guide

When Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) is told she is going to die, she suddenly realizes she has never really lived. Cashing out her savings account, the terminally ill woman determines to take one Last Holiday and explore life's possibilities during the short time she has remaining.

Release date January 12, 2006

Run Time: 112 minutes

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The guide to our grades, parent movie review by kerry bennett.

The spirit of legendary director Frank Capra permeates the script of Queen Latifah’s Last Holiday , the feel-good film about a reticent salesclerk. After discovering she is terminally ill, Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) quits her job to embrace the remaining weeks of her life.

Cashing in her bonds and savings, the once diet-driven woman resolves to realize the dreams she’s recorded in her Book of Possibilities. Flying to an expensive hotel in the Czech Republic, the aspiring cook takes pleasure in the fine foods prepared by world-renowned Chef Didier (Gerard Depardieu) and languishes on the luxurious sheets in the Presidential suite.

In the meantime, Georgia, learning to put aside her inhibitions, goes base-jumping, rides in a helicopter and stands up for the staff when uppity patrons at the establishment berate their performance. Only one dream, revealing her feelings for her coworker Sean (LL Cool J), fails to materialize.

The plot of the goodhearted hero/heroine facing crushing life circumstances isn’t original and the screenplay stays true to the recipe. Portraying rich people as rude and service providers as incompetent, the script relies on stereotypical depictions for many of the cast members. Content concerns include excessive drinking, brief sexual references and infrequent moderate profanities that distract from an otherwise predictable yet heartwarming storyline. Fortunately, even a depressing premise and ridiculous scenarios can’t keep Queen Latifah’s energetic performance from giving oomph to her character and life to the film.

Taking the time to relish life is a deathbed reality for Georgia who regrets the years she wasted dreaming instead of doing. Learning to laugh more, love more and overcome fear is a worthwhile lesson. For time-starved viewers (who may be around for a while), the real trick will be following Georgia’s lead to live for today, while remembering there is still a tomorrow.

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Kerry Bennett

Last holiday rating & content info.

Why is Last Holiday rated PG-13? Last Holiday is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some sexual reference

Georgia develops an interest in Sean and shares sexual comments about him with her female coworker. Following a workplace accident, she hallucinates about intimate activities between the two of them. Other sexually suggestive references are made about an adulterous couple. Female back nudity is shown through a screen in a spa setting. Characters in the film often turn to alcohol as an antidote when faced with devastating life setbacks. One man is portrayed as drunken and suicidal.

Page last updated November 5, 2019

Last Holiday Parents' Guide

According to Matthew Kragen, what makes a person important? How accurate are the stereotypical portrayals of rich people? How does Georgia treat the hotel staff and why does she do it?

Living everyday as if it were your last is one sentiment expressed in this script. What is the balance between living each day fully, and planning for the future? In what ways (other than spending all her money) does Georgia enjoy life? How does she affect people around her?

Georgia’s Book of Possibilities includes pamphlets and pictures of things she would like to experience or accomplish. How important are these visual reminders of her dreams? What would you put in your own book?

Video alternatives…

The most recent home video release of Last Holiday movie is May 1, 2006. Here are some details…

DVD Notes: Last Holiday DVD Release Date: 2 May 2006 Paramount Home Entertainment has packed up a number of bonus extras for the DVD release of Last Holiday . The sentimental journey includes deleted scenes, three featurettes, two recipes from the film and the theatrical trailer. Audio tracks are available in English (Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround) and French (Dolby Digital 5.1), with subtitles in English and Spanish.

Related home video titles:

In A Walk to Remember , Mandy Moore plays the part of a preacher’s, frumpy daughter who’s written a list of life goals she wants to accomplish. Known for trumpeting the plight of the average man, Frank Capra’s films include Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town as well as his Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life .

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

______________

ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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