Give it a few years and I could see this as this generation’s Dead Poet’s Society. Just an earnest and beautifully bittersweet film where scenes just flow effortlessly. Brilliant writing and performances too!
@@animal1439 not to hype it up either! Just go in expecting a nice warm film with familiar elements and characters but all spun in a new authentic way. It really is just a nice call back to old 80's period dramas
This movie is way better than DPS. I love Robin Williams but I always thought that movie was way too sappy. This movie walks that fine line much better.
i was being a little bit of a troll. It was actually good just came back from watching it. several times I cried. I could relate to the three main characters in different ways. It wasn’t super exciting or what I normally enjoy (i love sci-fi/action/adventure movies) but this was heartwarming wholesome and it captured similar feelings of grief mental illness loss letting go death neglect unconventional family of who really is there for you and supports you all around the holidays setting that I am simultaneously experiencing currently. Lovely little movie@@monkehotdogs2227
Had had some glaring issues with the movie. Spoilers: below: 1. He was hired as a teacher supposedly preparing kids for the Ivy League and not only was he kicked out of Harvard he never got a degree anywhere else? 2. Did he lie on his LinkedIn page, because he hated by all the students and most of the staff, him being kicked out of Harvard would have surely been researched by those wanting to get dirt on him. 3. These are "Ivy League bound" kids and they all get D's and F's, save the "star" of the show who got a B+? Really?? Are these kids able to get into a Community College let alone an Ivy League or is Giamatti so bitter he fails Ivy League bound A students out of bitterness at which point he would have been fired long ago. 4. All these "Ivy League" calibre kids went off on a ski trip rather than making the best of being held over by getting ahead and working on their studies, they all behaved like University of Arizona bound students not Ivy League bound. Da'Vine was belable but the rest of the characters not so much. I'd give the move a C+...which is better than Giamatti gave his students
They wrote some of the most eloquent insults I’ve ever heard for this movie! The whole thing just felt so cozy. That’s the word that came to mind for me.
Had had some glaring issues with the movie. Spoilers: below: 1. He was hired as a teacher supposedly preparing kids for the Ivy League and not only was he kicked out of Harvard he never got a degree anywhere else? 2. Did he lie on his LinkedIn page, because he hated by all the students and most of the staff, him being kicked out of Harvard would have surely been researched by those wanting to get dirt on him. 3. These are "Ivy League bound" kids and they all get D's and F's, save the "star" of the show who got a B+? Really?? Are these kids able to get into a Community College let alone an Ivy League or is Giamatti so bitter he fails Ivy League bound A students out of bitterness at which point he would have been fired long ago. 4. All these "Ivy League" calibre kids went off on a ski trip rather than making the best of being held over by getting ahead and working on their studies, they all behaved like University of Arizona bound students not Ivy League bound. Da'Vine was belable but the rest of the characters not so much. I'd give the move a C+...which is better than Giamatti gave his students
This movie is incredible. I laughed and cried and got so attached to the characters because they all felt so genuine. I think it will become a classic for sure. Idk how the director didn't get why people thought it was cozy haha. It's textbook found family trope and paul giamatti's character's arc is so heartwarming. I recommend people see this in theaters while you still can.
Paul Giamatti is indeed, one of the best actors period. Whether it's something comedic and comercial like Big fat liar or dramatic roles like Cinderella man and Private Life, he is such a force of great acting. He should be more recognized
Watch the short film where several ladies tried to get a wax figure of Mr. Giamatti into Madame Tussaud's. Giamatti won't be familiar to casual viewers but he's very familiar to serious ones.
This movie felt like a breath of fresh air. Always been a fan of Alexander Payne. I'm sure this will be nominated for best actor and best supporting actor. Dominic Sessa was a revelation. Looking forward to seeing his journey as an actor.
Agreed. Just watched and there is so much good in this movie amongst all the crap out there, this is a treasure that I will enjoy over and over. It has the feel of a 70's movie and scenes are terrifically written, shot, and acted. Heartbreaking performances and Payne knows exactly where to lighten it up with genuine laugh out loud moments. 10/10!
Paul G. reminds me a lot of Phil Seymour Hoffman. Their screen presence is off the rails and always give me goose bumps every time. I can't wait to see this.
From the trailer alone (haven't seen the movie yet), it evokes a nostalgia for these types of movies in the 70s and early 80s. It doesn't seem to talk down to its audience or try to be mainstream. But in its uniqueness in be made today makes it both a breath of fresh air as well as nurturing that nostalgia for a bygone Era, which is likely what is helping to create that warmth that audiences are perceiving, along with the warm color palette that the color grading is doing. The internet also has a way of propagating these ideas and thoughts that would normally be meaningless, and gathering enough support to actually be what is perceived. If Die Hard can be a Christmas movie, why not The Holdovers too?
This movie is an instant classic, as good as It's a Wonderful Life. This movie is timeless. I am so glad that I saw Chris Stuckmann's reviw and saw this movie with my wife of 35 years. I laughed and I cried and this movie is what Christmas and friends and family and truth and honor and integrity and caring is all about. I know if I am fortunate to go through more holiday seasons (I just found out my daughter is expecting) I will see this movie again, along with my other favorite classics, and enjoy it. To paraphrase a line in the movie - the past defines the present, and I am so glad this movie was made in 2023, because we sure need it now.
I expected absolutely nothing going into this movie and left the theatre with the biggest smile on my face and warmth in my heart. I have it as my 5th favorite movie of 2023. Phenomenal performances from Giamatti, Randolph and Dominic Sessa. The chemistry between these 3 is so strong and the cinematography is gorgeous.
