THE HOLDOVERS Movie Review | Alexander Payne | Paul Giamatti
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- Pull on your cozy cardigan and join us by the fire for a review of "The Holdovers." This excellent, '70s-inspired drama reunites director Alexander Payne with his "Sideways" star Paul Giamatti. Set in a Massachusetts boarding school over Christmas break, the film finds Giamatti's loathed history teacher stuck minding a group of misfit kids who have nowhere to go for the holiday. Co-starring Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Carrie Preston and Dominic Sessa in his unforgettable feature film debut. In theaters now, going wider Nov. 10.
#theholdovers #alexanderpayne #paulgiamatti
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A feel-good Christmas story without the cliches: no miracles happen, no one becomes a better person ala Scrooge, not only are problems not resolved, but they only get worse for one of the characters by films end. Yet it left me with a big smile.
What the film does capture is those moments when we can find temporary warmth, hope and the strength to go on. And this is what the three main characters, all flawed and unlikable, find for a brief moment of time.
So well said, thank you!
I don't know I think there was a happy end. I got fired from a dream job in the city and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I actually wound up working in the movies!
@@thesuncollective1475 brilliant thing about the film was its ambiguous ending. The ray of sunshine there was that, yes problems will persist but also the occasional good times no matter what. Thats the cycle of life the film brought alive in a believable way.
They get the period detail spot on. You could swear this was made in the 70s. Really good movie. The acting is excellent by everyone.
Totally, very authentic.
LOVED this movie. Giamatti is genius. Randolph should get an Oscar. Payne’s casting director does an exceptional job as in all of his movies. Was surprised by how subtly gorgeous the cinematography was too. I was the oldest guy in a very young audience and I could feel the crowd’s enjoyment. Very funny and very moving. Like Sideways, often
uproarious and sad at the same time. We need Alexander Payne movies now more than ever.
Wonderful to hear!
ruined by this review
😢when you tear up talking about a movie. You know it’s a good one! Thanks for the review. 🤗
Thanks, Dorothy! Let us know what you think when you see it.
Initially I thought it was just going to be about a teacher and his rag tag gang of misfits. Once that helicopter left, it evolved into an outstanding film.
Right? It gets so much deeper and richer.
Watched it, loved it, teared up in many places! Giamatti and Randolph *need* award noms for their work!
Same, thanks Jane!
I saw this with my mom and we both loved it! You’re absolutely right about Dominic Sessa, I was shocked when I found out this is his first film
Glad you both loved it! Always nice to see movies with Mom.
I just saw this the other day. It is amazing. In my opinion this and Oppenheimer are my favourite movies of the year easily
First off I have to say this is one of Paul Giamatti’s greatest performances in his entire career. And the rest of the cast is perfection as well. Everyone involved in this movie is Oscar Worthy. The Holdovers really reminded me of the film style and comedy/drama tone of classic 1970’s era classic movies from the great Hal Ashby, such as The Landlord, Harold And Maude, The Last Detail and Being There. Also it reminded me of classic 70’s movies from Bob Rafelson like Five Easy Pieces and The King Of Marvin Gardens. You could make a case that this movie is right up there with these great classics from that era. It feels like an all time great lost gem directly from the 70’s
Hopefully, Giamatti gets an Oscar nomination. He deserved a win for Sideways -- with the same director.
After tonite's viewing, one hopes "The Holdovers" gets hold over in our humble burgh; this is the kind of little human dramedy that we're seeing far too infrequently; rewarding without being soppy. It's the kind of film my film society would otherwise bring in if it didn't land at our local cinema. The cast is excellent. Barton Man! Entre Nous!
Isn't it lovely? So glad you enjoyed it too.
Inspires me to write. Born in 61, I was the son of 1 of 2 Doctors in Cassopolis, MI. It was a farming community 50% black and white. Starting school in 1966, the "world" entered our little town. Mostly through television, music and pop culture. I left after 5th grade in 72.
The school’s real name is Deerfield Academy in MA. It was shot at the school during Xmas break. The main kid was a senior at the school at the time.
A fun review thank you. Hope you both have a very nice November. Only 8 more weeks left in 2023.
Thanks Michael! That's crazy.
Great review! But ... I feel like Christy consistently short changed Paul Giamatti by 1 syllable in his last name. She changed gia matti (4 syallables) to ja matti (3 syllables)
Hey thanks.
Everyone was great in this, I just personally don't think Payne has all that much to offer here beyond a genuinely solid recreation of the period and a decent drama at its centre. If you've seen any of the movies this emulates, or even the trailer, you know every emotional beat by heart.
