Holdovers is a likable Christmas film taking place in 1970. It's a thoughtful film that expresses somewhat unoriginal ideas in an original manner. Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) plays a history teacher in an all-boys boarding school, Barton Academy. He is a strict teacher, tough grader, grumpy, rough about how he interacts, pompous, and despised by all his students and staff. He has no family to go to for winter break, so the headmaster assigns him to oversee 5 students in similar situations staying at the school. One of the kid's parent comes by and decides he will take all of them on a skiing vacation with him. However, one student named Angus can't get in touch with his mother, who is off traveling with her new husband, to get permission. Hunham takes Angus under his wing along with the school cook, Mary. Angus has a knack for causing trouble and pulling pranks. Mary's son Curtis had died in the Vietnam War. The three lead troubled lives, fending off depression for different reasons, and bond over the coming days, including at a Christmas party.
It's an interesting movie with great acting from the three. The cinematography, directing, appropriate soundtrack for the era, and subtlety in writing stand out to me. The movie explores many themes, especially focusing on the human experience, including personal growth, friendship, and living by letting go. I would say it's a light-hearted film with comedic moments, but there is a dark undertone. I liked the nostalgic feel and overall atmosphere that you get when watching. The only issue I had was that they could have quickened the pacing without losing any content.
Would I recommend this? Yes. If you enjoy films like 'Dead Poets Society', 'Rushmore', 'Being There', and 'Scent of a Women', this is a must-watch. There might be some similarities, but I think Holdovers is one unique, fresh film.
Review by HSBlockedParent2024-03-30T00:53:28Z
Holdovers is a likable Christmas film taking place in 1970. It's a thoughtful film that expresses somewhat unoriginal ideas in an original manner. Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) plays a history teacher in an all-boys boarding school, Barton Academy. He is a strict teacher, tough grader, grumpy, rough about how he interacts, pompous, and despised by all his students and staff. He has no family to go to for winter break, so the headmaster assigns him to oversee 5 students in similar situations staying at the school. One of the kid's parent comes by and decides he will take all of them on a skiing vacation with him. However, one student named Angus can't get in touch with his mother, who is off traveling with her new husband, to get permission. Hunham takes Angus under his wing along with the school cook, Mary. Angus has a knack for causing trouble and pulling pranks. Mary's son Curtis had died in the Vietnam War. The three lead troubled lives, fending off depression for different reasons, and bond over the coming days, including at a Christmas party.
It's an interesting movie with great acting from the three. The cinematography, directing, appropriate soundtrack for the era, and subtlety in writing stand out to me. The movie explores many themes, especially focusing on the human experience, including personal growth, friendship, and living by letting go. I would say it's a light-hearted film with comedic moments, but there is a dark undertone. I liked the nostalgic feel and overall atmosphere that you get when watching. The only issue I had was that they could have quickened the pacing without losing any content.
Would I recommend this? Yes. If you enjoy films like 'Dead Poets Society', 'Rushmore', 'Being There', and 'Scent of a Women', this is a must-watch. There might be some similarities, but I think Holdovers is one unique, fresh film.