@@diobrando5896Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Flower Moon, Anatomy of a Fall, Across the Spider-Verse, Godzilla (-1), The Iron Claw. Other unlikely possibilities: Barbie (hopefully not) Napoleon Ferrari Wonka Shortcomings No Hard Feelings Equalizer 3 Butcher’s Crossing Elemental TMNT Mutant Mayhem Beau Is Afraid Dream Scenario I really shouldn’t rule anything out because “Corner Office” was my favorite movie of 2023.
I’m so glad to see The Negotiator get a shout-out. I grew up on that, and it was my first R-rated movie. Jackson, Spacey, Walsh, and particularly Giamatti were all amazing in it.
So true. I watched it during the pandemic when i wanted to revisit 90s thrillers. Amazing film 😍 Plus its directed by F gary Gray, the director of Straight outta compton 🙌
@@universalsoldier2293 It does hit different now, but that’s one of his few movies where I can actually not think of that too much while looking at him on the screen.
I saw it last weekend and it was exactly as the trailer conveys. And that is exactly what I hoped for. It’s so rich in character development and interaction. Broken people with good hearts that they protect in different ways. The story works organically and you add the amazing cinematography and perfect music choices and you have one of the best films of 2023. I see nods for the three main characters. As a huge fan of Paul Giamatti, I’m torn between this film and his amazing performance in American Splendor.
Paul Giamatti is indeed one of the best grump characters we have acting today, but I'm glad to see he's able to bring heart to this role as well. He does well with tough characters that would be a struggle for most actors to pull off. Looking forward to a heartwarming holiday movie thats not animated for a change.
I saw it last night. I love this movie! Giamatti is absolutely wonderful. He would get my vote for the Lead Actor Oscar. I hope Randolph and Sessa are also nominated. It takes a lot for me to laugh out loud at a movie but I’d did with this. I also got chocked up a couple of times.
I just saw it and I too didn't want to leave it! The era was captured perfectly down to every detail. Everyone gave poignant performances especially Giamatti who I pray is nominated (and I would vote to win!) It's very funny and warm hearted but has a lot to say about one's path in life and what's truly important. It's definitely not a Hallmark movie.
I just finished watching the movie and I am overcome with emotions, I can't even begin to describe how good this is so I'll just leave it at that. Thank you for this review, you touched on everything I felt while watching it, a true classic that will be appreciated even more in years to come.
I don’t understand how Payne doesn’t think this a warm movie. It fits that definition perfectly idk why he’s so upset about that. It’s a genuine compliment.
What I liked about this movie is that it felt warm without being overly saccharine. Without spoiling anything, the ending for example could have been a major cop-out where everything is resolved with a neat little bow wrapped around it, but it thankfully doesn’t go that route and instead feels more true to life and actually grapples with the characters’ actions. Just makes the emotional moments feel a lot more earned if you ask me.
Completely agree. It reminded me of the ending of Little Miss Sunshine, where the overarching problems still exist, but the characters have developed as people and got to enjoy their moment of closeness, and that small victory exists
Thank you Chris stuckmann for giving this a positive review. It’s one of my anticipated films this year. Love Paul giamatti. Will see it the first day it opens
Most movies that came out recently haven't been too impressive, but this hooked me in the first 10 minutes. Its expertly crafted and everyone in the cast feels right. It immerses you in the world and time and it really felt like a modern John Hughes film. Absolutely worth those 2 hours.
Not only does the film remind us that Paul Giamatti is one of our very finest actors, but toward the end it has one of the greatest insults I've ever heard.
I don’t know that I’d call it a “warm hearted Christmas movie”. Without giving any spoilers I’d say it absolutely has heart and compassion, but maybe it’s THE great Christmas movie for people who have depression around Christmas. Because those are the people who have to live with the weight of absence of those we love who are no longer here to share it with us.
I saw this film, and I decided immediately that I will buy a physical copy of this film. I haven’t done this recently, but this film was significantly important to my lived experience. I felt both like both the old classics professor and the young rebel simultaneously. Just beautifully heartfelt, and I saw myself in this film. I can’t wait to watch it with my family
I was a holdover at a school thousands of miles from home. It was usually just me and a bunch of kids from other countries. I loved it. This movie did touch on a bit of the sense of strange freedom and loneliness that comes from such an awkward situation. Loved the chemistry between all the main actors involved, and the director has to be pulling everyone's leg if he didn't expect the warm reaction this movie received. A new favorite xmas movie for me, thx for sharing your review
The moment I saw the trailer I was in! Giamatti is always pure gold and a delight to watch! It's true like you said Chris that you forget your watching Giamatti and you believe the character he's portraying is real!
I enjoyed it a lot. A fresh breeze of real stories being told. And you know what, the day before watching it, I went to Shelburne Falls, MA and took a look at the Glacier Potholes, the steel bridge, and the flower bridge, which were all featured in the film, without even hearing about this film. What a coincidence!
I really liked this movie. Wanting to bask in the feeling it bestows perfectly explains it. I really liked how it transformed from a movie about bitter people in bitter situations into a warm story about blooming humanity and love between these people, who ended up being delightful and loveable characrers despite their flaws.
Fun Fact: Even though the movie features a heavy film look reminiscent of the 1970s, the movie was entirely shot digitally on the ARRI Alexa Mini. All the hallmarks of celluloid film like the film grain, halation, dirt, and gate weave were added in post-production.
I absolutely loved this film. I haven’t seen something this “old fashioned” in a long time come out of Hollywood. Love the pure story telling/character development. This film felt genuine.
This movie filmed some scenes at my high school! I'm working my way into the industry and have connections in my town, so I was able to meet with Alexander Payne and some of the other crewmembers. He was a very genuine guy, and it was cool to pick his brain and converse with him. I haven't seen the movie yet but I definitely gotta check it out! Finestkind (Ben Foster, Jenna Ortega, Tommy Lee Jones) also filmed in my town/area, and I got to visit that set. Very cool to see film production taking off in my area!
