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The Holdovers
The Holdovers
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The Holdovers

The Holdovers

2023
Comedy, Drama
2h 13m
Nobody likes teacher Paul Hunham (Giamatti) -- not his students, not his fellow faculty, not the headmaster, who all find his pomposity and rigidity exasperating. With no family and nowhere to go over Christmas holiday in 1970, Paul remains at school to supervise students unable to journey home.

Directed by:

Alexander Payne

Screenwriter:

David Hemingson

Starring:

Paul Giamatti, Tate Donovan, Carrie Preston, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Gillian Vigman, Michael Provost, Andrew Garman, Dominic Sessa, Brady Hepner, Jim Kaplan, Ian Dolley, Naheem Garcia

Genres:

Comedy, Drama

Country:

USA

Language:

English
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The Holdovers

2023
Comedy, Drama
2h 13m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 69.33% from 1222 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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screenzealotscreenzealot
Rated 03 Nov 2023
100
98th
Painfully honest and sentimental, the film strikes a delicate balance of melancholy and humor. It’s like a hug for those who could really, really use one.
Rated 03 Nov 2023
p_u_l_pP u l p
Rated 08 Dec 2023
65
62nd
Nothing you haven't seen before but a very good version of that.
Rated 08 Dec 2023
leonardisLeonardis
Rated 08 Jan 2024
97
94th
Probably my new favorite Alexander Payne movie. I mean what a complete and utter delight of a film. Everyone’s going through something and life isn’t fair, how you treat others is important, and we don’t talk enough about the Roman Empire! Seriously though, exceptional work all around. Three leads who disappear in to their roles, and a script that’s as savage as it is wholesome, as sad as it is hilarious. Beautifully filmed too. Can’t wait to watch it again and again.
Rated 08 Jan 2024
filliganFilligan
Rated 30 Oct 2023
96
94th
Like The Nice Guys, I’m probably being too generous just because it’s so wonderful to watch a real movie again. Although these days The Nice Guys is recommended by everybody’s grandma so maybe I was right all along. But from the restrained opening credits, I knew I was falling in love. The Holdovers feels like the movie Payne was destined for; it’s richly slow, funny, endearing—showcasing the director’s subtle but effective style, this time tinged with 70s hallmarks, and top tier performances.
Rated 30 Oct 2023
kasperlKasperL
Rated 12 Jan 2024
85
94th
Giamatti deserved his Globe, and the rest of the cast more than pull their weight, but Payne's remarkably skillful control of tone and the lived-in feel also make his latest movie one of the most enjoyable in his ouevre. And it's no less than an instant hangout Christmas classic.
Rated 12 Jan 2024
doyler29doyler29
Rated 18 Nov 2023
90
87th
I really like Alexander Payne. This is the best work he has done in quite some time. Granted he hasn't made a film in quite some time since "Downsizing" seemed to pitch him in director's jail, but this film is easily the equal of "Sideways" or "Election".
Rated 18 Nov 2023
ytadelYtadel
Rated 12 Jan 2024
8
93rd
Alexander Payne never seems to disappoint (we’ll call Downsizing the bizarre aberration / exception that proves the rule). This is definitely one of the best of 2023, humanistic, funny, moving, a real movie. Settings a bit reminiscent of Dead Poets Society but a bit the inverse plot-wise, that film’s teacher inspiring where this one’s is cranky… or perhaps this one has a secret inspiring teacher movie buried within? Worthy of being part of the Christmas movie rotation.
Rated 12 Jan 2024
gamul1Gamul1
Rated 29 Oct 2023
95
95th
While a slow paced movie, very well done, and very emotional. Because I can remember the 70s, I really connected with the time frame, which made it even more emotional for me. The only disappointment I felt was that I felt it was missing an ending. I really expected/wanted a flash forward scene with Angus maybe in todays time period reflecting back on what that time meant to him. So, this felt like it just ended and left you sad.
Rated 29 Oct 2023
therealj_roTheRealJ-Ro
Rated 12 Jan 2024
85
85th