Went to a sneak as a #FocusInsider the other night. I want a dvd extra detailing how they did Paul Giamatti's wall-eyes!
I loved the vintage trailer they'd been showing and immediatelly knew Da'Vine Joy Randolph would be one of those amazing roles that get you going. Just before the screening I IMDB'd her..."oh, she's the cop on Only Murders! That's why I knew the face!" Glad to hear you're numbers up in the 8s! Mine would be too.
Great review bro. I saw Downsizing recently and it looks like this is Alexender Payne back to form.
Yes, very much so bro!
I am slightly surprised that the general consensus seems to be that "The Holdovers" is a feel-good movie. While a fine film, with classy performances and quality production, it strikes me as a cynical and slightly bitter film. What is there to feel good about? It has a dour tone and a message that seems to convey how unfair, lonely and sad some peoples lives are. I am curious what people saw that made them feel good for or about these characters and their resolutions.
There are some brutal truths here but eventually they (and we) experience uplift. These isolated people who have trouble connecting with others find each other and forge an unlikely bond. It's Alexander Payne's version of feel-good.
Can’t wait to see this. As a former teacher who used to wear a certain scarf in winter because it looked like Simon and Garfunkel sounded, this feels right up my alley.
Are you guys planning to review All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt?
Great review! Can’t wait to see this!
I agree that "The Wind" has been used too often and easily by a lot of films, but I would also argue that this is one film that uses it perfectly and organically because it matches the time period, the emotions, and the mood of the story and the specific moment in which it's used. It also seems like a song that the characters would actually hear on the radio in their daily lives at that time. When I watched it, it made me wish that it hadn't been used by those other films. It didn't feel to me like a cheap, easy way to hit a certain emotional button, as it's been used in so many other films. That includes the popular "Almost Famous", where it's used as just a sort of ode to the beauty and femininity of Kate Hudson's character. In "The Holdovers", it felt very much of a piece with the time period and the story, kind of like "Mrs. Robinson" in "The Graduate".
I just got back from seeing this, and have to say I really enjoyed it. Alexander Payne is hit or miss for me (and a lot of other movie goers I think). “Nebraska” is beautiful to look at, with engaging characters and a great script. “Election” is so darkly funny…Who Cares!! I walked out of “Downsizing” after about 45 minutes. I have to disagree with Alonzo Duralde regarding “The Wind” needle drop. I think Wes Anderson used it really effectively in the kite flying scene in “Rushmore”. I’m sure Duralde sees a lot more movies than I do, so maybe there are other examples. I don’t think it’s even featured in “Harold and Maude”, which is packed with Cat Stevens music. Finally, I was pleasantly surprised that “Little Big Man” was the film that two of the main characters took in on their trip to Boston. My sister took me to see that movie when it was released, I was 10, and it made quite an impression. Dustin Hoffman has a (rear facing) nude scene which blew my little gay boy mind. Happy Holidays!
So excited to see this film after your wonderful review!
Thanks, Daniel! You'll have to share your opinion afterward.
wow, Christy! you sold me on watching this movie. i hated the trailer because it seemed like another coming-of-age story that i've seen a million times. your description of it deepens my interest
Wonderful, let us know what you think!
As a Mormon. I appricated that the movie did not make the mormon kid a joke. His storyline was very believable.
David here I been a movie buff for over fifty years and I thought it was fantastic! Many twists and turns, things I didn’t expect but appreciated seeing. I politely disagree with you on using the Cat Stevens s song. It really made it feel like 1970, young people need to hear his music, so that they can learn about him. See you at the movies 🍿
Great movie. Best thing Director did was set up Paul as a evil teacher. All the stories unfolded slowly but in a defiant and amusing way. They kept my interest. I cared about the characters and was delighted with the Dad twist and resolution, all were slightly uncomfortable but so real.
I just finished Billions and I need some more Giamatti. I'll being going to see this.
I saw this last weekend. I really enjoyed it!
This is a feel good movie. And when I heard about this movie I was excited. Because I had seen the situation myself. Sort of. In USA when universities have winter break the campus becomes empty and its really boring especially when you know everybody is at home enjoying Christmas.
However The Holdovers does not offer much except some good character interactions, and few moments of humor and emotions. Its a feel good movie with the usual stereotypes. A strict character is tender at heart. A rebel is talented. The acting is very good. And the screenplay is not boring even if it never really surprises or makes us think.
Paul Giamatti holds the movie together with his very efficient performance. However looking at his nomination you have to wonder why Joaquin Phoenix missed out for a far more challenging role.