This movie is a bona fide masterpiece. Came into it with literally zero expectations, left the theater with a warm heart and tears in my eyes. Comfortably one of the best movies I've had the privilege of seeing in a theater.
“Christ on a Crutch! What kind of a fascist hash foundry are you running here?“ “There was a time when the fire in my loins burned white hot. The details would curl your toes.” Da’Vine Joy was great in The Holdovers (and the best part of that terrible HBO show The Idol).
Aside from being absloutley beautiful looking, the pacing being incredible, the casting perfect, the dialogue poinient and relationships being infatuating but in a healthy unambiguously wholesome way. Also Mary. The biggest compliment I could pay to this film, is I was hungry and had some great spring rolls in the fridge but I waited until the film was over because I didn't want to lose focus for a second, it completely absorbed me
The Holdovers is an instant classic. You may say it's 21st Century's Dead Poet Society or The Breakfast Club (minus 4 students)....or any other "teens movie". Well.....there's a teacher, there are students, there are (or lack) distant parents.....but what The Holdovers is about is: Human Condition. Alexander Payne is our generation's Frank Capra. He brings humanity on each movie he's made. A Must see film. One of the best of the year and the Century.....so far. Hugs from Peru.....(one of the places in Paul's "must-visit" list.
Just finished watching this movie. It made me feel so happy and warm inside. And I absolutely loved all the main actors in it, they were incredible! Paul Giamatti specially, what a treasure that man is.
Alexander Payne has made some of the greatest comedies of all time. Citizen Ruth, Nebraska, About Schmidt, Election, Sideways. He's up there with Wes Anderson and the Coen Brothers as one of the greatest directors of comedy ever.
I guess it’s hard to go around it, but Chris gives away so much… Glad I went in cold to see it about a month ago - all I knew is who the director and the lead is. Excellent movie.
This is why I don’t watch reviews until after I see the movie. No such thing as a fully spoiler free review. I like to see if they agree with me, not the other way around.
Best movie of the year. I feel like this film gave me a break from the year 2023. The first film in a long time I legit didn't want to leave. As it was ending I was begging it to keep going because I loved the world of 1970s New England. I loved everything about it, so happy period films are making a comeback this year.
I’m seeing it Sunday with my Mom and Dad. Watched Sideways last weekend and I love how human Payne makes his characters feel and his unique hand behind the camera. I hope Holdovers becomes a Christmas Classic for my family
Finally got the chance to see this one and had to come back to this review to report. The movie was bloody fantastic, one of the best I have seen in a long time. Chris is exactly right, there is a warmth to this movie that just makes you want to live in the world they present to you, and I LOVED watching these characters live and grow. Highly recommend!!
Movie only just came out this week in the UK and it was really touching. We all experience bad things in life, but even just the presence of others can help make an impact in your life. That was one of my main takeaways from this film. The scene where it shows Paul taking the same medication as Angus without them both discussing it is one of my personal favourite details personally.
I just watched this beautiful film yesterday and what a heartwarming work of art. It'll join my rotation of Christmas films and I look forward to sharing it with people for years to come
Saw it today and loved it and the 3 leads in the film. To me, the ending reminds of the end of The Graduate. A decision was made, uncertainly awaits. I hope the film gets great word of mouth and it is well worth seeing in the theater where you are part of a crowds' reaction.
This movie blew away my expectations. Wife and I loved it! Paul Giamatti's curtness is highly comical. You nailed it with the setting and the "feel" of the movie. I could watch realistic well acted movies like this all day every day over mindless super hero or repetitive horror movies. This movie is a gem and I hope cinema starts producing movies that are this well made once more.
What an impeccable film! You've articulated my sentiments about it perfectly. The authenticity and beauty captured in every scene were remarkable, with each actor delivering their role earnestly. Paul was especially fantastic, and the dynamic he shared with a young actor in near equal measure was nothing short of brilliant. An instant classic
really enjoyed this film, im surprised the director doesn't want people to think of the film as cozy. My first thought walking out of the theater was "this movie was really cozy and I could see myself watching it every Christmas. I also liked the R rating, I think it really allowed the movie to go further during certain emotional moments
I think the reason why we all find this movie cozy, is that it remind some of us, how it used to be, and we find nostalgia in it. Times are getting crazy and everything is so fast and loud? And this movie shows spirit of some past times that we all deep down miss.
Easily my favorite movie of 2023. I will say I didn't get a cozy family film from this movie as I got more of a relatable film and how Christmas time brings out a lot of raw emotions and not all are goo, but human
Everything inch of this film is so genuine and earnest. It's absolutely in the vein of Dead Poet's but has a bit more grit and more atmosphere. Like Dead Poet's this is a brilliant achievement of the heart and instant classic. The triumvirate were mutually spectacular, but I'm so happy to see Giamatti remind the world why he is the unsung greatest actor alive.
Just finished watching this beautiful film❤. Well deserved praise all around. I predict this will be a yearly watch from now on. So happy great films with real acting and no need for CGI or over- compensating physical “transformations/glow-ups” can still be made. Character development and intelligent script, as it used to be. And, cannot wait to see more of the talented cast, the always excellent Mr. Giamatti, the sharp Ms. Randolph, post Academy Award, and the newcomer Mr. Sessa! This film was a true joy to see 😊.
I’m talking about people like Austin Burke, Jeremy Jahns, Cody Leach, and some of the top UA-cam critics review of this movie. I’ve seen other people review it.
Wholeheartedly agree about the warmth and comfort this movies brings (sorry Alex). Chalk it up as a taste preference but it's currently my favourite film of the year.
Decided to give this a watch and wasnt disappointed. The minute i seen the old Universal logo with the second 70s opening credit i knew i was in for a real treat. Paul Giamatti really knocked it out of the park here. Yeah this is my 3rd favorite movie of the year. Hopefully someday it'll become a Christmas classic. It deserves it
This movie was the perfect antidote to the harrowing The Killer on Netflix. Payne lovingly reached back to the 70's (my late teen period) and gave us a film full of heart - a rarity these days. It's too bad he didn't get more period cars for the background - the same ones showed up repeatedly from location to location. (My favourite was the red '66 Olds Starfire!)
