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Demand has made The Holdovers (2023) movie available in US country/region to rent onlineMovie basic details
Current status - Released
Total runtime - 133 mins.
Release date - 27-10-2023
Release year - 2023
Genres - Comedy, Drama
Overall ratings and scores for The Holdovers:
Happiness Score - 7.8/10, World Popularity Score - 21.0195/100, IMDB Score - 8.0, Metascore - N/A, Internet Movie Database - 8.0/10, Rotten Tomatoes - 97%, .
The Holdovers movie has Total Global Votes - 944, Total IMD Votes - 113,383
The Holdovers Movie Introduction: Movie The Holdovers, release year 2023 is written by David Hemingson and directed by Alexander Payne. The leading star-cast in this movie are Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa along with the other stars and crew members.
Trailers, Clips, Featurettes and Behind the Scenes
Official Trailer
David Hemingson's "Words to Live By" | ''The Holdovers' Oscars
Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa and Da'Vine Joy Randolph on The Holdovers | EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024
DOMINIC SESSA wins BEST BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards
EIGIL BRYLD wins BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards
DA’VINE JOY RANDOLPH wins BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards
Sandra Oh Discusses THE HOLDOVERS with Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Paul Giamatti
Ethan Hawke and Paul Giamatti Discuss THE HOLDOVERS
Composer Mark Orton and the Music Behind THE HOLDOVERS
THE HOLDOVERS at TIFF 2023
The Holdovers wins Casting | EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024
Da'Vine Joy Randolph's emotional speech as she wins Supporting Actress | EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024
Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Alexander Payne on The Holdovers | BFI Q&A
TIFF 2023 Q&A with Alexander Payne
Dir. Alexander Payne & Paul Giamatti on Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s Layered Performance | In Focus | Ep 7
Alexander Payne Discusses his Film THE HOLDOVERS
'The Holdovers' with filmmakers | Academy Conversations
How the Perfectly Real Cast of THE HOLDOVERS Came to Be
ALEXANDER PAYNE on the making of THE HOLDOVERS | Film Independent Presents
Alexander Payne On Transporting The Audience Back into 1970s | 60 Second Film School
The Holdovers Cast & Dir. Alexander Payne on Paul Giamatti’s Flawless Acting Chops
Alexander Payne brings The Holdovers to the red carpet at the BFI London Film Festival 2023
Movie overview and plot by Anagha Shashank
Movie in-short: A cranky history teacher at a prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a grieving cook and a troubled student who has no place to go.
Movie story-line: A curmudgeonly instructor at a New England prep school is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually, he forms an unlikely bond with one of them — a damaged, brainy troublemaker — and with the school’s head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam.
Movie synopsis: A cranky history teacher at a prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a grieving cook and a troubled student who has no place to go.
Highlights - The Holdovers (2023)
Total budget - $13,000,000.00
Total revenue - $42,513,270.00
Produced by - MiramaxGran Via Productions
Produced in - United States of America
Available languages - English (English),
Homepage URL - http://focusfeatures.com/the-holdovers
Awards won / Nominations - Nominated for 5 Oscars. 129 wins & 196 nominations total
Certificate(s) - AR : +13 BE : 16 BR : 14A CA : 12 CA : 12 ES : IIB FI : 13+ FR : 15A GB : All HK : 15 HK : 15 ID : 12 IT : R IT : R IT : R IT : R NL : R NL : R NL : R NL : R NL : R
Lead Actors, Writer(s), Director(s) of The Holdovers (2023)
Lead Actors - Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
Writer(s) - David Hemingson
Director(s) - Alexander Payne
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) about The Holdovers (2023)
What is the release date of The Holdovers (2023)?
Release date of The Holdovers (2023) is 27-10-2023.
What is the total runtime of The Holdovers (2023) in minutes?
Total runtime of The Holdovers (2023) in minutes is 133 min.
What is the budget consumed to produce The Holdovers (2023) movie?
The budget consumed to produce The Holdovers (2023) movie is around $13,000,000.00.
How much revenue is expected from movie The Holdovers (2023)?
Expected revenue from movie movie The Holdovers (2023) is around $42,513,270.00.
