The Last Christmas Party

I loved this film. On the surface, it explores the relationships of 3 couples nearing the end of their college years in New York. The intelligent script and fantastic acting however add more layers to the issues. With that comes ambiguity, humour and emotional engagement. This is proof that small budget films can charm and entertain.

Just a typical party set around Christmas time. This is very dialog driven and sometimes very entertaining but other times making you wonder whats going on. I think the ending saved.

A Christmas party. Three couples about to be separated for semester break. Three different angles to the same party and events that transpire over the evening. Lots of emotions shared, bared and talked about during the same evening. if you are looking for happy endings or happy, jolly Christmas fare then I would avoid this. If you like movies with raw emotions and ambiguity then you will probably like this film.

When they sent someone out to buy more alcohol before the party even started it's a metaphor for how unprepared everyone involved in this film was. I think I counted about 15 people so it's not really a party, more a get together. Cliches of actors huffing & puffing to show 'emotion'. Someone vomits on a woman's top (spoiler) & no one offers her another, even though she's at her boyfriend's apartment so she leaves? It's so obvious that this film has male writers considering how one dimensional & problematic the female characters are & the only ones who's problems are 'real' are the guys. The budget didn't stretch for stedicams so emotional scenes leave you with motion sickness. Charlie should just put the paper towels down & come out... he's fooling no one. Caroline was the only character played by an actor who was convincing . The cameraman is obsessed with that brick wall. Worst pep talk ever. The do better scene is just ludicrous. I think the only person who had fun in this film was Manny.

If you want a cheery, feel good, Christmas movie then this is not for you. If you are open-minded and willing to sit back without prejudice and enjoy a film then you could be pleasantly surprised. Watching people flirting with indecision as they are about to embark on the next stage of life brought back memories. This was both funny and poignant.