This film felt like drinking a hot mug of cocoa during chilly weather. It looks and feels so warm and fuzzy. Paul Giamatti should at least get an Oscar nom for this. Truly well deserved.
There were hardly any showtimes for this movie near me despite it only being out for about a week or two. I wanted to see it because I’m a Giamatti fan, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I totally felt what you said about being drawn into the warmth of the world in the movie. It’s a proper balance of comedy but also tragedy that feels absolutely real. So glad I could catch it in the theater!
This may be on my top 5 favorite maybe 3 list of movies. Outstanding writing and performances. Full of a emotion. You will be laughing so hard then balling your eyes out. It’s hard to find movies that control your emotions like that. Please give it a watch, you won’t regret it
I think it makes people feel warm and cozy because it immediately reminds you of the movies you watched when you were younger. This had the pacing and color grading of a 70’s movie.
To Alexander Payne, I say if people are seeing this as a warm Christmas movie, just take the W. Its a much needed boon after Downsizing and I hope he embraces it.
@@dash4800The clues are all there in the movie itself. You just have to pay attention. Or don't, all that should matter to you is what your get out of the film.
Easily the most underrated movie of the year. People forget these simple, down to earth movies, leave them at 80s decades and fall into the realm off superheroes. I enjoy every moment of the movie and the casting of Paul Giamatti is on point.
I just saw that it's playing at my local small town theatre, the snow's falling, I thought this feels right. So I checked here for a review, and now I'm going to go watch it.
It's a beautiful movie. It's so good that 15 minutes into the movie I knew I was watching a classic. I'll watch it every christmas. I think Paul will get an Oscar for this he was superb. The supporting actors were great too.
Maybe the director is resistant to this being thought of as a "cozy Christmas movie" because, in the advent of hallmark, that implies a lack of depth. But i hope he realizes that we arent comparing this masterpiece to any if that schlock. This would be better lumped into the sphere of A Christmas story, the first Home Alone, Goodfellas, and Forest Gump. All show great depth, all show hunan pain-even ugliness at time. Yet despite the sadness and pain sprinkled amply throughout, the overall warmth of the world tells you- " it's ok. We'll figure it out in January". Being inspiring and warm, and dare i even say, sentimental... isnt necessarily a bad thing. In fact, when (rarely) done right, its INCREDIBLY special. Alexander Pain, this film is an achievement! You did good
Give it a few years and I could see this as this generation’s Dead Poet’s Society. Just an earnest and beautifully bittersweet film where scenes just flow effortlessly.
Brilliant writing and performances too!
The first time I saw the trailer my brain immediately thought of Dead Poet's Society. Gonna see this in theaters as soon as I can!
@@animal1439 not to hype it up either! Just go in expecting a nice warm film with familiar elements and characters but all spun in a new authentic way. It really is just a nice call back to old 80's period dramas
I wouldn’t be surprised if this movie was pitched as Dead Poet Society meets Catcher in the Rye.
This movie is way better than DPS. I love Robin Williams but I always thought that movie was way too sappy. This movie walks that fine line much better.
But Dead Poets Society is saccharine slop. And Robin Williams is a terrible actor.
This is officially my favorite film of the year thus far.
-Classically shot
-Beautifully written
-Perfectly casted
-Engagingly well paced.
Sounds boring
@@faerie_fordIt takes a while to get going, but once the main journey sets off its incredibly entertaining
i was being a little bit of a troll. It was actually good just came back from watching it. several times I cried. I could relate to the three main characters in different ways. It wasn’t super exciting or what I normally enjoy (i love sci-fi/action/adventure movies) but this was heartwarming wholesome and it captured similar feelings of grief mental illness loss letting go death neglect unconventional family of who really is there for you and supports you all around the holidays setting that I am simultaneously experiencing currently. Lovely little movie@@monkehotdogs2227
Had had some glaring issues with the movie. Spoilers: below:
1. He was hired as a teacher supposedly preparing kids for the Ivy League and not only was he kicked out of Harvard he never got a degree anywhere else?
2. Did he lie on his LinkedIn page, because he hated by all the students and most of the staff, him being kicked out of Harvard would have surely been researched by those wanting to get dirt on him.
3. These are "Ivy League bound" kids and they all get D's and F's, save the "star" of the show who got a B+? Really?? Are these kids able to get into a Community College let alone an Ivy League or is Giamatti so bitter he fails Ivy League bound A students out of bitterness at which point he would have been fired long ago.
4. All these "Ivy League" calibre kids went off on a ski trip rather than making the best of being held over by getting ahead and working on their studies, they all behaved like University of Arizona bound students not Ivy League bound.
Da'Vine was belable but the rest of the characters not so much. I'd give the move a C+...which is better than Giamatti gave his students
@@ListlessVessels-f9n The LinkedIn point is easy to explain, seeing as this movie takes place in 1970.
Paul Giamatti is a treasure.
He’s one of those actors who should be an A-lister, but for some reason isn’t
@@Omar-wq9dzHe probobly didn't join the elite blood rituals.
@@PenjaminFranklyn Or the sacrifices to the blood god…common mistake.
He's amazing in John Adams
@DontReadMyProfilePicture.104 Too fucking late.
They wrote some of the most eloquent insults I’ve ever heard for this movie! The whole thing just felt so cozy. That’s the word that came to mind for me.
one of my favorite insults was "i have always known you were penis cancer in human form" lmao
Hormonal vulgarian!
“Cozy.” Simplistic yet so true, love it.