What is the pupularity of The Holdovers (2023)?
Worldwide pupularity of The Holdovers (2023) movie is 21.0195%.
What is the name of the production company of film The Holdovers (2023)?
Production company of film The Holdovers (2023) is/are Miramax, Gran Via Productions, .
Which country the film The Holdovers (2023) is produced in?
Film production country for the film The Holdovers (2023) is United States of America, .
Which language the film The Holdovers (2023) is produced in?
Film The Holdovers (2023) is produced in English (English), language(s).
Which Genre the film The Holdovers (2023) belongs to?
Movie The Holdovers (2023) is categorized under Comedy, Drama genre(s).
Who are the lead actors of the film The Holdovers (2023)?
Lead actors of the film The Holdovers (2023) are Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa.
Who is the writer of the film The Holdovers (2023)?
The writer(s) of the film The Holdovers (2023) is/are David Hemingson.
Who is the director of the film The Holdovers (2023)?
The director(s) of the film The Holdovers (2023) is/are Alexander Payne.
Which awards, nominations and recognitions are won by The Holdovers (2023) movie?
Movie The Holdovers (2023) has Nominated for 5 Oscars. 129 wins & 196 nominations total awards and nomination in it's profile.
What is the story of The Holdovers (2023) in-short?
Short plot of movie The Holdovers (2023): A cranky history teacher at a prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a grieving cook and a troubled student who has no place to go..
What is the full story of The Holdovers (2023) movie?
Full plot of movie The Holdovers (2023): A cranky history teacher at a prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a grieving cook and a troubled student who has no place to go..
Where to find full details of The Holdovers (2023) movie?
You can find the full details of movie The Holdovers (2023) at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14849194
Where to stream or watch movie The Holdovers (2023) online?
You can stream or watch online movie The Holdovers (2023) on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Telstra TV, Rakuten TV, Cineplex, FlixFling, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Store, meJane, Peacock Premium, Spectrum On Demand, .
List of full Starcast and crew members of The Holdovers (2023)
Full Starcast:
Name: Paul Giamatti
Character: Paul Hunham
Name: Dominic Sessa
Character: Angus Tully
Name: Da'Vine Joy Randolph
Character: Mary Lamb
Name: Carrie Preston
Character: Miss Lydia Crane
Name: Brady Hepner
Character: Teddy Kountze
Name: Ian Dolley
Character: Alex Ollerman
Name: Jim Kaplan
Character: Ye-Joon Park
Name: Michael Provost
Character: Jason Smith
Name: Andrew Garman
Character: Dr. Hardy Woodrup
Name: Naheem Garcia
Character: Danny
Name: Stephen Thorne
Character: Thomas Tully
Name: Gillian Vigman
Character: Judy Clotfelter
Name: Tate Donovan
Character: Stanley Clotfelter
Name: Darby Lee-Stack
Character: Elise
Name: Bill Mootos
Character: Mr. Endicott
Name: Dustin Tucker
Character: Mr. Rosensweig
Name: Juanita Pearl
Character: Mary's Sister Peggy
Name: Alexander Cook
Character: Priest / Bartender
Name: Liz Bishop
Character: Office Lady
Name: Cole Tristan Murphy
Character: Toothbrushing Student
Name: Will Sussbauer
Character: Cobb Salad Student
Name: Carter Shimp
Character: Weed Buyer Harriman
Name: Michael Malvesti
Character: Christmas Tree Guy
Name: Dakota Lustick
Character: Christmas Tree Helper
Name: Melissa McMeekin
Character: Hooker
Name: Jonathan von Mering
Character: ER Doctor
Name: Rena Maliszewski
Character: ER Nurse
Name: Osmani Rodriguez
Character: Pharmacist
Name: Oscar Wahlberg
Character: Pinball Player
Name: Dan Aid
Character: Vietnam Vet Kenneth
Name: Mike Kaz
Character: Hip Party Guest
Name: Kelly AuCoin
Character: Hugh Cavanaugh
Name: Colleen Clinton
Character: Mrs. Cavanaugh
Name: Fred Robbins
Character: Santa Claus
Name: David J. Curtis
Character: Psychiatric Orderly
Name: Pamela Jayne Morgan
Character: Waitress
Name: Davis Robinson
Character: Maître d'hôtel
Name: Joe Howell
Character: Liquor Store Cashier
Name: Peter Krasinski
Character: Choir Leader
Name: Greg Chopoorian
Character: Jason Smith's Father
Name: Ian Lyons
Character: Miss Crane's Boyfriend
Name: Kevin Fennessy
Character: Irritated Movie Patron
Name: Kevin Daigneault
Character: Barton Parent (uncredited)
Name: Bhanu Gopal
Character: Boston Streeter / Pedestrian (uncredited)
Crew Members:
Name: Mark Johnson
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer
Name: Frank Gaeta
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Sound Designer
Name: Alexander Payne
Department: Directing
Job/Role: Director
Name: Susan Shopmaker
Department: Production
Job/Role: Casting
Name: Kevin Tent
Department: Editing
Job/Role: Editor
Name: Wendy Chuck
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Costume Design
Name: Eigil Bryld
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Director of Photography
Name: Mark Orton
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Original Music Composer
Name: Bill Block
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer
Name: Andrew Golov
