I seen this movie as 3 human versions of ghosts of Christmas past ,present and future. One having problems dealing with the her son thats passed,one that has his problems with where he is presently and another that thinks he has been forgotten and has no future.
The Holdovers is one of the best movies I've seen in a LONG time. 20 years from now it will be one of those movies where people watch and say "they don't make movies like these anymore"
Something you won't hear from the Ivy League CEOs today: "Our one true purpose is to produce young men of good character ... and we cannot sacrifice our integrity on the altar of their entitlement."
Giamatti is so damn good in this. I’ve always loved his work. Hope he can get an Oscar for this because it’s probably my favorite performance of the year
@@LisaMurphyProbably because he was playing a character (real person) with questionable authenticity. He acted subtly differently between the scenes where he was the subject vs those where he was the object, and that was kind of the point.
@@LisaMurphyProbably because he was playing a character (real person) with questionable authenticity. He acted subtly differently between the scenes where he was the subject vs those where he was the object, and that was kind of the point.
I saw this in the theatre and I thought it was really good. It was very funny and the ending shocked me, but was very fitting. Paul Giamatti knocked it out of the park and although I don’t know if it will become a Christmas movie staple, I do believe it will become a cult classic
Judging by the reception this is getting, I think we have a classic on our hands. The letterboxd score for this movie is so high and a lot of people are really taking the time to express how much they loved it in their reviews
@@NachshonYosef I genuinely dont get this take. What about it is special enough to be considered a classic? Its good, I admit, but it doesnt do anything that hasnt been done before, and better, by other movies.
I saw Da’Vine Joy Randolph on Broadway years ago, as Oda Mae in the short lived musical adaptation of “Ghost,” and she stole the show. So happy to see her getting her flowers for this!
The moment that any movie uses the 70s Universal logo, it's gonna be incredible or good 95% of the time. Incredible flick, right up there with Oppenheimer and Flower Moon as one of my favorites this year. I want to see it again at a theater with my dad.
This movie came out of nowhere and slapped me in the face with how unexpectedly good it was. I'll admit it could be recency bias, but it is definitely one of my favorite films I have watched in the last few years and could very well end up on my top 10 all time list.
Best movie I’ve seen this year! It was hilarious, heartfelt and had me right from the beginning. For the record, when I saw it in theaters, it actually started with that ‘70s R-rating bumper (Like with all Focus releases, Universal adds their logo for the home video/digital releases. It was awesome to see that they added the vintage 70s Universal logo as it’s always been one of my favorites).
Back in October, I got to see this at a special screening where Alexander Payne was available afterwards for a Q&A. I was able to ask him about the Roman numeral copyright date being 1971. He said that they were trying to make the film as if they were shooting it in 1971 so they not only changed the title cards to reflect that but also this date.
I saw the preview for this before Oppenheimer. One of the two dudes sitting next to me (I overheard a lot of their conversation) remarked that he thought it should have been "straight to Netflix" and the other agreed. I thought that was a really odd comment given that they'd only just seen the preview. Throughout the movie, I figured out why, though. They pretty much only came to see Oppenheimer for the spectacle of the atomic bomb scene. Ironic that they got tricked into watching a three hour long movie of mostly talking lol. In any case, it made me sad because I realized that a lot of people only go to movies anymore for spectacle and that's all they think of them. That makes me sad because there's so much good stuff out there that gets overlooked as a result. I honestly probably would have overlooked this movie too if not for that comment. I clicked on this video in a whim remembering what those guys who sat next to me in the movie theater commented after seeing the trailer. And you know what? I think I might go see it now. This completely blindsided me. I've never even seen anything else by this director, but this looks really good.
I think with how expensive going to the movies has gotten….you have to divide movies that are worth the money for a big screen….ie special effects, and movies that are more dialogue, etc that can be seen at home. I saw this movie on Peacock and it was fine to see at home.
"If you haven't seen this movie yet, let this video serve as the final push for you to finally do so." This video is what told me this movie existed. I haven't ever heard of it before. Not the title, not the concept, not even that Paul Giomotti was in a new movie (he's one of my favorite living actors). This flew completely under my radar and is something that I want to see as soon as I'm able to. Thank you for covering it so that I found out about it at all.