I was a fan of "you hormonal vulgarian"
Caught this movie at a local film festival. One of my favorite movies of the year so far - surprisingly wholesome AND retro.
how is noone reviewing this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Had had some glaring issues with the movie. Spoilers: below:
1. He was hired as a teacher supposedly preparing kids for the Ivy League and not only was he kicked out of Harvard he never got a degree anywhere else?
2. Did he lie on his LinkedIn page, because he hated by all the students and most of the staff, him being kicked out of Harvard would have surely been researched by those wanting to get dirt on him.
3. These are "Ivy League bound" kids and they all get D's and F's, save the "star" of the show who got a B+? Really?? Are these kids able to get into a Community College let alone an Ivy League or is Giamatti so bitter he fails Ivy League bound A students out of bitterness at which point he would have been fired long ago.
4. All these "Ivy League" calibre kids went off on a ski trip rather than making the best of being held over by getting ahead and working on their studies, they all behaved like University of Arizona bound students not Ivy League bound.
Da'Vine was belable but the rest of the characters not so much. I'd give the move a C+...which is better than Giamatti gave his students
@@ListlessVessels-f9nLinkedIn didn’t exist in the 1970s
@@ListlessVessels-f9nwhy are you spamming your review
@@ListlessVessels-f9n 1. This was explained after they leave the liquor store near Boston.....
This movie is incredible. I laughed and cried and got so attached to the characters because they all felt so genuine. I think it will become a classic for sure. Idk how the director didn't get why people thought it was cozy haha. It's textbook found family trope and paul giamatti's character's arc is so heartwarming. I recommend people see this in theaters while you still can.
Paul Giamatti is indeed, one of the best actors period. Whether it's something comedic and comercial like Big fat liar or dramatic roles like Cinderella man and Private Life, he is such a force of great acting.
He should be more recognized
Watch the short film where several ladies tried to get a wax figure of Mr. Giamatti into Madame Tussaud's.
Giamatti won't be familiar to casual viewers but he's very familiar to serious ones.
Giamatti was absolutely robbed when he didn't win best supporting actor in 2006! Clooney is great but Syriana, no sir, sorry.
Sad that he was absolutely miscast in The Amazing Spider Man 2 as Rhino
The John adams show is the best
He's a phenomenal actor. :)
I knew this movie was a must-see as soon as I saw the trailer at the theater. I felt like I was in 1971 again and I was never alive in 1971.
Saw it today. Such a heartfelt movie. Plus the look of it makes it feel like a timeless classic. Definitely one of my favorite movies this year.
I truly cannot stop thinking about this film. I did not want it to end.
Agreed. It’s very captivating.
This movie felt like a breath of fresh air. Always been a fan of Alexander Payne. I'm sure this will be nominated for best actor and best supporting actor. Dominic Sessa was a revelation. Looking forward to seeing his journey as an actor.
Agreed. Just watched and there is so much good in this movie amongst all the crap out there, this is a treasure that I will enjoy over and over. It has the feel of a 70's movie and scenes are terrifically written, shot, and acted. Heartbreaking performances and Payne knows exactly where to lighten it up with genuine laugh out loud moments. 10/10!
After a rare moment of shock watching Paul Giamatti's soulful performance in the trailer, I can't wait to see it in the theater.
Paul G. reminds me a lot of Phil Seymour Hoffman. Their screen presence is off the rails and always give me goose bumps every time. I can't wait to see this.
Hoffman played a lot more intense roles though. The Master and Synecdoche New York, that puts Hoffman in a different league
From the trailer alone (haven't seen the movie yet), it evokes a nostalgia for these types of movies in the 70s and early 80s. It doesn't seem to talk down to its audience or try to be mainstream. But in its uniqueness in be made today makes it both a breath of fresh air as well as nurturing that nostalgia for a bygone Era, which is likely what is helping to create that warmth that audiences are perceiving, along with the warm color palette that the color grading is doing.
The internet also has a way of propagating these ideas and thoughts that would normally be meaningless, and gathering enough support to actually be what is perceived. If Die Hard can be a Christmas movie, why not The Holdovers too?
This movie is an instant classic, as good as It's a Wonderful Life. This movie is timeless. I am so glad that I saw Chris Stuckmann's reviw and saw this movie with my wife of 35 years. I laughed and I cried and this movie is what Christmas and friends and family and truth and honor and integrity and caring is all about. I know if I am fortunate to go through more holiday seasons (I just found out my daughter is expecting) I will see this movie again, along with my other favorite classics, and enjoy it. To paraphrase a line in the movie - the past defines the present, and I am so glad this movie was made in 2023, because we sure need it now.
Amen!!!
Yes!
I expected absolutely nothing going into this movie and left the theatre with the biggest smile on my face and warmth in my heart. I have it as my 5th favorite movie of 2023. Phenomenal performances from Giamatti, Randolph and Dominic Sessa. The chemistry between these 3 is so strong and the cinematography is gorgeous.
5th to what other movies
@@diobrando5896Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Flower Moon, Anatomy of a Fall, Across the Spider-Verse, Godzilla (-1), The Iron Claw.
Other unlikely possibilities:
Barbie (hopefully not)
Napoleon
Ferrari
Wonka
Shortcomings
No Hard Feelings
Equalizer 3
Butcher’s Crossing
Elemental
TMNT Mutant Mayhem
Beau Is Afraid
Dream Scenario
I really shouldn’t rule anything out because “Corner Office” was my favorite movie of 2023.
I’m so glad to see The Negotiator get a shout-out. I grew up on that, and it was my first R-rated movie. Jackson, Spacey, Walsh, and particularly Giamatti were all amazing in it.
So true. I watched it during the pandemic when i wanted to revisit 90s thrillers. Amazing film 😍 Plus its directed by F gary Gray, the director of Straight outta compton 🙌
JT Walsh...RIP to a great actor. Definitely a great flick, although watching Spacey hits differently now.