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer
Name: Ryan Warren Smith
Department: Art
Job/Role: Production Design
Name: John Vincent Mason
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunts
Name: Tom Williams
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer
Name: Patrick Cyccone Jr.
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Sound Re-Recording Mixer
Name: Randi Glass
Department: Production
Job/Role: Casting Associate
Name: Jeremy Woolsey
Department: Art
Job/Role: Art Direction
Name: Chris Stinson
Department: Production
Job/Role: Unit Production Manager
Name: Chris Stinson
Department: Production
Job/Role: Line Producer
Name: David Hemingson
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer
Name: David Hemingson
Department: Writing
Job/Role: Writer
Name: Glenn Kaplan
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Focus Puller
Name: Lori DeLapp
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Costume Supervisor
Name: Caroline Blanco
Department: Production
Job/Role: Extras Casting
Name: Joe Gawler
Department: Editing
Job/Role: Colorist
Name: Richard Ford
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Music Editor
Name: Richard Ford
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Executive Music Producer
Name: Frans Wetterings III
Department: Lighting
Job/Role: Gaffer
Name: Rebecca Robertson
Department: Directing
Job/Role: Script Supervisor
Name: Michael White
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Hair Department Head
Name: Michael White
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Hair Designer
Name: Markus Wittman
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Decoration
Name: Seacia Pavao
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Still Photographer
Name: Matt Akey
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: Visual Effects Producer
Name: Sarah Rubano
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Makeup Artist
Name: Sarah Rubano
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Makeup Department Head
Name: Scott Hersh
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Makeup Artist
Name: Scott Hersh
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Key Makeup Artist
Name: David J. Schwartz
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Sound Mixer
Name: Chandra Dyani Chavez
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Assistant Costume Designer
Name: Pamela Winn-Barnett
Department: Production
Job/Role: Post Production Producer
Name: Terrence Hayes
Department: Camera
Job/Role: "B" Camera Operator
Name: A.J. Paratore
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunts
Name: Amy Greene
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunt Coordinator
Name: Tomek Doroz
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Grip
Name: Mindy Elliott
Department: Editing
Job/Role: Associate Editor
Name: Anthony Raymond
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Designer
Name: Ashley L. Sykes
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Decoration Buyer
Name: Anastasia Tsikhanava
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Set Costumer
Name: Ben Rezendes
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunts
Name: Pete Dancy
Department: Art
Job/Role: Property Master
Name: Andy Chih-Jen Chang
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: VFX Supervisor
Name: Matt Aberle
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Music Supervisor
Name: Todd England Nicodemus
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Dolly Grip
Name: Dianna Reardon
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Ager/Dyer
Name: Adam Bellao
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: Special Effects Supervisor
Name: Lisa Lobel
Department: Production
Job/Role: Casting
Name: Diego Gaeta
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Sound Assistant
Name: Alix Metros
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Decoration Buyer
Name: Justin Sulham
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Grip
Name: Catriona Crosby
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Dresser
Name: Justice Hedenberg
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunts
Name: James B. Appleton
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Boom Operator
Name: Brandon Warner
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Dresser
Name: Josh Cronin
Department: Production
Job/Role: Production Coordinator
Name: John Nasraway
Department: Directing
Job/Role: Second Assistant Director
Name: Lori Gomes
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Hairstylist
Name: Rod Smith
Department: Directing
Job/Role: First Assistant Director
Name: Alan Francis Sullivan
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunts
Name: Joshua Gonzales
Department: Production
Job/Role: Production Supervisor
Name: Corey Hibbert
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunts
Name: Cody Skully
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Sound Assistant
Name: Biko Gogaladze
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Foley Artist
Name: Tommy Carroll
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Special Effects Technician
