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last christmas

Has anyone else been singing along to Last Christmas on your morning commute or have I been bitten by the Christmas bug a little too early?

I adore Christmas music and once December rolls around it’s all I want to listen to.

Whether its Fairytale of New York or Driving Home for Christmas, I’ll sing along to every classic.

And it turns out it’s really good for us.

A recent study has discovered that Christmas music actually has a positive impact on our health.

Researchers at McGill University explained that Christmas music makes us feel happy and upbeat because it can often trigger happy memories in our minds.

The team gathered a group of people to take part in an experiment to prove their point. They split the group into four and got each of them to listen to four genres of music- happy, peaceful, scary and sad.

The researchers discovered that when the people listened to happy music, they thought of happy memories.

Christmas music is one of my favourite things about the holidays so this news has made me feel pretty merry. 

I hate to say I told you so to all of the Grinches out there but… I told you so.

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As time goes by, we tend to forget about the true meaning of Christmas. We stand at the top of Grafton Street to take photos of the Christmas lights and instantly post it to Instagram, failing to appreciate just how beautiful Dublin can be during this time of the year.

We rush around crowded shopping centres, fretting about whether you bought enough for your best friend or if you should pick up the Soap and Glory gift set in Boots. It is half price after all.

We obsess over what to wear to the office Christmas party. Will I look better in this Topshop sequin dress or opt for a Christmas jumper? But what if the jumper makes me look frumpy? What if someone else has the same one? 

Christmas movies help me remember that the holidays aren’t about the overpriced gifts that’ll get tossed in the back of your wardrobe by February or that perfect shot of the Christmas tree for Instagram.

One that really opened my eyes and taught me some valuable lessons is Last Christmas.

The new festive film has been slated by critics, but they failed to see that a movie can still be magical without a flawless script, arty cinematography or Oscar-award worthy performances (even though the cast are stellar)

Last Christmas does more than that. Here’s what it taught me and why I think it is one of the best Christmas movies of all time.

  1. You will always find someone to lean on

Life can be cruel. We all experience those dark moments where things feel like they’re never going to improve. Kate run out of friends to lean on and sofas to sleep on at the beginning of the movie, but Tom helped her see that even in your darkest hour, you’ll always find somebody to wipe away your tears and sing ear-piercing songs to you before you sleep.

The scene when Kate returns home to her mum, played by the legendary Emma Thompson, proved that she wasn't as alone as she felt. 

  1. Stop feeling so sorry for yourself

I am the queen of pity parties, but Last Christmas gave me a much-needed wake up call. The scenes set in the homeless shelter reminded me that Christmas isn’t a merry time of year for everyone.

When you’re curled up by the fire with a hot chocolate and Home Alone is playing on the TV, it is important to remember that there are thousands of people curled up on a soaked piece of cardboard and the cup in front of them isn’t full of cocoa but copper coins.

Kate’s charitable acts and kind heart reminded me that Christmas isn’t all about your celebrations and festivities. It’s about helping those who struggle during the holidays and helping them experience even the smallest bit of joy.

  1. Become an organ donor

If you have yet to see Last Christmas I would stop reading here because there’s a major spoiler ahead.

I couldn’t hold back the tears when Kate discovered that Tom was the organ donor who saved her life last Christmas. She had his heart, literally. I should have seen this twist coming considering the movie is inspired by Wham’s Last Christmas– “Last Christmas, I gave you my heart”- but I got so wrapped up in Kate and Tom’s charming love story. I was convinced they’d live happily ever after.

I blubbered like a baby when I realised that Tom was a ghost but his ending reminded me of how important organ donation is. If it wasn’t for him, Kate wouldn’t be alive. She wouldn’t have a second chance at life if it wasn’t for the card he carried around in his wallet, like so many of us do. 

Critics can call Last Christmas the worst movie of the year, but this touching tale has opened my eyes and taught me valuable lessons that I will hold close to my heart this Christmas.

Last Christmas, starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, is in cinemas now.