"Without exercise, the body devours itself". Alexander Payne presents an exercise in delight. This took me to my happy place. The interactions between Giamatti and Dominic Sessa were really fantastic, but Da'Vine Joy Randolph absolutely steals the show in this new Christmas classic that doubly serves as an ode to a generation of filmmaking. Misery loves company, and family is who you make it. I wish every screenplay was this good, and I hope movies like this are made for generations to come.
Rated 12 Jan 2024
myfavchordsmyfavchords
Rated 15 Nov 2023
90
96th
Both Dommic Sessa and Paul Giamatti give outstanding performances in this film. The script is great, you really get to know the main characters. Overall I would highly recommend this film.
Rated 15 Nov 2023
indyatmnINDYATMN
Rated 30 Apr 2024
92
92nd
Although this complies w/ mandated Woke DEI requirements, it does so in a way that doesn't seem forced & best of all has an anti-Woke message that got past Hollywood's DEI Hall Monitors. The story draws you in w/ characters who are plausibly forced together despite really disliking one another. They're familiar even when they're jerks. As the film goes along however, we come to understand them & how wrong it is to assume an individual is "privileged" based on race, sex, or even class markers.
Rated 30 Apr 2024
yiannosYiannos
Rated 20 Feb 2024
55
37th
Like Gray, who is becoming increasingly anonymous with time, there are exaggerated claims about Payne positioning him as a kind of modern heir to the New Hollywood throne. 70's films weren't this damn conventional though, unless one is referring to lesser works that have been completely forgotten. He certainly doesn't resemble any of the great US directors of that time, except for maybe Ashby at his most toothless.Giamatti is good, but it is just decent contemporary middlebrow fare.Nothing more.
Rated 20 Feb 2024
chadarnookchadarnook
Rated 30 Dec 2023
88
88th
Beautiful art direction with a masterclass performance by Paul Giamatti.
Rated 30 Dec 2023
djrossdjross
Rated 23 Jun 2024
35
19th
We good ones have our troubles, but we just need to share a few poignant emotions, and can quietly smile to ourselves when the bad ones are forced to endure little punishments like hearing harsh truths spoken or suffering embarrassing temporary skin conditions. Forced humour, characters drawn with less insight than the film wants us to believe, and music to signal correct emotions. Deserves points for being the only film I know whose chronology specifically covers the day on which I was born.
Rated 23 Jun 2024
mrarnmrarn
Rated 19 Mar 2024
63
84th
"The Holdovers" is a thoughtfully made film that delves into the lives of individuals isolated during Christmas. As these characters form deeper bonds, they, too, evolve. While the movie strikes a balance between being moving and sad, it's not something I'd revisit. However, it certainly merits a one-time viewing for its heartfelt storytelling.
Rated 19 Mar 2024
yoshinarutoYoshinaruto
Rated 17 Mar 2024
75
83rd
Solid movie, and potentially a Christmas classic. The 70’s feel is very well done, and the plot and tone reminiscent of films that we haven’t gotten in decades. Sessa is great in his first role and shows a lot of future promise, Giamatti is his usual excellent self, and Randolph is absolutely phenomenal. Pretty easy recommendation for just about everyone.
Rated 17 Mar 2024
nargNarg
Rated 13 Mar 2024
67
66th
Charming and funny. I don't think the characters are fully consistent and they aren't more than the sum of their parts in terms of characterization.
Rated 13 Mar 2024
tangvampireTangVampire
Rated 23 Jan 2024
92
73rd
Just a delightful character film. We need more of these.
Rated 23 Jan 2024
k177105k177105
Rated 22 Jan 2024
45
21st
Mediocrely well-made, with some funny and witty lines. Some sense of the inability to create enchantment and the incapability to take control being two entwining major problems in education systems and family situations today, but more just a presentation of symptoms that in the end seems to land on the level of a warm little episode in life. Although, in today's cinema, it seems like managing to be warm without much scapegoating already amounts to a virtue in itself.
Rated 22 Jan 2024
adragon91ADragon91
Rated 21 Jan 2024
80
88th