Name: Sean Doyle
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Dresser
Name: Elias Saliba
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: VFX Artist
Name: Aaron Bouchard
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Utility Sound
Name: Donyale McRae
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Makeup Artist
Name: Brian Bautista
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: VFX Editor
Name: Thomas Zadra
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer
Name: Setha Phongsavan
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Dresser
Name: Jennifer Douglas
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Hair Designer
Name: Jennifer Douglas
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Key Hair Stylist
Name: Kelly Kreiser
Department: Production
Job/Role: Production Coordinator
Name: Dia Donnelly
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Utility Sound
Name: Eun-Duk Cho
Department: Visual Effects
Job/Role: Visual Effects Producer
Name: Nathan Carlson
Department: Art
Job/Role: Title Designer
Name: Nathan Carlson
Department: Art
Job/Role: Graphic Designer
Name: Preston Treadwell
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Special Effects Technician
Name: Harrison Wayne
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Special Effects Technician
Name: Owen Guinessey
Department: Production
Job/Role: Extras Casting
Name: Gracie Kennedy
Department: Production
Job/Role: Extras Casting
Name: Michael Spurling
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Grip
Name: Christopher Guzman
Department: Production
Job/Role: Post Production Coordinator
Reviews Section
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://fandomwire.com/the-holdovers-bfi-london-film-festival-review/ "The Holdovers left me in complete disbelief at how complete, thought-provoking, hilarious, and emotionally powerful it becomes with each extraordinarily captivating minute that passes by. A shockingly faultless screenplay from David Hemingson exponentially attacks the viewers' hearts through a truly profound yet bittersweet study of the vital need for human connection. Protagonists are brilliantly written as real people, and superbly portrayed by an award-worthy cast. Add an immaculate tonal balance and outstanding execution by Alexander Payne, and a new Christmas classic is born." Rating: A
Heartwarming films for the holidays are something we’re all supposed to love, right? Well, if you’re talking about the works of directors like Frank Capra, George Seaton, Michael Curtiz and Chris Columbus, you’d be correct. But, since it’s been so long since we’ve had releases of that quality, in recent years, viewers hungry for such movies have been glomming on to anything that even remotely approaches such titles, whether or not the accolades are deserved. And that, in my view, sums up my feelings on the much-celebrated new feature from director Alexander Payne. This tale of a curmudgeonly, condescending, middle-aged, fuss-budget prep school teacher (Paul Giamatti) assigned to babysit a group of rambunctious students who are unable to be with their families for the year-end holidays has a premise with considerable potential that, unfortunately, is squandered by a narrative that feels loosely stitched together and ultimately comes across as patently undercooked. Indeed, what could have been a fun-filled romp a la a Christmastime take on movies like “Dead Poets Society” (1989), regrettably, comes up decidedly short. Admittedly, the film has its share of modestly funny and warm, fuzzy moments, but many of the scenes don’t flow smoothly from one to the next, creating a storyline that feels forced without delivering the goods to make a release like this work. While it’s true that the film succeeds (surprisingly) at depicting the mostly one-dimensional characters’ requisite personal evolution over the course of the picture, that almost-accidental accomplishment is seriously overshadowed by a series of plot elements that largely feel thrown together, incorporated without a terribly great amount of thought and an undeniable lack of cohesiveness. And, to be honest, the picture’s most interesting character is the academy’s chief cook (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), whose richly layered persona (and deftly nuanced performance) runs circles around those of its other two principals (Giamatti and Dominic Sessa as one of the stranded students). It’s disappointing that a director as talented as Alexander Payne has churned out a project as half-baked as this one is (particularly one that comes across as self-satisfied with itself as this offering often does) when compared to previous titles like “Nebraska” (2013) and “The Descendants” (2011). And would-be viewers should be wary of many of the inflated claims and awards season buzz being showered on this offering. But, in an age in which moviegoers are looking for pictures that provide the kind of holiday cinema comfort they so desperately crave, it’s understandable that such viewers might be drawn to a film like this. It’s just such a shame that they won’t find what they’re looking for in this one.