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Yet the Christmas season can often be a hectic one. Escape the madness at ODEON (Blanchardstown, Charlestown, Coolock, Point Square, Stillorgan, Cavan, Limerick, Naas, Newbridge, Portlaoise and Waterford) and sit back, relax and enjoy the movies of the season.

Last Christmas (Out now)

It’s been a while since a Christmas Romcom has hit the big screen. So, for fans of classics like ‘Love Actually’ and ‘The Holiday’ ‘Last Christmas’ will not disappoint. This time we meet Kate (Emilia Clarke) who seems down on her luck until she meets handsome stranger Tom (Henry Golding) and with music from Wham! and George Michael how could anyone resist?

Frozen 2 (Out Now)

Six years after the release of the original Disney phenomenon ‘Frozen’ we are reunited with Elsa (Idina Menzel), Anna (Kristen Bell), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Olaf (Josh Gad) and Sven as they embark on a new adventure to find the origin of Elsa’s magical powers with a few new hits songs along the way. Don’t forget to grab the special Frozen combo meal which includes a Frozen collector’s cup, Tango ice blast and regular popcorn with a special topper for €10.00. And for every child that attends Frozen 2 at ODEON they will receive a special Frozen advent calendar.

Charlies Angels (November 29th)

A new generation of angels are hitting ODEON’s screens with a continuation of the ‘Charlies Angels’ film series. The latest instalment is directed by Elizabeth Banks, director of Pitch Perfect and stars Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska who are working as agents for a private detective agency all fighting evil while in fabulous outfits and disguises. Round up some friends for a movie night at ODEON with their famous nachos, special popcorn toppers and range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Jumanji: The Next Level (December 11th)

Following 2017’s ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ we are re-introduced to Spencer, Bethany, Fridge and Martha as they return to Jumanji to save Spencer from the dangers within the game. This time around Spencer's grandfather Eddie and his friend Milo Walker hear the commotion and inadvertently get sucked into the game too. With superstar names like Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Danny DeVito we are guaranteed a few hearty laughs for all the family. For every guest that goes to see Jumanji at ODEON this season will also receive an exclusive gift of Jumanji trading cards too!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (December 19th)

A year after the events of ‘The Last Jedi’, what’s left of the Resistance face the evil of The First Order again. Characters like Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) battle with the events of their past as they attempt to battle the Sith in the final episode of the nine-part “Skywalker saga”. Don’t miss out on seeing all the action unfold in ODEON’s spectacular iSense screens for four times the resolution and Dolby Atmos sound! Every guest who comes to see Star Wars will also receive an exclusive Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker poster.

Cats (December 20th)

Based on the hit stage musical of the same name by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tom Hooper director of Les Misérables introduces the screen adaption of ‘Cats’. The musical follows a group of cats over the course of one eventful night with all the renowned music of the original stage version but with a new spin. With performances from stars such as James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellan, Taylor Swift, and Rebel Wilson it is one any musical lover will not want to miss!

Round up the troops and spend some quality time together while enjoying some of the best films this winter. Check out ODEON on Twitter @ODEONcinemasIRE and Facebook.

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The premiere of Last Christmas took place in London last night and it looked like the most magical event.

Emilia Clarke dazzled as she walked down the festive carpet at the BFI Southbank. The actress, who plays the lead character Kate in the festive flick, wore a custom-made Prada dress for special event.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Spletnik (@spletnik_ru) on

The Game of Thrones actress chose the perfect dress for the UK premiere- the keyhole neckline, jewel-encrusted collar, the ruffled bodice- it’s all too perfect.

Emilia wore simple jewellery including the most stunning rings and earrings by Cartier. The Trinity de Cartier Ring is heavenly.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by MyTAKeOn (@mytakeon360) on

The actress looked equally as beautiful at the US premiere in October. She wore a sequined purple gown by Valentino, which was the dream dress for a Christmas movie premiere.