Honestly I'm glad I went out of the way to see this and by went out of the way I mean drive 50 miles to a theater that was playing it! It's definitely something I probably would have enjoyed at home but I'm glad I actually went out and enjoyed on the big screen
Yes!! I did not drive as far as you did, but I went to the theater and loved it. I went Han Solo during the week. Probably 15 total people there to see the movie like me. Fantastic script, loved the character development, and convincing performances. Film making at its best.
My new favorite Christmas movie. And very true to the era - the hair, the colors, JFK RKF artwork, Ancient Greek on slate, the big bad Bruins pennant, candlepins and the Pleasant Cafe. I was there back then, and this was magical.
I attended a boys' school in the 1970s (in Canada). Watching Giamatti was like reliving my own teenage years. Flawless writing and performance. And, yes, beautifully directed and filmed.
A real movie. Not a CGI explosarama or a Hallmark barf-fest. A real movie with heart. Thoroughly developed imperfect characters you deplore, cheer for, and ultimately identify with. Looking forward to watching this great movie again.
This is 2023s “The Fablemans” but even better. To explain, the Fablemans was the movie I said last year “they don’t make slice of life stories like this anymore” and then Payne was like “hold my double Jim Bean on the rocks” and made the best movie in so long. I went and saw this 4 times in theaters and I have already purchased the digital copy. I want to somehow put it on a vhs tape I feel like that is the ideal way to view it.
Thank you. It's people who watch these movies more than once that allow more of them to get made. I gotta go see this. Saw Sideways at least twice in the theatres when it came out.
"I want to somehow put it on vhs tape I feel like that is the ideal way to view it" oh you and I could be friends lol. I couldn't possibly agree with that sentiment any more. This one really captured a feeling I thought was gone from movies forever.
At the time of watching this video essay, I have seen _The Holdovers_ in theatres 3 times, and every single time I saw it was just as enjoyable as the last, if not more so. I'm really excited to see that _The Holdovers_ is getting the attention it deserves, and I can't wait to pick up the Blu-ray when it releases on January 2nd. 😁
I think what really stood out is how likeable the characters are despite being based on character archetypes of old-timey high school movies that are considered the opposite. Paul is a stuck-up by-the-books teacher, but he’s also integritous despite being pushed to adjust grades because of the parents due to him being falsely blamed for plagiarism. Meanwhile, Angus is angry at the world and especially at his mother for not acknowledging his needs, and he takes that pain out on others, but he’s also empathetic when he needs to be.
I'm from the Boston area and the amount of locations they use around The Commons is cool. Obviously, you have the Commons, The Orpheum Theater (I believe the interior was The Sommerville Theather [The Orpheum is a music venue]), and that outdoor bookstore.
I saw it for the first time this week And holy smokes this movie was and is soooo good!!! I really believe it’s destined to be a classic!!! It’s perfect and well writing and flawless acting and so sweet!!! 10/10
Probably one of my favorite movies of the year. Decedents is a family favorite movie in my house , saw this movie with my dad, it did not disappoint at all. Glad it’s getting love
@@davidcatlett4052 weirdly enough it’s a comforting movie in my family as we are ocean oriented and love Hawaii, in fact I’ve personally been to many of the spots on Kauai they go to. Sand piper, tried finding Mathew lilard’s house on hanalei bay but no luck lol
This film surprised me and welcomed it especially with that opening. I haven't came across a movie in a while that felt so original throughout the whole film. That ending and getting to know three characters so well especially the main. I have my own thoughts but I know it will change and I cannot wait to put this in my extremely short list of traditional Christmas movies I actually enjoy🤙
I couldn’t agree more - this is my idea of great cinema. Is it just me, or were movies like this more commonplace until about a decade ago? It feels like such an outlier today amidst the vastness of cinematic garbage.
Saw this a couple of weeks ago. I loved it! It was set in December of 1970, same year and month my parents got married. I also loved the retro production logos in the opening.
Da'Vine Joy Randolph plays the manager or book agent for Sandra Bullock in The Lost City (2022), a Security guard in Office Christmas Party (2016), and Det. Donna Williams in all 3 seasons of Only Murders in the Building (2021-current).