Heartwarming films for the holidays are something we’re all supposed to love, right? Well, if you’re talking about the works of directors like Frank Capra, George Seaton, Michael Curtiz and Chris Columbus, you’d be correct. But, since it’s been so long since we’ve had releases of that quality, in recent years, viewers hungry for such movies have been glomming on to anything that even remotely approaches such titles, whether or not the accolades are deserved. And that, in my view, sums up my feelings on the much-celebrated new feature from director Alexander Payne. This tale of a curmudgeonly, condescending, middle-aged, fuss-budget prep school teacher (Paul Giamatti) assigned to babysit a group of rambunctious students who are unable to be with their families for the year-end holidays has a premise with considerable potential that, unfortunately, is squandered by a narrative that feels loosely stitched together and ultimately comes across as patently undercooked. Indeed, what could have been a fun-filled romp a la a Christmastime take on movies like “Dead Poets Society” (1989), regrettably, comes up decidedly short. Admittedly, the film has its share of modestly funny and warm, fuzzy moments, but many of the scenes don’t flow smoothly from one to the next, creating a storyline that feels forced without delivering the goods to make a release like this work. While it’s true that the film succeeds (surprisingly) at depicting the mostly one-dimensional characters’ requisite personal evolution over the course of the picture, that almost-accidental accomplishment is seriously overshadowed by a series of plot elements that largely feel thrown together, incorporated without a terribly great amount of thought and an undeniable lack of cohesiveness. And, to be honest, the picture’s most interesting character is the academy’s chief cook (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), whose richly layered persona (and deftly nuanced performance) runs circles around those of its other two principals (Giamatti and Dominic Sessa as one of the stranded students). It’s disappointing that a director as talented as Alexander Payne has churned out a project as half-baked as this one is (particularly one that comes across as self-satisfied with itself as this offering often does) when compared to previous titles like “Nebraska” (2013) and “The Descendants” (2011). And would-be viewers should be wary of many of the inflated claims and awards season buzz being showered on this offering. But, in an age in which moviegoers are looking for pictures that provide the kind of holiday cinema comfort they so desperately crave, it’s understandable that such viewers might be drawn to a film like this. It’s just such a shame that they won’t find what they’re looking for in this one.
Awesome heartwarming Christmas cheer. Loved the pacing, loved the tempo of the reveal, and loved the character arches. Not sure it's as repeatable as Wonderful Life or (original) Miracle on 34th. Ask me in a few Xmases.
We have all seen this nonsense before. A grumpy old man and a wisecracking youngster find ways to heal each-other over the course of one sensual holiday season. Maybe if this was the first one of these I have ever seen I would feel different, but there is just too much of this trash around to get excited about anything in here. Its not as cute as it thinks it is, and Giamatti is irritating. I get it, hes weird looking, and so they write him to smell bad and be generally repulsive. All we can do now is just move on, and heal.