I give The Holdovers a 6.5. Its a earnest and sincere effort from everybody but its strictly in the familiar zone.
Loved the movie and the acting. One of the best of the year
So glad you loved it too!
Very much looking forward to this. Payne made Election and Sideways which are amongst my favorites, glad to see him back w/ Giamatti. I might have to do a rewatch of the 2 mentioned movies and throw another classic in there as well........American Splendor.
You got me, I gotta see this film!
Saw this movie on Tuesday and I loved it. The set and costume designers did a fantastic job getting the look of 1970 down so well. The movie is like a cross over between Scent Of A Woman and Good Will Hunting. Great review!
EDIT: I can’t believe I didn’t catch this but the ending is very similar to the ending of Dead Poet Society.
Thank you for watching! Yes, it feels very authentic to the era.
I loved this review... I was unsure of how I felt about the film. It was pleasant enough, but if I'm honest, it felt unremarkable. like, why? yes I found it very similar to to Wonderboys, but yeah why am I watching it.
Your description of this movie made something click for me... The main character a cynical drunk who still believes in the institution that has been left behind, these 3 characters that need and protect each other as everyone else in their indu... building has moved on to exciting prospects, even the fact you have this new fresh actor being protected by this grizzly old dude. there are so many parallels with holdovers of old school cinema that I can help feel this is a love letter, not to just those types of movies, but the complete mindset and industry that created them... in the eyes of the creator. I’m almost certainly wrong but it does give me something to associate the movie with
I want to be there for your live stream but I don't know if I can. I have lots of questions. Wish you guys the best!
Watch "about schmidt". Its good too.
(Its also another Alexander Payne movie, with Jack Nicholson)
This is really interesting to me. It's one of the few movie previews that worked for me.
Lovely review!
This is the type of films that Holywood no longer makes.
The Holdover is a master piece of cinema. It's sweet without being zacharine......it's inspiring but NO preachy........it's serious but never solemn.....it's funny (and hiliarious) but not goofy.
I cherish this movie and already seen it twice. Looking forward to taking my niece this week to see it.
Hugs from PERU........ (one of the places in Paul "must-visit-list" ).
That's wonderful! And hello to you in Peru. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
this premise was in a movie before. the australian film flirting maybe? it wasnt the MAIN premise but the whole "students who have no where to go for winter break". it could also totally be from a comic as i read a lot of teen books like generation x and new mutants who are all at a boarding school. even kitty had a stint at one in excalibur
Ooh, Flirting! With young Nicole Kidman, Thandiwe Newton and Naomi Watts. A college-age arthouse discovery.
Sounds great!
Where do you rank this in Payne's filmography?
2nd best, after Sideways
Great review. Just saw it yesterday and completely agree with your assessments.
Glad you enjoyed it too!
I finally saw this movie at my local indie theater (Tower Theater) in a double feature with Anatomy of a Fall and it was pretty good.
I preferred Anatomy of a Fall but both are great and must watches. I watch almost all of the Oscar nominated films so I know I had to watch both movies since both will be big contenders and I prioritize ones that will be widely nominated. I'll still watch something that say only gets Production Design, Score, and Sound but films like Oppenheimer, Barbie, Killers of the Flower Moon were good ones for me to see already since they will be nominated so much.
So I'm happy to get two more likely Best Picture+ nominees checked off already.
As I said I thought this film was pretty good. Giamatti is the best part imo. His lazy eye is so funny... I can easily see him winning the Comedy Globe but I think winning other top awards will be hard for him. I still have so many Lead Actor performances to see but I think he should get in especially since he is a respected veteran actor who hasn't won an Oscar yet.
Da'vine Joy Randolph was the performance I most wanted to see from what I heard people say about it. I mean she is good but I was expecting more since people are acting like she is going to sweep Best Supporting Actress. And if she does I'll be sad because I don't think it was that amazing. I wanted MORE. Two of her emotional scenes were so short (mainly talking about the kitchen scene and the scene with baby clothes) and I feel if they expanded those scenes maybe she could win. I really do not think she will win the Oscar now. But a first time nomination is still amazing so preemptive congrats to her either way.
Dominic Sessa was also great in his first role. He should clean up in any category for first time actor. Due to the competition in Lead Acting categories I doubt he can break through.
Personally I would not want this to win Best Picture. I know it will get nominated and I'm completely fine with that but of the other top Best Picture contenders according to Goldderby (only focusing on Top 20 really) that I've seen so far this season I'd put it at the bottom.
A rough ranking of what I've seen so far for Best Picture is as follows:
1) Oppenheimer
2) Anatomy of a Fall * might be # 1 but recency bias means I won't put it there yet*
3) Barbie
4) Killers of the Flower Moon
5) Past Lives
6) Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse
7) The Holdovers
8) Air
I've only seen 8 of the top 20 Best Picture contenders on Goldderby atm so far so I have a LOT to see. I just know I'm going to love Poor Things, American Fiction, and Saltburn so I can't wait to see those three. Stuff like Maestro, The Zone of Interest, Napoleon, All of Us Strangers, Origin, etc will hopefully be seen before the Oscars next year and are bound to shift this list. I hope some stuff I am taking for granted surprises me too.
So yeah I would recommend The Holdovers but especially Anatomy of a Fall.
I really hope Sandra Huller wins for Lead Actress. Fuck was she good. The scene with her husband is SO amazing. Oscar clip after Oscar clip since it goes on so long.
I still need to see so much but damn I think it will be hard for me to not rank her # 1 after I see most of the Lead Actress performances. Emma Stone will surely give her a run for her money but I firmly place Huller above Greta Lee in Past Lives, Margot Robbie in Barbie, and Lily Gladstone in Killers of the Flower Moon.
Yes, Anatomy of a Fall was so superior.
The Holdovers doesn't seem like a traditional Hollywood big budget movie like Titanic or Good Will Hunting. But it feels by the marketing like an early 2000s indie b drama like any number of Richard Linklater films or films starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman. I am not sure if modern audiences will take to it. But I'm sure it's more prestigious than that, especially based on your observations. I want to watch it. I'll probably be watching it by myself because I broke up with my ex and my best friend and I are in the rocks. Lol. At least in a way I have two trusty critics to watch with me in spirit. Always remember you guys do make a real difference. If it weren't for you Christy and Alonzo I probably would not watch "Pain and Glory by Almodovar." I like Almodovar. But I love Penelope Cruz more obviously. Good morning!
I think we're going to see this movie tonight. It intrigues me:)
We hope you love it too!
Looks awesome! I got to work on a Payne film in Hawaii :)
Btw do you want to hear about the original ending of the Descendants?
No one does
Really good movie it will become a serious Christmas movie.
Sideways ❤
Not a 9 or an 8.5 but 8.3 honestly seems right
From all the buzz I was expecting a lot more from this movie. It does an excellent job of capturing the look and feel of the year. But, on an entertainment level, I give it a 5 or 6 out of 10. I often felt pretty bored.
Just saw the film and being a big fan of Payne’s prior work, it feels like a combination of his most prominent works between the quirky comedy you see in sideways, teenage confusion and loss found in the descendants, and the slow evolving relationship between giamatti and sessa’s character like that seen in Nebraska. I appreciate the connection to Ashby but the script also felt like something you would see from Darryl ponicssan
I went to that school. It’s Northfield Mt. Hermon.
Didn't think it was up to Payne's usual dialog standard. And the retro was accurate but leaned on in some ways when the dialog regularly failed. So much of the dialog was obviating and unskilled, lines put in to move the plot ahead, often delivered in cliched ways. The class conflict was overpushed at times... kid shows up and finds a tray of brownies and says "I want all of them", just in case you weren't aware that the kid is the son of rich, all consuming capitalists. There are so many better and more subtle ways to achieve this. The poor kid is stuck with these lines regularly and somehow has to make them work with over the top profanity and gestures. (eg. the pinball machine incident). It's also a bit whitewashed, showing people of different backgrounds being civil and even close friends back in the 70's (which was true, I was born in 63, black was beautiful) ... this might serve to entice olders academy voters as some kind of apologia in the current cancel environment and provide some relief. Truly great movies solve all these lumps with rewrites but this movie has dozens.
great to see payne make a comeback after the disappointing downsizing
You had me at Hal Ashby
(:
Was the fact that Devine joy Randolph’s character’s son went to this school then died in war mentioned in the trailer? That seems like the kind of thing I would like to have found out when watching the film. I love your reviews, I’m not going to get on you about spoilers and maybe it was shown in the trailers, I only watched the first one. But if not, this might be the kind of thing to leave out of a review. Just some feedback. If it was shown in a trailer then please disregard this and accept my apology. Love you two!!
It is indeed in the trailer. Thanks for the feedback!
Ooh la la. Tres cinematic. Black bars. Diffused light. Matching warm cozy color pallet. Intimate focal length. Coffee product placement. If I didn't know hot it was in LA today, I would swear you were at a ski lodge. Tell me you want to make a film without telling me you want to make a film.