@@universalsoldier2293 It does hit different now, but that’s one of his few movies where I can actually not think of that too much while looking at him on the screen.
I didn’t even realize that was giamatti in the negotiator! 🤯
@@universalsoldier2293The uncredited scene of Outbreak.
I saw it last weekend and it was exactly as the trailer conveys. And that is exactly what I hoped for. It’s so rich in character development and interaction. Broken people with good hearts that they protect in different ways. The story works organically and you add the amazing cinematography and perfect music choices and you have one of the best films of 2023. I see nods for the three main characters. As a huge fan of Paul Giamatti, I’m torn between this film and his amazing performance in American Splendor.
Paul Giamatti is indeed one of the best grump characters we have acting today, but I'm glad to see he's able to bring heart to this role as well. He does well with tough characters that would be a struggle for most actors to pull off. Looking forward to a heartwarming holiday movie thats not animated for a change.
I saw it last night. I love this movie! Giamatti is absolutely wonderful. He would get my vote for the Lead Actor Oscar. I hope Randolph and Sessa are also nominated. It takes a lot for me to laugh out loud at a movie but I’d did with this. I also got chocked up a couple of times.
I just saw it and I too didn't want to leave it! The era was captured perfectly down to every detail. Everyone gave poignant performances especially Giamatti who I pray is nominated (and I would vote to win!) It's very funny and warm hearted but has a lot to say about one's path in life and what's truly important. It's definitely not a Hallmark movie.
Can't wait to see this! Sideways is one of my top 5 favorite films of all time! So I'm so happy to see Paul & Alexander together again.
Mine too.
I just finished watching the movie and I am overcome with emotions, I can't even begin to describe how good this is so I'll just leave it at that. Thank you for this review, you touched on everything I felt while watching it, a true classic that will be appreciated even more in years to come.
I don’t understand how Payne doesn’t think this a warm movie. It fits that definition perfectly idk why he’s so upset about that. It’s a genuine compliment.
What I liked about this movie is that it felt warm without being overly saccharine. Without spoiling anything, the ending for example could have been a major cop-out where everything is resolved with a neat little bow wrapped around it, but it thankfully doesn’t go that route and instead feels more true to life and actually grapples with the characters’ actions. Just makes the emotional moments feel a lot more earned if you ask me.
Completely agree. It reminded me of the ending of Little Miss Sunshine, where the overarching problems still exist, but the characters have developed as people and got to enjoy their moment of closeness, and that small victory exists
Thank you Chris stuckmann for giving this a positive review. It’s one of my anticipated films this year. Love Paul giamatti. Will see it the first day it opens
Most movies that came out recently haven't been too impressive, but this hooked me in the first 10 minutes. Its expertly crafted and everyone in the cast feels right. It immerses you in the world and time and it really felt like a modern John Hughes film. Absolutely worth those 2 hours.
Not only does the film remind us that Paul Giamatti is one of our very finest actors, but toward the end it has one of the greatest insults I've ever heard.
I don’t know that I’d call it a “warm hearted Christmas movie”. Without giving any spoilers I’d say it absolutely has heart and compassion, but maybe it’s THE great Christmas movie for people who have depression around Christmas. Because those are the people who have to live with the weight of absence of those we love who are no longer here to share it with us.
Which is to say… most of us.
I saw this film, and I decided immediately that I will buy a physical copy of this film. I haven’t done this recently, but this film was significantly important to my lived experience. I felt both like both the old classics professor and the young rebel simultaneously. Just beautifully heartfelt, and I saw myself in this film. I can’t wait to watch it with my family
I was a holdover at a school thousands of miles from home. It was usually just me and a bunch of kids from other countries. I loved it. This movie did touch on a bit of the sense of strange freedom and loneliness that comes from such an awkward situation. Loved the chemistry between all the main actors involved, and the director has to be pulling everyone's leg if he didn't expect the warm reaction this movie received. A new favorite xmas movie for me, thx for sharing your review
The moment I saw the trailer I was in! Giamatti is always pure gold and a delight to watch! It's true like you said Chris that you forget your watching Giamatti and you believe the character he's portraying is real!
I enjoyed it a lot. A fresh breeze of real stories being told. And you know what, the day before watching it, I went to Shelburne Falls, MA and took a look at the Glacier Potholes, the steel bridge, and the flower bridge, which were all featured in the film, without even hearing about this film. What a coincidence!
I really liked this movie. Wanting to bask in the feeling it bestows perfectly explains it. I really liked how it transformed from a movie about bitter people in bitter situations into a warm story about blooming humanity and love between these people, who ended up being delightful and loveable characrers despite their flaws.
Fun Fact: Even though the movie features a heavy film look reminiscent of the 1970s, the movie was entirely shot digitally on the ARRI Alexa Mini. All the hallmarks of celluloid film like the film grain, halation, dirt, and gate weave were added in post-production.
04:15
Funny enough I saw the film projected on 35 mm
How's the sound though? Is it intentionally boxy like in the trailer?
Been excited for this since I saw the preview before Oppenheimer. So glad to hear it's good!
I absolutely loved this film. I haven’t seen something this “old fashioned” in a long time come out of Hollywood. Love the pure story telling/character development. This film felt genuine.
This movie filmed some scenes at my high school! I'm working my way into the industry and have connections in my town, so I was able to meet with Alexander Payne and some of the other crewmembers. He was a very genuine guy, and it was cool to pick his brain and converse with him. I haven't seen the movie yet but I definitely gotta check it out!
Finestkind (Ben Foster, Jenna Ortega, Tommy Lee Jones) also filmed in my town/area, and I got to visit that set. Very cool to see film production taking off in my area!
This movie is a bona fide masterpiece. Came into it with literally zero expectations, left the theater with a warm heart and tears in my eyes. Comfortably one of the best movies I've had the privilege of seeing in a theater.
