The stage curtains open ...
"The Holdovers" was a surprise for me. Yes, it has received numerous accolades and awards, and after watching it, it is easy to see why. I just didn't expect it to be as good as it was, I guess. It is a story we've seen before in films, but this movie takes that premise and raises the bar. It has a strong cast with memorable characters - one for the ages.
It is 1970. The setting is Christmas Break at Barton Academy, a New England boarding school, where Professor Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) has been asked to remain on campus to watch over the students who have been held over the next couple of weeks for one reason or another. He is a bitter individual and views the assignment as having to babysit misfits and unruly's. One of the students staying over is Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), and is dealing with issues on the homefront which has made him outspoken and a bit of a rebel. A clash of wills ensues when Professor Hunham imposes a strict study and exercise regiment during the holiday season leading to a situation where one, or both, of them will have to break down and give in.
Bolstered by strong performances by the entire cast, this was such a well developed story. Two of the actors in the film I have never heard of, or seen, before. Dominic Sessa as the rebellious student and Da'Vine Joy Randolph as the resident cook who is dealing with the loss of her only son. They both did such a great job in their respective roles - together with Giamatti's solid work - made for a very believable onscreen depiction. The pacing was spot on, the cinematography perfect for the time period, and the music encapsulates the moment.
The movie bridges the gap between generations, differences of opinions and of perspectives, and shows us that true and long-lasting friendships can be built despite age or background. Sometimes we forget the importance of these things, and "The Holdovers" serves as a reminder in a great "feel good" dramedy. This comes at a very high recommend with a very strong 8 stars out of 10.
"The Holdovers" was a surprise for me. Yes, it has received numerous accolades and awards, and after watching it, it is easy to see why. I just didn't expect it to be as good as it was, I guess. It is a story we've seen before in films, but this movie takes that premise and raises the bar. It has a strong cast with memorable characters - one for the ages.
It is 1970. The setting is Christmas Break at Barton Academy, a New England boarding school, where Professor Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) has been asked to remain on campus to watch over the students who have been held over the next couple of weeks for one reason or another. He is a bitter individual and views the assignment as having to babysit misfits and unruly's. One of the students staying over is Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), and is dealing with issues on the homefront which has made him outspoken and a bit of a rebel. A clash of wills ensues when Professor Hunham imposes a strict study and exercise regiment during the holiday season leading to a situation where one, or both, of them will have to break down and give in.
Bolstered by strong performances by the entire cast, this was such a well developed story. Two of the actors in the film I have never heard of, or seen, before. Dominic Sessa as the rebellious student and Da'Vine Joy Randolph as the resident cook who is dealing with the loss of her only son. They both did such a great job in their respective roles - together with Giamatti's solid work - made for a very believable onscreen depiction. The pacing was spot on, the cinematography perfect for the time period, and the music encapsulates the moment.
The movie bridges the gap between generations, differences of opinions and of perspectives, and shows us that true and long-lasting friendships can be built despite age or background. Sometimes we forget the importance of these things, and "The Holdovers" serves as a reminder in a great "feel good" dramedy. This comes at a very high recommend with a very strong 8 stars out of 10.