What other movies used Cat Steven’s The Wind? I feel like I can think of his other songs being used more often in movies, like Father and Son (which yes, is also a cheat code for emotion for me). I think Rushmore might have used The Wind.
Rushmore and Sing, definitely.
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret also used The Wind this year. It’s really been overused as of late.
@@NicholasVargo Yes, good memory! And we love that movie, too.
@@NicholasVargo Interesting, all the family movies. Not really a genre I pursue very often, so when I heard it in Holdovers, my reaction was just “Cat Stevens!”
I get the hype for Divine Joy Randolph. I do not understand how this is a feel good movie/story though. SPOILERS ahead: The loss of son, the father with challenges, losing job at the end. It is the best Oscar movie but only because it is better than Oppenheimer, Barbie, Past Lives, and Killers of the Flower Moon not because it blew me away. The Oscar movies have not been great the last two years.
Could very easily imagine this as a sleeper Oscar favorite in the midst of all those lengthy spectacles. It's ultimately about redemption though, no? And the healing power of making yourself vulnerable to other people. That's pretty feel-good 😄
@@BreakfastAllDay I do not see it as feel-good, but glad you did. Agree to disagree!
I have now found my favorite movie of the year.
That's wonderful! Isn't it a lovely film?
@@BreakfastAllDay Very much so
Was fortunate enough to see it in 35mm at The Belcourt, made it seem even more authentic.
@@jamesmc75 We love our friends @BelcourtTheatreNashville!
You guys do ads now?
The end is beginning….
Quite the contrary -- working with brands we believe in helps keep the lights on around here, so it doesn't have to be the end.
I don’t know. Not into depressing movie right now, even though I know there is an uplifting story at the end…. The trailer looks okay - teenagers or young adults and grumpy old man…
It's not depressing! It's really funny and ultimately redemptive.
@@BreakfastAllDay Thanks for the reassurance!
It's not a dark heavy film or difficult watch at all so your comment is not making sense. It's mostly an emotional comedy.
@nikitamohan3390 it doesn’t have to make sense. That is just my impression from looking at the trailer.
I did watch it yesterday. It is definitely top 10 movies of 2023. It is kind of dark - all the main characters have secrets and dealing with issues. But it is a great comedy with witty dialogue and plot twists. The trailer doesn’t really show the heart of the movie, which is the real charm.
@BreakfastAllDay Agree! Finally, I caught it yesterday. Easily top 10 of 2023. Have to sit down to see if it is top 5. But it's a fun movie with a lot of heart and humor. And a good reminder not to have kids... hahaha... so many are spoiled and ungrateful...hahaha...
Dominic Sessa was good, but he looked too old for his part. Never felt like a teenager to me.
Well he says he’s a little older because he’s been kicked out of so many schools. So maybe he’s 18 or 19?
No, in the movie Giamatti's character says he'll tell Dom something when he turns 18. The actor appears to be in his 20s.@@BreakfastAllDay
@@angelthman1659 Sessa graduated high school in 2022, so I think he was the exact age of the character in reality.
Where did you get that info? I couldn't find it. @@raymondzrike
@@raymondzrike So I guess the original commenter is basically complaining that he looks too mature or older than his age despite being age appropriate for the part. Sad!
Horrible movie. Not Oscar worthy for sure.
This is hands down the best movie of the year. The saddest thing about this movie is that it reveals there are only a few masters left in English language cinema that can make REAL movies like this... Payne, Nolan, Tarantino, PT Anderson, Spielberg and of course Scorsese.
The film has been ruined by your lack of professionalism! Lose the mic and present like you care!
Well ... we need the mics so you can hear us, so ... 🤷♀️
I hate that with this movie, Hollywood is saying that it has decided to make movies that only white people can watch, set in times where only white people can be cast to work in, with stories that would only require white people in the script, trying to cash in on old white people's nostalgia for this type of 1970s 1980s type of movie, that had it come out back then, would not even be thought of now, made for white people by white people. Unless I'm wrong and this movie isn't heteronormative and was written and directed by like black people and the lgbtqia plus people.
Leo, thanks very much for your perspective. Would be curious to hear your thoughts on Da'Vine Joy Randolph's character and how her subplot comments on the fate of people of color during the Vietnam War.
You have completely lost your mind
Ummm, I think i kind of get what you're saying? But not really? From what I've seen (only the trailer) its primarily focused on white characters (and it is directed by a white man, unsure of his sexuality as I'm not familiar with him). Still, it doesn't mean you can't relate to them on some level. We all have highs and lows.