When this movie premiered, I didn't pay attention or really care, even though I'm a big Paul Giamatti fan. Started hearing buzz about it at work from some co-workers. Started seeing stuff online about it. Decided to watch it today, and WOW!!!!!! Thank GOD I DID. This movie is just absolutely phenomenal and SOOOOO refreshing!!! It's been a while since I watched a movie that wasn't a franchise, or a sequel, or a remake, or some regurgitated crap from Hollywood. This movie is highly original and is one of the best "character-focused" films I've seen in a long time. I was a fan of Paul Giamatti before, and after this movie, he's easily one of my all-time favorite actors. Every performance in this movie is amazing and spot-on. This movie actually makes you FEEL something. You connect with it on such a human level that it's nearly impossible not to like. When Hollywood pumps out soulless, superficial films, one after another, you began to wonder if these types of films are even being made anymore?? It's a masterpiece and doesn't fall into the trap of being a "Christmas" movie at all!! It stands on its own and is a movie I plan on rewatching numerous times.
Watched this tonight on your recommendation and holy crap, you're so right! It's real damn good! Actor who played Angus did a fantastic job despite his lack of prior experience and I loved the way they filmed and the sets! Definitely adding this to the alternative-holiday movie pile!
This film has everything. Riveting and sentimental..the ensemble cast is perfection. And, Paul G crushes it in a brilliant performance. He deserves an Oscar..it’s time!🏆
Only just coming out in UK so not a holiday film here but a new year one I guess. The actors are on all the chat shows here now promoting the film. Can't wait!
Can confirm. I saw this movie last Tuesday with my cousin (who does NOT go for these kinds of movies) and we both loved it. To me it's like a cross between Scent Of A Woman and Good Will Hunting. And I loved the setting of New England in 1970. The costume and set designers did a fantastic job recreating that era. Also what can you say about Paul Giamati, he hits it out of the park in this movie haha. Great video!
Throw in Shop Around the Corner and the Alistair Simm version of A Christmas Carol and you've got a great spread there. And I know Americans might be sick of it through relentless overplay, but as a Brit I only just discovered A Christmas Story a couple of years ago and found it pretty damn charming.
Thank you for suggesting this movie. It was a fantastic family movie night during the holidays. A true gem of a film. I look forward to watching it many more times over the years.
This is my favorite movie of the year. So well written and performed and totally agree about the locations. Everything feels authentic and genuine about it
3:25 Hey I eat there all the time! That movie (Sideways) was the catalyst for the Wine EXPLOSION and interest for tourism of my small California valley in 2003. By the way, best damn Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip and Filet Mignon you will ever eat.
Film simulation has come so far and it's really additing so much to the character of movies. I find movies that are overly (sharp?) are almost visually off-putting. Films grain and slight flaw matches the way we see and remember the world that it just really allows immersion to take over.😊
A small amount of film grain (or noise) actually adds sharpness to the image. It seems counterintuitive but it's true. It's actually super high resolution images with no grain that come out looking soft.
I agree, “It’s really that good!” I’ve watched it on tape last night & had a good dream. I planned on watching it again … & again. Thanks for sharing this.
Just finished watching this. The dry crust of tears still fresh on my face. I loved everything about this movie. I felt Dead Poets Society vibes but this was more than that. I am 60, and that kid could have been played by Bud Cort and Paul’s part could have been Art Carney. I am grateful for that nostalgic tug at the feels and I am not mad for it.
I watched this in lower quality by accident, and i thought it was intentional by the directors part to emulate 70s film or smtg like that😂, truly immersive experience. U guys shld try it
DUDE, I saw the trailer for this movie once, and it disappeared! I am so happy you brought this to my attention again. It had such a style that appealed to me.
One of my favorite movies of the year, and very reminiscent of my Christmas memories (going to a party Christmas Eve and playing in the basement, spending Christmas with loved ones, then after Christmas walking around Boston) so it’s special to me for that reason
I had no idea what this movie was supposed to be about, but after seeing this video I can see myself enjoying it and watching it every December. Thank you! I'll check it out!