“Christ on a Crutch! What kind of a fascist hash foundry are you running here?“
“There was a time when the fire in my loins burned white hot. The details would curl your toes.”
Da’Vine Joy was great in The Holdovers (and the best part of that terrible HBO show The Idol).
I LOVED this movie and can’t wait to share it with my family this holiday season when it comes out to own. Really beautifully made film.
Love hearing your perspective not just as a movie enthusiast and a critic, but as a film maker.
This will be a classic. As someone who attended a boys school in the late 60's and early 70's, this was pitch perfect.
I hope they never stop making movies like this
Aside from being absloutley beautiful looking, the pacing being incredible, the casting perfect, the dialogue poinient and relationships being infatuating but in a healthy unambiguously wholesome way. Also Mary.
The biggest compliment I could pay to this film, is I was hungry and had some great spring rolls in the fridge but I waited until the film was over because I didn't want to lose focus for a second, it completely absorbed me
I saw it last night and truly loved it! The nostalgia it evokes and the way people are forced to care for each other was touching.
The Holdovers is an instant classic.
You may say it's 21st Century's Dead Poet Society or The Breakfast Club (minus 4 students)....or any other "teens movie".
Well.....there's a teacher, there are students, there are (or lack) distant parents.....but what The Holdovers is about is: Human Condition.
Alexander Payne is our generation's Frank Capra. He brings humanity on each movie he's made.
A Must see film.
One of the best of the year and the Century.....so far.
Hugs from Peru.....(one of the places in Paul's "must-visit" list.
Just finished watching this movie. It made me feel so happy and warm inside. And I absolutely loved all the main actors in it, they were incredible! Paul Giamatti specially, what a treasure that man is.
Alexander Payne has made some of the greatest comedies of all time. Citizen Ruth, Nebraska, About Schmidt, Election, Sideways. He's up there with Wes Anderson and the Coen Brothers as one of the greatest directors of comedy ever.
We'll ignore Downsizing that started strong but fell apart 1/2 through.
Election is still my favourite of his. God I love that movie especially Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick in the lead roles
I guess it’s hard to go around it, but Chris gives away so much… Glad I went in cold to see it about a month ago - all I knew is who the director and the lead is. Excellent movie.
This is why I don’t watch reviews until after I see the movie. No such thing as a fully spoiler free review. I like to see if they agree with me, not the other way around.
Best movie of the year. I feel like this film gave me a break from the year 2023. The first film in a long time I legit didn't want to leave. As it was ending I was begging it to keep going because I loved the world of 1970s New England. I loved everything about it, so happy period films are making a comeback this year.
I’m seeing it Sunday with my Mom and Dad. Watched Sideways last weekend and I love how human Payne makes his characters feel and his unique hand behind the camera. I hope Holdovers becomes a Christmas Classic for my family
It will.
How did you enjoy it?
I always feel like Paul Giamatti is memorable whenever I watch a film with him in it. He was also brilliant in Straight Outta Compton!
Finally got the chance to see this one and had to come back to this review to report.
The movie was bloody fantastic, one of the best I have seen in a long time. Chris is exactly right, there is a warmth to this movie that just makes you want to live in the world they present to you, and I LOVED watching these characters live and grow. Highly recommend!!
I got to see an early screening for this, with a packed crowd in October and it was amazing! Definitely one of my favorite movies from 2023!
Paul Giamatti has always been such an underrated and amazing actor. Especially in John Adams
Brilliantly done. Story, Characters, Acting, and the Cinematography is outstanding. 9.8/10
Movie only just came out this week in the UK and it was really touching. We all experience bad things in life, but even just the presence of others can help make an impact in your life. That was one of my main takeaways from this film. The scene where it shows Paul taking the same medication as Angus without them both discussing it is one of my personal favourite details personally.
This film is an instant classic. Best of the year for me
"History is not a study of the past but an explanation of the present"
God damn I love this movie
I have thought about this line a lot since I saw the movie.
I just watched this beautiful film yesterday and what a heartwarming work of art. It'll join my rotation of Christmas films and I look forward to sharing it with people for years to come
Saw it today and loved it and the 3 leads in the film. To me, the ending reminds of the end of The Graduate. A decision was made, uncertainly awaits. I hope the film gets great word of mouth and it is well worth seeing in the theater where you are part of a crowds' reaction.
This movie blew away my expectations. Wife and I loved it! Paul Giamatti's curtness is highly comical. You nailed it with the setting and the "feel" of the movie. I could watch realistic well acted movies like this all day every day over mindless super hero or repetitive horror movies. This movie is a gem and I hope cinema starts producing movies that are this well made once more.
What an impeccable film! You've articulated my sentiments about it perfectly. The authenticity and beauty captured in every scene were remarkable, with each actor delivering their role earnestly. Paul was especially fantastic, and the dynamic he shared with a young actor in near equal measure was nothing short of brilliant. An instant classic
really enjoyed this film, im surprised the director doesn't want people to think of the film as cozy. My first thought walking out of the theater was "this movie was really cozy and I could see myself watching it every Christmas. I also liked the R rating, I think it really allowed the movie to go further during certain emotional moments
I think the reason why we all find this movie cozy, is that it remind some of us, how it used to be, and we find nostalgia in it. Times are getting crazy and everything is so fast and loud? And this movie shows spirit of some past times that we all deep down miss.
Easily my favorite movie of 2023. I will say I didn't get a cozy family film from this movie as I got more of a relatable film and how Christmas time brings out a lot of raw emotions and not all are goo, but human
Everything inch of this film is so genuine and earnest. It's absolutely in the vein of Dead Poet's but has a bit more grit and more atmosphere. Like Dead Poet's this is a brilliant achievement of the heart and instant classic.
The triumvirate were mutually spectacular, but I'm so happy to see Giamatti remind the world why he is the unsung greatest actor alive.
