devojonesy1977

I agree with another reviewer about "The Holdovers." It just didn't connect with me the way that I REALLY wanted and hoped that it would. I loved the cimenatography and the way it looked, it really looked like it could have easily been made and released in 1970-71 and that was the engaging factor in the previews for me until I actually SAW the film. The redeeming factors for me was the always perfect performance of one Paul Giamatti who is excellant in everything he has done as an actor (maybe with the exception of his turn as The Rhino from The Amazing Spider Man 2) And he DESRVED the Golden Globe that he won.

The unredeeming aspects for me was that it didn't always FEEL like it was taking place in the 70s'. The film seemed for me to lose it's realism with the other two leads, namely Dominic Sessa playing a 17 year old Angus Tully (a high schooler even though he looks like he's in his late 20s.) And Da'Vine Joy Randolph playing school lunch lady Mary Lamb (the ever present rude angry black woman). And before the name calling starts, I'd like to point out that I myself am a Black man.

Those two characters slowed and sometines ruined the film for me in certain scenes. Sessa as Angus Tully seemed more like a whiny entitled and rude millennial or Gen'zer than a kid who was growing up in the 1970s. It just seemed his character wasn't growing up or dealing with the possibility of going to military school or being drafted into Vietnam. And Da'Vine Joy Randolph playing Mary Lamb (the sassy, angry and sometimes rude Black Woman that is so prevelant in every movie that you see nowadays couldhave been softened). It's a stereotype that was already stale 30 years ago. It seemed unealistic some 52-53 years ago.

If these two characters were written with heart and genuine emotions, this film would have been aces with me. But it seems that this oversight of a genuine 1970s feel was lacking and THAT was the major drawback. "The Holdovers" isn't a TERRIBLE film, but it could have been SOOOOO much better had a little more thought, and good writing from a human aspect were included.

Andrea Riseborough shines in this film. Sure the subject matter was similar to a made for TV movie about a lack of morals and substance abuse. But Riseborough's performance as Leslie was the best I've seen this year..by far. She really commited to the character of Leslie (even losing weight to make the character more believable). Leslie is a character that never REALLY lets you in, it's like you're watching a documentary about this charcter as opposed to an actress playing the role.

Another great performance includes the always spectacular Allison Janney as the conflictive character Nancy. In fact the whole cast gave spectacular performances.

It's really a shame that I'm just hearing about this film, (and Riseborough's performance being "Oscar worthy) it was mostly spread through word of mouth by OTHER great actors/actresses including Kate Winslet, and those of us who still enjoy great performances by great actors/actresses.