Emilia stars alongside Henry Golding in Last Christmas. The romantic-comedy is directed by Paul Weig and written by Emma Thompson and Bryony Kimmings so you know it is going to be wonderful.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The movie is inspired by the Wham! Christmas classic and even features a soundtrack full of George Michael’s music.

You need to go see Last Christmas when it is released later this week.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The magical Christmas movie is bound to lift your spirits and fill your heart with Christmas cheer.

Last Christmas lands in cinemas on November 15.

Feature Image: Getty

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Emma Thompson has written a Christmas movie inspired by the music of George Michael and it is everything we needed and more.

Universal has released the joyous trailer for Last Christmas starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding and it has mended our cold, miserable hearts.

The festive flick is directed by Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) and written by Emma Thompson and Bryony Kimmings.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Last Christmas (@lastchristmasthemovie) on

The film follows Kate as she harrumphs around London, ‘a bundle of bad decisions accompanied by the jangle of bells on her shoes, another irritating consequence from her job as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop.’

Tom arrives into her life during the most wonderful time of the year, but Kate can’t help but think he is too good to be true. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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He eventually encourages Kate to open up about her past and she reveals she nearly died when she was younger.

She confesses, “I'm just scared all the time. They just expect me to be normal and get on with life.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Wham, Emma Thompson, Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Christmas in London- it really is the perfect recipe for a Christmas movie.

Last Christmas will be released on November 8, 2019

You can watch the full trailer below:

 

Feature Image: Universal

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The Last Christmas premiere took place in New York last night and Emilia Clarke looked like an actual angel.

The Game of Thrones alum wore the most divine sequin gown and we honestly can’t stop thinking about it.

The actress donned a purple sequined Valentino dress for the premiere, which was perfect for the premiere of the festive flick.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @emilia_clarke on

Emilia gushed about the dress and her co-stars in the sweetest Instagram post;

‘@lastchristmasthemovie not only did you give me an excuse to dress like a christmas bauble (thank you @maisonvalentino) but you gave me a red carpet cuddle attack with the fiercest most fabulous women in the bizz.. (Dame Emma Thompson aka my spirit mamma and @michelleyeoh_official aka my elf task master in couture) but then you give me a winter wonderland sofa to lounge on like the true diva I am?’

She added, ‘YAS!!!! Dream team got me on fleek…. @earlsimms2 @brigittemakeup @petraflannery YOU HAVE MY WHOLE HEART AND FACE AND SPANX’

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Emilia stars alongside Henry Golding in Last Christmas. The romantic-comedy is directed by Paul Weig and written by Emma Thompson and Bryony Kimmings so you know it is going to be wonderful.

The movie is inspired by the Wham! Christmas classic and even features a soundtrack full of George Michael’s music.

Could we really ask for much more?

Last Christmas hits cinemas on November 8.

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Look, I know it is only September, but I can’t help but feel excited about Christmas. Is it too early? Maybe… Do I care? Nope.

I am already embracing the holiday spirit and this latest movie news has my heart feeling full and festive.

Game of Thrones star Emilia Clark and Crazy Rich Asians actor Henry Golding are set to star in a Christmas film together written by none other than Emma Thompson.

The Hollywood goddess is no stranger to festive films, having starred in Love Actually in 2003. Emma’s portrayal of the heartbroken Karen is by far one of her best performances *listens to Joni Mitchell and sobs*

The Pride and Prejudice actress has penned the screenplay for upcoming Christmas flick Last Christmas, with the help of Bryony Kimmings.

The writer revealed the movie is based on the popular Wham! hit Last Christmas. The late George Michael even gave the movie his blessing before his untimely passing on Christmas Day 2016.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Bridesmaids director Paul Feig will take over directing duties for the romantic comedy.

Lead actor Henry Golding couldn’t help but express his excitement about Last Christmas: “Finally I can start getting excited and share the news… @paulfeig and I will be back to business in London at the end of the year.”

It is believed filming will take place in London later this year, which unfortunately means it won’t be released in time for Christmas 2018.

I guess we’ll just have to stick with the classics for now. If anybody needs me I’ll be watching Home Alone for the 1000th time.

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