Incredible movie. Sideways and The Descendants are 2 of my favorite movies of all time
I loved Sideways, one of my favorites movies, and I cant wait for this. Its also the first time I am choosing a non-Marvel film on opening weekend.
Just finished watching this beautiful film❤. Well deserved praise all around. I predict this will be a yearly watch from now on. So happy great films with real acting and no need for CGI or over- compensating physical “transformations/glow-ups” can still be made. Character development and intelligent script, as it used to be. And, cannot wait to see more of the talented cast, the always excellent Mr. Giamatti, the sharp Ms. Randolph, post Academy Award, and the newcomer Mr. Sessa! This film was a true joy to see 😊.
loves how your experience and insights as a filmmaker are now starting to reflect in your reviews.
After Sideways, this was Giamatti's best performance (amongst his several good ones).
So naturally Oscars will ignore him.
Why aren’t more people reviewing this? Definitely one of the best movies of the year. I love how Alexander Payne always makes his heroes so flawed.
There are plenty of Holdovers reviews here on YT. I've watched about 20 over the last week before this one.
I’m talking about people like Austin Burke, Jeremy Jahns, Cody Leach, and some of the top UA-cam critics review of this movie. I’ve seen other people review it.
The little speech about making a movie 20+ times (4:54) is something I'll be thinking about a lot. It should be in a book.
Wholeheartedly agree about the warmth and comfort this movies brings (sorry Alex). Chalk it up as a taste preference but it's currently my favourite film of the year.
I saw myself in Angus and I cried when the teacher said that one quote "YOU ARE NOT YOUR FATHER"
As soon as I saw this trailer a few weeks ago I knew I wanted to see it! Glad to hear the glowing review! ❤
Decided to give this a watch and wasnt disappointed. The minute i seen the old Universal logo with the second 70s opening credit i knew i was in for a real treat. Paul Giamatti really knocked it out of the park here. Yeah this is my 3rd favorite movie of the year. Hopefully someday it'll become a Christmas classic. It deserves it
Keep up the great work as always man, love your reviews!
This movie was the perfect antidote to the harrowing The Killer on Netflix. Payne lovingly reached back to the 70's (my late teen period) and gave us a film full of heart - a rarity these days.
It's too bad he didn't get more period cars for the background - the same ones showed up repeatedly from location to location. (My favourite was the red '66 Olds Starfire!)
this film was fkin brutal to me man. I think I get why the director is bothered by the cozy description.
This film felt like drinking a hot mug of cocoa during chilly weather. It looks and feels so warm and fuzzy. Paul Giamatti should at least get an Oscar nom for this. Truly well deserved.
There were hardly any showtimes for this movie near me despite it only being out for about a week or two. I wanted to see it because I’m a Giamatti fan, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I totally felt what you said about being drawn into the warmth of the world in the movie. It’s a proper balance of comedy but also tragedy that feels absolutely real. So glad I could catch it in the theater!
This may be on my top 5 favorite maybe 3 list of movies. Outstanding writing and performances. Full of a emotion. You will be laughing so hard then balling your eyes out. It’s hard to find movies that control your emotions like that. Please give it a watch, you won’t regret it
I think it makes people feel warm and cozy because it immediately reminds you of the movies you watched when you were younger. This had the pacing and color grading of a 70’s movie.
To Alexander Payne, I say if people are seeing this as a warm Christmas movie, just take the W. Its a much needed boon after Downsizing and I hope he embraces it.
my question is what did he want people to see?
I think it's perfectly valid for Payne to have the reaction he's had. The man is allowed to feel that way.
@@dash4800The clues are all there in the movie itself. You just have to pay attention. Or don't, all that should matter to you is what your get out of the film.
@@HOTD108_That's within his purview. I'm just mirroring Stuckmann's sentiments.
Saw this movie during its early release last week... Truly a charming experience! I hope it does well during award season, it earns its accolades!
Love your work Chris! Long time fan from Australia 🇦🇺
Easily the most underrated movie of the year. People forget these simple, down to earth movies, leave them at 80s decades and fall into the realm off superheroes.
I enjoy every moment of the movie and the casting of Paul Giamatti is on point.
I just saw that it's playing at my local small town theatre, the snow's falling, I thought this feels right. So I checked here for a review, and now I'm going to go watch it.
Highly recommending Sideways (2004) to those who haven’t seen it - also directed by Alexander Payne and starring Paul Giamatti
It's a beautiful movie. It's so good that 15 minutes into the movie I knew I was watching a classic. I'll watch it every christmas. I think Paul will get an Oscar for this he was superb. The supporting actors were great too.
I’m just so happy to hear that Alexander Payne is back with a new film that is good!
Indeed, Downsizing was a disaapointing mess, glad that he made this to cover up his previous movie
I saw this at the Music Box Theatre on 35mm. Absolutely incredible film!
Paul Giamatti performance in "Private Parts" is memorable too. I'll never forget him calling Howard Stern "the anti-christ" in that movie.
Dude Holdovers was such a freaking beautiful movie. Pail Giamatti is a god!
Maybe the director is resistant to this being thought of as a "cozy Christmas movie" because, in the advent of hallmark, that implies a lack of depth. But i hope he realizes that we arent comparing this masterpiece to any if that schlock. This would be better lumped into the sphere of A Christmas story, the first Home Alone, Goodfellas, and Forest Gump. All show great depth, all show hunan pain-even ugliness at time. Yet despite the sadness and pain sprinkled amply throughout, the overall warmth of the world tells you- " it's ok. We'll figure it out in January". Being inspiring and warm, and dare i even say, sentimental... isnt necessarily a bad thing. In fact, when (rarely) done right, its INCREDIBLY special. Alexander Pain, this film is an achievement! You did good
I adore this movie. It's currently my #1 for the year. Which I did not expect.