Really fun, easy to watch relatable film. Good character developments with nice little scenes here and there. Some funny heartfelt moments and solid performances from everyone. Also nice it’s set during Christmas and works well being integrated into the plot and characters. Nothing really much to criticise, just very good stuff and excellent chemistry with the leads.
Rated 21 Jan 2024
tpbradburytpbradbury
Rated 19 Jan 2024
98
98th
Lovely, great performances. Liked even more than I thought I would. I've heard the term instant classic before now I know what it means! I know it's set in the 70s but felt 80s to me as that's when i grew up; a great feel
Rated 19 Jan 2024
corbadCorbad
Rated 16 Jan 2024
80
79th
The aesthetics are immaculate and pair perfectly with the content - tweed-and-pipe with cozy relationships, snow and patient takes with gently handled traumas, fuzzy film with charming humour. A warm film for cold times, from the 70s to the 20s.
Rated 16 Jan 2024
scorpusScorpus
Rated 14 Jan 2024
77
61st
A well written, character driven story that feels very real. Paul Giamatti is excellent
Rated 14 Jan 2024
ofterdingenOfterdingen
Rated 11 Jan 2024
78
91st
Immensely enjoyable.
Rated 11 Jan 2024
mspraguemsprague
Rated 31 Dec 2023
90
96th
Sad and lonely with a happy ending.
Rated 31 Dec 2023
joelwatchesmoviesjoelwatchesmovies
Rated 22 Dec 2023
9
92nd
The world is a bitter and complicated place filled with death, loneliness, and mental illness, but movies as simply and softly constructed as this (no hard scene cuts here, only long cross fade exhales) make it a little less so, for a warm, unhurried moment. A perfect Christmas punch blend of heartfelt relationship and character arcs (see the final handshake), tasteful and authentic drama, and spikes of cheeky, profane humour to keep it grounded. Wonderful performances and music throughout.
Rated 22 Dec 2023
braddad68braddad68
Rated 20 Dec 2023
96
91st
One of the best of the year. Excellent drama with a stellar small ensemble cast.
Rated 20 Dec 2023
obdurateObdurate
Rated 17 Dec 2023
70
41st
Not understanding why this is deserving of all the praise that is being heaped upon it, but that doesn't mean it's bad. Hell, I don't have any serious issues with it. Maybe it's just not the type of movie that excites me. I've never loved Giamatti but it's undeniable how good he is in these types of roles and specifically this movie. There are some laughs. The emotion hits at the end. Looks good. Pure filmmaking.
Rated 17 Dec 2023
caocaocaocao
Rated 16 Dec 2023
77
90th
What could be more seasonal than loneliness and reflection?
Rated 16 Dec 2023
aaautinAAAutin
Rated 04 Dec 2023
45
36th
A certain tax bracket is required to revel in this kind of bougie New England nostalgia...and I ain't in it.
Rated 04 Dec 2023
movie_houseMovie House
Rated 16 Nov 2023
70
40th
It was fine. I loved the characters but the film that surrounds them isn't all that great.
Rated 16 Nov 2023
dawdlingpoetDawdlingPoet
Rated 09 Nov 2024
90
93rd
At first I didn't see why this was regarded as a comedy. It takes a while to really 'get into' but by the end I thought it was very good and I was certainly invested in the characters. I remember thinking its a little like some of the older Wes Anderson films. Quirky characters, a subtle storyline and some thoughtful moments. Worth a watch.
Rated 09 Nov 2024
driscarpindriscarpin
Rated 27 Oct 2024
72
48th
Os rejeitados estreava há 1 ano nos EUA. Fico feliz que um filme estilo old school tenha recebido um pouco de amor na overdose de lixo que tem saído do cinema comercial americano, mas particularmente ele não me pegou, quer dizer, é agradável, mas não nutro tanto amor por ele como a maioria das pessoas parece nutrir. Prime Vídeo.
Rated 27 Oct 2024
grapeGrape
Rated 01 Oct 2024
70
37th
30 Setembre 2024 - Película molt simpàtica, m'ha arribat el que deien els personatges, molt ben actuat. En algun sentit lleugera. Les escenes de la festa m'han tocat.
Rated 01 Oct 2024
luordluord
Rated 21 Sep 2024
76
83rd
Sometimes, a movie doesn't need more than a simple story about shared loneliness... As long as it has a rock solid script and three powerhouse performances like Sessa, Giamatti and Randolph's.
Rated 21 Sep 2024
khamulKhamul
Rated 10 Sep 2024
78
62nd
A very good film. Nothing terribly original, but all around well executed.
Rated 10 Sep 2024
fra_paolofra paolo
Rated 02 Sep 2024
53
57th
Clumsy attempt at heartwarming Christmas movie that sidesteps the corruption out of which the whole story emerges. The setting saved it from a lower rating.
