The Holdovers movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Holdovers

This movie which is both comedy and tragedy is now playing in theaters.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 2 hours 13 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

A cranky history teacher at a remote prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a troubled student who has no place to go.

This movie is directed by two-time Oscar winner Alexander Payne and written by David Hemington.

THINGS I LIKED:

This movie had me at Paul Giamatti. I’ve been such a fan of his for years. He’s fantastic in this, of course. He creates a character that is unlikable and lovable at the same time. The makeup team makes one of his eyes look “off” or like a glass eye to add yet one more quirk to his character. I’m hoping he gets recognized by the Academy for this outstanding performance.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph has already been nominated and won awards for her exceptional performance. Both she and Paul Giamatti graduated from the Yale School of Drama!
A wonderful revelation of the movie was the on-screen debut of a talented, new actor: Dominic Sessa. He did an excellent job and I’m excited to see what he does next.
I loved watching the gradual transformational growth of several of the characters.
There are no sets or soundstages. All of the scenes were shot at real locations.
The story takes place in the 1970s and the film even looks like it was made in the 1970s. Well done, team!
The dialogue is clever and witty.
There is some visual and spoken humor.
This is the perfect movie to watch during the holidays, as it reminds us to be aware of those who are alone and without their family. Maybe it will inspire us to reach out and extend an invitation to them to join us.
I love the illustration of following the letter of the law versus the spirit of the law.
The musical score by Mark Orton fits the style and era of the film perfectly.
The film takes its time to deliver the story we want that touches our hearts and breaks it in many ways.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Nothing. I really enjoyed everything about it.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Profanity, including F-bombs
Some crude comments
Prescription drugs are used
Alcohol, cigarettes, weed, prescription drugs

THEMES:

Family
Educators
Sacrifice
Belonging
Acceptance
Goals
Parenting
Loneliness
Boarding school life
Life’s challenges and journeys

FUNNY LINES:

“Your logic is flawless.” – Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Do not cross the Rubicon.” – Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti)
“World is decay. Life is deception.” – Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti)
“Your history does not dictate your destination.” – Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti)
“Keep your head up. You can do this.” – Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) “I was going to tell you the same thing.” – Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa)
“I find the world a bitter and complicated place. And it seems to feel the same way about me.” – Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti)