Last but not least: Shirley MacLaine scores as an unpopular dragon

Hollywood icon Shirley MacLaine shines once more in a leading role in "Last but not least" – and that as a personalized scratching brush.

Are there no more roles in the dream factory for older semesters? Acting icon Shirley MacLaine (86, "Time of Tenderness") proves in the film comedy "At Good Last" (2017), which is celebrating its first free TV premiere on Tuesday (July 21st, at 10:45 pm) , the contrary. She has been in front of the camera for over 60 years and has won numerous awards in her career, including the Oscar for "Best Actress". MacLaine was never gone, but in "Last but not least" she shows once again why she is one of the big names in Hollywood.

That's what "Last but not least"

The once successful businesswoman Harriet Lauler (MacLaine) planned every aspect of her retirement down to the last detail. Therefore, the young journalist Anne (Amanda Seyfried) is said to write her obituary during Harriet's lifetime, but soon comes across a serious problem: Nobody has a good word for Harriet. How should a lovable portrait be created? The scratchy old lady therefore wants to actively rewrite her biography. Among other things, she has to reconcile with her daughter (Anne Heche). So Harriet and Anne take a trip that is supposed to change everything.

Shirley MacLaine harmonizes with Amanda Seyfried

MacLaine is the stubborn, control-addicted and straightforward scratching brush cut to size. Harriet Lauler says what she thinks. Throughout her life she was determined and unyielding to be able to assert herself as a business woman in a male domain. The viewer suspects early on that there is a fun-loving, smart lady behind the rough facade, but only in the course of the film do you fall in love with her more and more.

As the ideal scene partner, MacLaine receives support from Amanda Seyfried (34, "The Shine of Silence"), who can be seen flirting with her husband Thomas Sadoski (44, "The Great Trip – Wild"). It is the couple's first film together. They had married shortly before and had their first child together. The chemistry in front of the camera is unmistakable, so you wonder how much of it was actually acted.

But not only Seyfried appears as a counterpart to MacLaine: The young AnnJewel Lee Dixon alias Brenda as a cheeky girl ensures a lot of brisk sayings. As a trio in everyday life, on a road trip and when swimming under the stars, they are unbeatable.

"Last but not least" is about some of life's big questions. Are you happy alone in old age? How do you want to be remembered when you die? Are all conflicts resolved? Do you leave something good? Did you do everything? Have all wishes been fulfilled and plans worked out? The film does not provide answers to all questions. Some things remain unclear, which is probably also often the case in reality.

Conclusion

"Last but not least" fluctuates between comedy and drama. There is a lot to laugh about, but also a lot to think about. One or the other tear should also be suppressed. The message is simple: it is never too late to change anything in life. And Shirley MacLaine still likes to watch her doing her thing on the screen.

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