Rated 02 Sep 2024
jakeco24Jakeco24
Rated 16 Aug 2024
55
13th
Pretentious. Giamatti is good, but the student actor is hateable.
Rated 16 Aug 2024
dowd-prospectDowd Prospect
Rated 25 Jul 2024
72
69th
The weirdos that have been left behind strike up a friendship. Relatable.
Rated 25 Jul 2024
amerigoamerigo
Rated 03 Jul 2024
77
46th
An avuncular bit of nostalgia that lovingly recreates and gently modernizes the maudlin comedies of the 70s. In many ways, it feels more like a stage play than a movie, providing the cast an opportunity to show off their acting chops via a rotating spotlight of quasi-soliloquies. There's not much here, but it's a pleasant watch nevertheless.
Rated 03 Jul 2024
keekdahlKeekdahl
Rated 15 Jun 2024
91
97th
Better than possibly any other film, it captures the magic of Christmas, and the quiet and sublime melancholy of loneliness and…I can’t find the words really, but I will rewatch this many times.
Rated 15 Jun 2024
wolfwoodeWolfwoode
Rated 10 Jun 2024
90
89th
This movie has tremendous heart. This movie feels like an old classic but was made in 2023. It's new but instantly nostalgic. The most accessible best picture nomination of 2023 that wasn't Barbie.
Rated 10 Jun 2024
icarusIcarus
Rated 05 Jun 2024
75
49th
Easygoing and enjoyable, though I must admit I would prefer something less brazenly sentimental.
Rated 05 Jun 2024
arossaross
Rated 03 Jun 2024
86
78th
Well made and touching with a good balance of comedy. All three main performances are strong.
Rated 03 Jun 2024
jschlanskyJSchlansky
Rated 18 May 2024
83
83rd
As someone from Boston, I spent most of the movie wondering why the fuck this kid would possibly want to go to Boston
Rated 18 May 2024
yms_unofficialYMS unofficial
Rated 13 May 2024
10
30th
Formulaic, cliched, and insincere Oscar bait despite good performances. Long, predictable and boring. Obvious alcohol product placements. Paul Giamatti and Da'Vine Joy Randolph give great performances. Nice '70s film look but nothing standout about the editing. . Forgettable and unnecessary 5/10.
Rated 13 May 2024
ralytoralyto
Rated 13 May 2024
76
59th
A lighthearted film of a conventional but very pleasant story about companionship with great performances.
Rated 13 May 2024
ceyhunk26ceyhunk26
Rated 10 May 2024
76
82nd
Plot 13/20 Fiction 14/20 Casting/Acting 18/20 Worldbuilding 15/20 Entertainment 16/20
Rated 10 May 2024
sybaritesybarite
Rated 06 May 2024
85
90th
Very nice little film. I wouldn't complain if they made more like this, on occasion.
Rated 06 May 2024
floweroneflowerone
Rated 20 Mar 2024
83
56th
فیلم حال خوب کنیه، محیط دانشگاه و تعطیلات ژانویه و بچه هایی ک پدر و مادرشون نمیان دنبالشون
Rated 20 Mar 2024
glenn_nygardGlenn Nygard
Rated 19 Mar 2024
20
8th
Some great performances, but very unwilling to ever diverge from the template of how movies like this should be made.
Rated 19 Mar 2024
kadikoykadikoy
Rated 09 Mar 2024
80
89th
Kaybedenler Klubü. Kırık Kalpler tatili. Sorunlu ebeveynlerin, yatılı okutan 5 çocuğun, 1 öğretmen ve 1 aşcı tarafından Christmas tatilini izliyoruz. Paul Giamatti'nin ders verir niteliğindeki oyunculuğu muhteşem. Doğal, naif ve kırılgan. Hepimizi okul yıllarına götürdü. Kötü öğretmenler ve sıkıcı okuldan kaçmak için yapılan çabalar da muazzam. Duygusal komedi. Filmin sonunda, özgürlüğüne kavuşan hocam. Hocam verin elinizi öpeyim.
Rated 09 Mar 2024
kavuKavu
Rated 09 Mar 2024
90
94th
Delightful. Seems slow but is anything but, with great performances, funny comedy and heartfelt drama.
Rated 09 Mar 2024
drrobertdr_Robert
Rated 06 Mar 2024
4
77th
Nice film. We get to walk in the shoes of 2-3 characters (and the walk takes me rather close to home). Giamatti gives yet another great performance.
Rated 06 Mar 2024
sadmanSadman
Rated 29 Feb 2024
80
63rd
Expectations are a helluva thing, and for this I was expecting to be thoroughly moved. Alas, I was only moderately so. The film has retro charm infused in its’ flesh and bone with Giamatti is a lovely curmudgeon and Randolph radiates expectant warmth. The story is not new but that isn’t a problem. What is a problem is that I found the comedic dialogue a tad out of tune, not as naturally flowing as greats like Linklater. Still, I would happily recommend this to anyone.
Rated 29 Feb 2024
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 26 Feb 2024
35
20th
About the usual for Alexander Payne: a contrived, manipulative and tedious text, with hammy acting trying to pass for comedy.
Rated 26 Feb 2024
mandymandy
Rated 22 Feb 2024
7
73rd
Very monotone in style but the performances are superb, making this a low key, enjoyable and memorable film.
Rated 22 Feb 2024
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 20 Feb 2024
75
77th
The filmmakers did an excellent job of making this feel like a film from the 70s, rather than a 70s period piece filmed 50 years later. What stands out the most is that it is a beautiful marriage of coziness and acerbic wit.
Rated 20 Feb 2024
prowlerprowler
Rated 18 Feb 2024
52
50th
another competently made Payne movie. everything is just right, but we've seen it all before. it might be a nice introduction to the world of cinema for, i dunno, a student stuck on winter break or something
Rated 18 Feb 2024
ericamblerericambler
Rated 14 Feb 2024
93
97th
Conveys the true spirit of the holiday season (and life itself) as defined by Cicero: Non nobis solum nati sumus
Rated 14 Feb 2024
darrenDarren
Rated 10 Feb 2024
75
65th
A movie where nothing is really all that connected from an emotional perspective. It’s just everyone passing from vignette to vignette in their own world while interacting with each other. Where even the spectre of Vietnam wants to loom large as this core issue is mostly just used a slight reference point to elicit somewhat cheap pathos. Giamatti is a delight and while I have my issues with the emotional core of the movie it’s still very well written. Why not shoot on film???
Rated 10 Feb 2024
difontaineDifontaine
Rated 10 Feb 2024
85
88th
A solid coming of age story, elevated by the cast, particularly Giamatti
Rated 10 Feb 2024
qubrickkqubrickk
Rated 08 Feb 2024
78
51st
Prijeten počasen film, ko se ti ne da preveč razmišljat. Posneto na način, da daje občutek starosti. Šolski film o izgubljenih ljudeh.
Rated 08 Feb 2024
seethruskinSeethruskin
Rated 07 Feb 2024
4
51st
None of the emotional beats do anything for me really. When Giamatti and the kid are going back and forth tho the comedy works pretty well
Rated 07 Feb 2024
bzymusbzymus
Rated 05 Feb 2024
86
84th
audiovisual 86 acting 89 overall feeling 83 avg 86
Rated 05 Feb 2024
kgbelliveaukgbelliveau
Rated 05 Feb 2024
85
63rd
It is genuine with the emotions it displays through the story and on top of that bolsters a top notch cast. However it relies too heavily on the 70s look and feel. Giamatti is great as is the rest of cast but it does not elevate to classic status. Mainly because it doesn't choose what it wants to be and switches between witty comedy and heartfelt drama. Usually picking a tone works better for a story of this nature and that to me is why it was good but not great.
Rated 05 Feb 2024
knorozknoroz
Rated 05 Feb 2024
70
53rd
A bit too melodramatic for my taste, but Giamatti is great.
Rated 05 Feb 2024
iamianimaniamianiman
Rated 05 Feb 2024
46
30th
I don't know. It's just not for me.
Rated 05 Feb 2024
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 04 Feb 2024
70
54th
Paul Hunham: "There's nothing new in human experience, Mr. Tully. Each generation thinks it invented debauchery or suffering or rebellion, but man's every impulse and appetite from the disgusting to the sublime is on display right here all around you. So, before you dismiss something as boring or irrelevant, remember, if you truly want to understand the present or yourself, you must begin in the past. You see, history is not simply the study of the past. It is an explanation of the present."
Rated 04 Feb 2024
gargom04Gargom04
Rated 04 Feb 2024
76
67th
Opinión personal: 8 Actores: 9 Guión: 8 Fotografía: 7 BSO: 5.5 Otros:6.5 Iluminación: FX: Director: Humor: Vestuario/caracterización: Ritmo:6.5 Total: 76
Rated 04 Feb 2024
mistephanemistephane
Rated 30 Jan 2024
80
82nd
Beautiful movie, very funny and delicate. Marvelous.
Rated 30 Jan 2024
vassagoVassago
Rated 27 Jan 2024
60
33rd
Giamatti is great otherwise mediocre film.
Rated 27 Jan 2024
amazedemonamazedemon
Rated 25 Jan 2024
67
76th
The Holdovers is a perfectly fine drama. Giamatti and Sessa are great. Hemingson's script and Payne's direction provide enough humour that the otherwise sombre happenings don't feel too bleak. Perhaps it's merely the setting, but the film is reminiscent of both The History Boys and Dead Poet's Society. Luckily the writing and characters are strong enough to hold their own. The film is an excellent character play, it just didn't wow me in any specific way.