The Holdovers is a thoughtful, sweet and pleasantly heartwarming film which feels like an old warm hug My Score : 92/100 "The Holdovers" is heartwarming tale of unlikely friendships. It's the kind of movie that lingers with you, gently nudging your conscience and leaving your heart a little fuller than before. The storyline is relatively straightforward, yet it's beautifully executed in a way that breathes a palpable life into each character and every scene.The film's setting, the 1970s, is captured with a sense of brilliance and authenticity that transport you back in time. The arcs of sensibility and chemistry between the characters grow on you as you watch their journey unfold. The film's runtime of 133 minutes feels like a swift, captivating journey rather than a drawn-out narrative. The powerful performances by the central leads, storytelling that feels personal, and the charming chemistry between the characters make this a wonderful Christmas film. 1. Heartwarming 1970s film: The film's setting, the 1970s, is captured with a sense of brilliance , subtlety and authenticity that transport you back in time. The film doesn't claim to be a comedy, but the subtle humour injected into the narrative adds a layer of charm and depth. 2. Compelling characters: The plot revolves around a cranky history teacher (Paul Giamatti), a troubled student, and a grieving cook. What starts as a friction-filled teacher-student relationship gradually evolves into an endearing friendship. The arcs of sensibility and chemistry between the characters grow on you as you watch their journey unfold. 3. Thoughtful Narrative : Holdovers is an heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship which carefully takes its characters and give them their own arcs. Its so sensible yet cheerful that you fall for the characters instantly as you spend some time with them. 4. Swift and engaging: The film's runtime of 133 minutes feels like a swift, captivating journey rather than a drawn-out narrative. Feels like a smooth buttery screenplay transporting you in the 1970s and you dont need to exercise your brains and enjoy a film. 5. Oscar-worthy performances: Paul Giamatti, in his portrayal of Paul Hunham, delivers a performance that is nothing short of magnetic. His brilliant acting justifies why he is often termed ingenious. He brings a depth to his character that feels authentic and relatable, making it easy for the audience to root for him. Dominic Tessa, as Angus Tully, encapsulates his character's loneliness, frustration, and excitement with a performance that is exceptional. He is a bright star in the making. Instagram and X : @streamgenx
Anyone remember John Houseman's professor "Kingsfield" in "The Paper Chase" (1973)? Well, that's who Paul Giamatti reminded me of here with his portrayal of the acerbic, no-nonsense, ancient civilisations lecturer "Hunham". It's the last day of term and he hands out examination results that persist at the lower end of the A-F scale! This causes quite a bit of consternation amongst the silver-spooned students who fear their wealthy parents more than him. He agrees to try and mitigate these impending disasters by giving them extra work but that just irritates the B+ student "Tully" (Dominic Sessa) whose intervention doesn't exactly make him any friends! Anyway, serendipity takes her revenge now and this lad's planned Christmas in St. Kitts is kiboshed and he finds himself stuck at school over the holidays with his least favourite school colleague "Kountze" (Brady Hepner) and his teaching nemesis all sleeping in the infirmary! Drawbridges are up and battle lines drawn right from the outset, and are only exacerbated when the other kids are whisked off skiing leaving just the two and their long-suffering cook "Mary" (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) - a lady who also happens to be grieving for her son who has been killed in action before his twentieth birthday. Not the makings for much festivities, but gradually the three begin to bond a little, the ice begins to thaw and - well I suppose the rest isn't really too hard to guess. It's not really the story that makes this work - that's not especially unique. It's the three characterful performances - especially from the young Sessa - peppered with a wonderful selection of perfectly delivered sarcastic humour, temper tantrums, a little slapstick and an increasingly engaging rapport between the two men who must learn to overcome their differences - some serious, some trivial, some completely non-existent - so that maybe, just maybe, they will be able to resume after the New Year on less openly hostile terms. To that end, our trio take a trip to Boston - but will that help? It does rather run out of steam towards the predicable ending but the first forty minutes are genuinely laugh out loud at times. Giamatti and Randolph are naturals with Sessa looking like a man we will see again. Good fun with messages of humanity and reconciliation that are delivered using comedy rather than too much sentiment.
I didn't care for The Holdovers. It was funny at times, and it was a good film, just not my cup of tea. But because it wasn't my cup of tea, I don't really have much to say about it. So I'll sum up a review that hasn't been written yet. TL;DR The movie was fine, not my favorite, and too slow for my liking. The actors did a great job, and... that's it, I think.
Never finished it. Really disappointing compared to the hype.
8/10 Excellent. All three main protagonists in top form. Funny and poignant in equal measure. The emotions rang true as I have recently read Richard Beard's "Sad Little Men" about British private schools.
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