The Holdovers

Quite possibly one of the best Christmas films ever? I first saw Payne & Giamatti's previous film together, "Sideways" during my screenwriting training class, and it is one that I would think of for a while. Their new film, "The Holdovers", is hilarious, beautifully shot and acted, heartwarming, and has a great sense of grief and joy meshed together. Definitely leaning towards Randolph for Best Supporting Actress; her performance BLEW me away.

Overall, I love these films. Light-hearted & comedic while also have a sense of darkness and a lot of heavy emotion to it. Definitely is one of the most heartfelt films of the year.

"The Holdovers" is a captivating blend of comedy and drama that beautifully explores the complexities of human relationships.

Story is about a grumpy instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school who forms an unexpected bond with a troubled student during the Christmas break. Because it is set in the 1970s, the film in a way is a nostalgic journey back in time, but with a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The performances are exceptional, with Giamatti delivering a compelling portrayal of a man grappling with his own loneliness and the challenges of mentorship. The film's narrative is richly layered, exploring themes of loneliness, friendship, and personal growth. It's a story that resonates, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition. The film's setting in the 1970s adds a layer of nostalgia, further enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. Despite its lengthy runtime, "The Holdovers" mostly maintains a steady pace, balancing its dramatic elements with moments of humor and warmth. The main plus of the movie is its dialogue-driven approach that adds to its charm, creating a sense of authenticity and depth in its character interactions.

Overall, this is a film that leaves a lasting impression, offering a thoughtful exploration of human relationships set against the backdrop of a bygone era. With its exceptional performances and engaging narrative, I'm giving it an 8 out of 10 rating. It's a must-watch for those seeking a film that combines drama, comedy, and a touch of nostalgia.

Finally......a GOOD movie. The story/script, although not a breakthrough idea, was heartfelt,full and real.

The settings were also real and gorgeous (not really a cgi fan) Camera, cinematography, lighting,sound,score....every level made my eyes and ears satisfyingly full.

Acting was oscarworthy across the board.

Directing was brilliant.

Only negative I can come up with is that the pace was a bit slow, but so much of the movie is so focused and so superbly and beautifully made I just sat back and enjoyed it.

A very thoughtful substantial and beautiful movie. A rare gem in today's superficial gimmicky movie making world.

Here is a film that feels and looks like something out of the early seventies. The Holdovers is a strong and warm-hearted piece that gives actors roles with powerful lines, without any reliance on flashy editing and being overwhelmed by special effects.

The story is simple three people get stuck for the Christmas holidays in a boarding school. It's cold, lonely, and boring for the parties involved. The adults drink to cope with whatever pressures they live with. The young man resorts to bad behavior and altercations with the teacher in charge.

Through the vacation period these people will get to interact and get to know each other, something that will prove to a challenge to say the least. As the story evolves, we get to understand what has made the people who they are. We get to feel their pain and frustration through the very insightful writing of the director.

It's a strong film with superb acting by the main leads. They have great chemistry together.

Most outstanding is Paul Giamatti who plays the tormented and defensive man with relish and speaks volumes with his eyes.

Hope the academy honors his performance as the best the year because no one else so far is coming close.

Very enjoyable film with outstanding performances and a wonderful warm vibe accompanied by the Christmas season. It's funny at times, sad at times, and feel-good. It's a story that almost all can relate to and will really touch your heart. It deals with so many themes, but mainly grief, the past, family, and what makes a person who they are. It's also very original and has a great script, cinematography, and soundtrack. I would highly advise to see it in the theaters as well as you really get the 70's vibe and deep moment on the big screen. There aren't many negatives to this film and I would recommend it to most people.