Rated 25 Jan 2024
lurasansLurasans
Rated 24 Jan 2024
92
91st
There are some movies I say "I'll love this one for sure" before I watch just from its little pieces like the poster, music choice on the trailer, casting etc. The Holdovers was one of those and boy, was I right. Better than I expected, everything perfect and it's just gives you the reality of life, peace and sadness and happiness, everything. Happily adding this one to my favourites of all time and knowing I'll watch again and again in the next years...
Rated 24 Jan 2024
julescocojulescoco
Rated 21 Jan 2024
98
92nd
comfort film- amazing vibe to it. great writing and pacing. also has great visuals and a nostalgic colour palette. thoroughly enjoyed it!
Rated 21 Jan 2024
jlewisjlewis
Rated 20 Jan 2024
90
83rd
A beautiful story. The characters and their lives were so well crafted that we could at once understand and relate to them and enjoy their interplay with each other and the world around them. Little was required of set or setting. A few beats were missed in the second half which lost the momentum a little, but it recovered at the end. A delight when it seems so many films have trouble forming and communicating well put together characters.
Rated 20 Jan 2024
petarbPetarB
Rated 20 Jan 2024
9
74th
A new Christmas classic.
Rated 20 Jan 2024
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 20 Jan 2024
84
73rd
Careful, measured comedy-drama marks Payne's warmest film to date - Hemingson's screenplay is built around a wonderful opportunity for Giamatti to take centre stage and play nearly every note in his sizeable range (and your affection for him is likely to reflect your affection for the movie), though Randolph and Sessa provide excellent support - if the ultimate journey and resolution lack the originality of the characters, the overall good cheer of this warm, quite lovely film can't be dented.
Rated 20 Jan 2024
karlsonkarlson
Rated 17 Jan 2024
65
31st
I'm affraid it crossed over with an unexpected saturation of christmasmusic that I have... haven't listened to a single one this year - this movie confirmed my condition, I just can't stand another herald angel or born child. The unexpected bond of the two maincharacters, christmasdoughish as it may be, was delicately done.
Rated 17 Jan 2024
pistolpetePistolPete
Rated 13 Jan 2024
81
86th
Giamatti magnificent. Whole cast quite good. Full of ocular delights. 8.1.
Rated 13 Jan 2024
timmotimmo
Rated 10 Jan 2024
70
27th
A nice little movie that should've worked better than The Descendants, but didn't. It wasn't for lack of trying, but didn't do what it could have, with the talent available.
Rated 10 Jan 2024
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 10 Jan 2024
65
61st
Perhaps a bit overrated for such a formulaic but well-done film. Either way, three leads are wondrous and it's always nice to watch a good story about professors and the marks they leave in our lives.
Rated 10 Jan 2024
theristheris
Rated 07 Jan 2024
79
71st
a worthwatching bitter-sweet drama on how damaged hearts can open to kindness and empathy. I'd give it more but the ending is weird (happy end for 2 characters, open yet most likely sad ending for the main character) and two supporting characters are falling behind on logic and behavior.
Rated 07 Jan 2024
howler19howler19
Rated 07 Jan 2024
93
97th
It's been a while since we had a new Christmas classic, it's hard to become one since it's so much about tradition, but this right here is the chosen one. It hits such a great tone with everything from its flawed yet delightfully likeable characters to its depiction of the times through stylistic choices that other filmmakers would have gone too far with. Instantly one of my favorite Christmas movies and the best film of the year.
Rated 07 Jan 2024
fluffabubbafluffabubba
Rated 07 Jan 2024
73
38th
it's cute and cozy.
Rated 07 Jan 2024
kough33kough33
Rated 05 Jan 2024
74
68th
From the moment Paul had his first conversation with the headmaster, I knew I was about to enjoy a delightful character arc. Interesting choice by Alexander Payne to narrate his story in the late 60s. These low-budget films about ordinary heartbroken people are much more engaging than big-productions recently.
Rated 05 Jan 2024
rihreyrihrey
