The Holdovers (2023)
8/10
A solid, entertaining Holiday Film
28 January 2024
I know the excellent Director, Alexander Payne, (Nebraska, The Descendants, Election, Sideways, and About Schmidt) does not want his film characterized as a "Holiday Classic," but: 'It's A Wonderful Life,' Home Alone,' and 'Love Actually' are not terrible company to keep!

This is a heartwarming, entertaining, and well-acted film that takes place over the Christmas-New Years break at a boys boarding school in Massachusetts, in 1971. The brilliantly-versatile Paul Giamatti is terrific, as is newcomer Dominic Sessa. Da'Vine Joey Randolph also portrays a character with depth of layers.

This film is multi-nominated for the Oscars, including: Best Picture, Best Actor (Giamatti), Best Supporting Actress (Joy), Original Screenplay (David Hemingson). I guess the film directed itself, as Payne is not nominated.

This film is gaining steam at the right time and might overtake the favorite-the overly-long and boring 'Oppenheimer.' Giamatti also has an upset shot over Cillian Murphy.
3 out of 6 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed