The Holdovers

Very Insightful and well paced.

Funny , poignant, sad . Acting was really good. Paul Giamatti , never disappoints.

This movie was very good! A good story behind it. We liked it very much!

The reviews from here convinced me to watch this long boring movie. I never write reviews and that is how bad I thought this movie was. I even liked the characters, the message, and the story but this was told in the most boring way possible visually, in dialog and lingered way too long on really unimportant scenes that went no where and didn't add to the story nor character development. It was too long and too boring and adding really cool intros and ending to make it feel like a movie from the early 70s is an effect that lasts for a few minutes but doesn't pay off what so ever in the movie itself. While I see what they were trying to do in this movie and it had great elements to it, it still felt like a microwave dinner from the 70s.

In the realm of heartwarming cinema, The Holdovers emerges as a beacon of pure delight, a cinematic gem that seamlessly blends humor, poignancy, and genuine human connection. Set amidst the idyllic backdrop of an esteemed New England prep school, Barton Academy, during the holiday season, the film masterfully weaves together the lives of three individuals who find themselves unexpectedly stranded during the winter break. At the heart of the narrative lies Paul Giamatti's endearing portrayal of Paul Hunham, a history teacher grappling with personal turmoil. His melancholic aura is delicately counterbalanced by the infectious energy of Mary Lamb, the kitchen manager, portrayed with captivating charm by Da'Vine Joy Randolph. Rounding out the trio is Angus Tully, a troubled student played with raw authenticity by newcomer Dominic Sessa, whose emotional vulnerability adds depth and complexity to the story. Director Alexander Payne deftly steers the film through a tapestry of emotions, effortlessly navigating between moments of lighthearted camaraderie and poignant introspection. The Holdovers is a masterful study of human relationships, exploring themes of loneliness, friendship, and the transformative power of connection. Payne's directorial vision is complemented by a script that is both witty and profound, infused with sharp dialogue that perfectly captures the essence of each character. The Holdovers is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, its characters and their struggles etched into the viewer's mind. Giamatti delivers a tour-de-force performance, imbuing Paul Hunham with a depth that resonates deeply. His portrayal is a testament to his immense talent, showcasing his ability to navigate the delicate balance between humor and vulnerability. Randolph is equally captivating as Mary, bringing infectious energy and warmth to the role. Her performance is a delightful blend of humor and genuine warmth, making Mary a character that audiences will instantly adore. Sessa delivers a poignant and nuanced performance as Angus Tully, capturing the character's emotional turmoil with raw authenticity. His portrayal is a testament to his potential as an actor, showcasing his ability to delve into the depths of human vulnerability. The Holdovers is a cinematic triumph, a film that celebrates the human spirit amidst the challenges of life. It is a story that will touch hearts, spark laughter, and leave an indelible mark on those who experience its magic.

The best Christmas Movie that's come out in my lifetime. I'll be watching this ever year for the rest of my life.

Good blend of drama and comedy. Nice pacing

This is legit one of the most heartwarming movies I’ve seen in a long time. Set during winter break in a boarding school at the onset of the 70’s, with a bratty teenager, a wisecracking teacher and a grieving cook being forced to stay together under unusual circumstances made for one hell of a pair up as the chemistry between this trio and the emotions that result from their interactions is a testament to how well this movie captures the struggles of different age groups. It’s not uncommon for a story to involve a bunch of unlikely companions together in a confined space, learning to understand each other and grow together as people but the Holdovers has a very charming approach to showing us the inherent flaws in its characters that doesn’t belittle them, on the contrary it paints a rather beautiful canvas of socio-economic impacts on life and how the relationships we form are a core part pf our identity as human beings, especially around the joyous time of holidays, after all no one should get to spend Christmas and New Years alone. It sends the beautiful message that there is no better way to spend these joyous occasions than being surrounded by the people who care about you, no matter where they come from or how unlikely they may be :)) Paul Giamatti and Joy Randolph are absolute powerhouses and newcomer Dominic Cessa has a very bright future ahead of him, I’m looking forward to seeing their future projects!

Yes, please, more movies with heart. "What the world needs now is love, sweet love..."

incredible. Great movie