Rated 02 Jan 2024
61
79th
It's well-written enough and the overall story is pretty heartwarming. I don't care very much for "emotional" movies, but this one's good.
Rated 02 Jan 2024
barbudoBarbudo
Rated 01 Jan 2024
92
89th
NB! Superb soundtrack
Rated 01 Jan 2024
christofchristof
Rated 31 Dec 2023
90
94th
Having wrongly been sold on the idea of a second helping of Sideways, I was surprised to get one of the best 'inspirational teacher' movies ever made (yes, even better than Devito in Renaissance Man). What a treat!
Rated 31 Dec 2023
mihaelaMihaela
Rated 30 Dec 2023
80
23rd
Some lines were nicely written, and a couple scenes were striking. Overall though it was rather long and predictable, and as much as the explicit message was that every person has layers of depth, the movie still uses stereotypical characters. Such is the case for example for the bully guy. It is alluded that his behavior stems from parental neglect, yet remains an 'evil bully' who is then used for shadenfreude. I was rather disappointed.
Rated 30 Dec 2023
semioticussemioticus
Rated 29 Dec 2023
81
74th
A lovely, warm movie with a classic Giamatti character that deals with a not-so-innovative subject matter. Now, that is not necessarily a negative, in fact I'd like to see more movies that deal with grief, regrets, how people might be different that what they seem etc. but it's probably not rewatch-worthy.
Rated 29 Dec 2023
thatyoungmthatyoungm
Rated 27 Dec 2023
89
74th
This is a candid and poignant, but also deeply funny portrait of people dealing with grief. It's a Christmas movie for adults in that it explores a group of characters handling their inner pain amidst what is considered the happiest time of year for many people. Payne tells the story in a nostalgic, straightforward way without gimmicks or distraction allows the brilliant writing and acting shine through.
Rated 27 Dec 2023
xakkmasterXakkMaster
Rated 27 Dec 2023
90
88th
Treads familiar territory and tropes, but with characters and writing that elevate the situations with honest realism. It's an excellent exercise in character-driven filmmaking, but there are beautiful details to be found everywhere. The way the movie is shot, for example, looks like it's actually taking place in the 1970s instead of just MADE to look like it. The main trio all deliver outstanding performances and we get a product that is deeply sentimental without becoming saccharine.
Rated 27 Dec 2023
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 25 Dec 2023
8
78th
One of those films where I wasn’t sure what to make of it past the opening act but that eventually creeps up on you ever so slowly in bittersweet fashion, all thanks to a solid script.
Rated 25 Dec 2023
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 23 Dec 2023
60
25th
Ilovehowtheoldintrosmakemeloveitalreadylmao+heshouldatraveledlol-youcantevendreamawholedreamcanyou+awwseemedlikegettingteacherbuthasaman
Rated 23 Dec 2023
shockularSHOCKULAR
Rated 23 Dec 2023
80
72nd
I didn't love this quite as much as some, but it's a very strong film with great performances and writing. It has a great sense of time and place, so much so that it feels like it could have been a movie made in the early 70s when it is set. It could have perhaps been tightened a bit to get it under 2 hours and been better for it. I thought that the dispersing of the extraneous characters was wise when it happened. Really solid stuff.
Rated 23 Dec 2023
matthagenmatthagen
Rated 22 Dec 2023
73
88th
Payne lands himself a very good three-hander. Like the best of cinema, it effortlessly characterizes and satisfyingly hits all of the emotions. It's missing a few more classic moments though. I will rewatch at some point and reassess. Maybe next Christmas season.
Rated 22 Dec 2023
aph002Aph002
Rated 22 Dec 2023
6
25th
Not a critique of the movie per se, but it's not a comedy. A drama with sporadic jokes is still a drama.
Rated 22 Dec 2023
psimpsim
Rated 21 Dec 2023
85
92nd
A warm and funny movie about a group of misfits at very different life stages finding some common ground.
Rated 21 Dec 2023
nenneNenne
Rated 21 Dec 2023
3
69th
It's very good. Looks exactly like it wants to and it's great. Toward the ending you realize that though it is good, it won't go much deeper than that. The "kid" is way too old.
Rated 21 Dec 2023

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