The Holdovers - It's THAT Good - A Critical Appreciation

[@internettrash5120]

We need more movies like this and less franchise movies clogging theaters

[@lowlowseesee]

the franchise problem is a symptom of capitalism. music works in the same way

[@SEAL341]

Amen

[@MrFiddleedee]

I wonder how many people reading this actually saw it in theatres. I did!

[@amelimelo164]

Loved this movie. So many brainless movies out there.

[@erikwalter6598]

@@JMANB5fr. This was not even on the top 15 most watched movies in the cinemas in stockholm and movies like madam web is in there. Crazy

[@miketherunner764]

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"

[@thatsgoodpie]

100 percent agree. This will be a classic.

[@enicolers]

Got the urge to rewatch Sideways for exactly the same reason....they just don't make movies like this anymore @@thatsgoodpie

[@DonJuanDecepticon]

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.

[@anneb889]

Wow, that’s an interesting take.

[@_Alimm]

wow, great observations

[@MikeMJPMUNCH]

That is a good one

[@markcopeland3011]

lovely take

[@hayleenicole9326]

This is genius!

[@GreayWorks]

I love how you almost wait for the big yelling Oscar nominated scene and it never comes, just a great sharp grounded story

[@TS-qr3rk]

what do you think the black lady crying scene was?

[@ДарьяФирсова-л5к]

Yeah, I was really fearing that the final speech would be loud and melodramatic as in Scent of a Woman, but it was so decent, modest and realistic.

[@TS-qr3rk]

@K.C-2049 so because its "relatable" its excluded from being anything else?

[@Luke101]

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

[@linguaphile42]

I do, too, but the Oppenheimer is the favorite, it seems.

[@LisaMurphy]

@@linguaphile42 Cillian Murphy's performance wasn't nearly as authentic or engaging as Giamatti's. Best movie and best actor ensemble of the year.

[@jacobmonks3722]

​@@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.

[@jacobmonks3722]

​@@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.

[@davidhelmer9124]

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

[@bigduke5902]

We now live in an era when a drama made for adults can be a cult classic.

[@NachshonYosef]

It may end up just being a flat-out classic.

[@Luke101]

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

[@TS-qr3rk]

@@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.

[@mspinkytee]

It seems really white. Not sure why it got so many awards.

[@mmclaurin8035]

All 3 Actors deserve Oscar nominations. Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor.

[@rylaughing]

really glad you liked it. thanks for all the love for me and the teams work! means a lot!

[@soldiersvejk2053]

I enjoyed it and was inspired a lot. Thank you!

[@artvandalay7632]

My favorite movie this yewr

[@rylaughing]

makes me so happy to hear! thank you.

[@LisaMurphy]

You nailed the look of the 70s. I know because I was there in my late teens. Everything about this movie was spot on.

[@rylaughing]

wow thanks so much Lisa! that's so nice to hear.

[@JeonardShadby505]

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.

[@thEannoyingE]

I fell asleep twice during Flower Moon.

[@jondocs6071]

I can’t wait to watch this with my dad this Christmas

[@romanschautfilme]

@@thEannoyingE cause its boring, holdovers is not boring.

[@AllG98]

@@thEannoyingEsounds like a you problem

[@DevinFriske]

@@AllG98 TikTok brain, as much as we would love to believe is a new phenomenon, is old as ancient pottery. That's why I love the study of history. There is nothing new in human experience. Each generation thinks it invented debauchery, or suffering or rebellion, but man's every impulse from the disgusting to the sublime is on display right here. All around youy. 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 a study of the past it is an explanation of the present.

[@BillPeschel]

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."

[@nothisispatrick6528]

Well I would hope not because that would mean banning women again

[@rosskwolfe]

It would be pretty rare to hear this from any school these days.

[@K37-h1z]

Now days produce communist snowflakes who don't understand there are 2 genders.

[@Slop_Dogg]

yeah they sort of still use that cope but the pretense is gone. everyone knows it’s just a for profit industry.

[@hotlov72]

We alreadybhad Rushmore

[@rosebyanyname]

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!

[@PeterEvansPeteTakesPictures]

Hope she has many great roles to come!

[@ashleehughes1194]

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.

[@walttholomew]

"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.

[@RandomPerson-iy1on]

What did you think?

[@Armakk]

I love Payne but did not expect to cry like five times and laugh the rest. Perfect antidote to Barbenheimer mania.

[@IchiEyes]

The Descendants prepared me for this lol

[@Argonaut121]

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.

[@NicholasVargo]

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).

[@jimeb2jim256]

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.

[@Planag7]

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

[@cheezeeanyone]

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.

[@AiringAustin]

This is shaping up to be my movie of the year and I’m trying to get everyone I know to watch The Holdovers!!

[@cod-mullnasty]

The Holdovers was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time.

[@newq]

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.

[@anneb889]

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.

[@happygucci5094]

Watch this film. It will warm your soul.

[@1805movie]

This is a new Christmas classic. I'm saying it right now.

[@BroadwayMistress]

This was such a great movie! So glad to be able to see it in theaters. It felt like a new Christmas/winter classic just getting its start.

[@ThatOrangeGhost]

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.

[@lyonellaverde3135]

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.

[@NonyaSmith]

"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.

[@lyn9291]

I chuckled.

[@kittenlady3193]

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, found it very entertaining and relaxing, P. Giamatti deserved the golden globe he received

[@AlyxLandell]

I haven't even heard of this, but like many others that you have recommended, I'm checking it out. Plus, Paul Giamatti is ALWAYS great!

[@101thirstairborne6]

Best movie this year and hands down one of the best movies I’ve ever seen in theaters, totally worth the watch

[@sfincher9737]

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.

[@LexFilm]

This was by far my favorite movie of the year. Such a wonderful, sincere and heartfelt movie.

[@kevinthecollector818]

Saw this in theaters on a bored Sunday afternoon it was so good

[@QuinnF97]

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. 😁

[@mackielunkey2205]

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.

[@taylorperkins581]

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

[@SEAL341]

I just watched this film twice in 48 hrs. It is so good I just had to watch it again as soon as possible. It's beautiful.

[@bernie472]

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.

[@ange4059]

Loved this movie honestly it was a breath of fresh air and it's my pick as the dark horse for the Oscars❤

[@spinlok3943]

Yes I am convinced this movie will become a Christmas cult classic movie.

[@raymondtitano3819]

I waited until it was back in theaters this week to see it and I'm glad I did because the cinematography was lovely.

[@Nocturn3]

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!

[@pajamapantsjack5874]

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]

Yep on Descendants. That movie haunted me in a rather pleasant way

[@pajamapantsjack5874]

@@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

[@mightisright]

I love that one. So underrated. For Payne movies, I don't think he'll ever surpass Election and Sideways.

[@samscoffy]

I’ve already watched it 3 times

[@Silentkittey]

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🤙

[@joecormier4242]

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.

[@Crushertalos]

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.

[@FriscoDojenia]

This movie is great, one of the best pieces of cinema to come out recently. All characters in some way are holdovers from a time, place, or people. Every shot has purpose, it’s really refreshing to see such dedication in a film.

[@hellomiguel_]

I grew up with a schizophrenic mother. Everything around that stuff was so good.

[@ellil7896]

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!🏆

[@juuuzer]

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.

[@chadopitz6883]

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

[@spencerkindra8822]

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!

[@JacobthePoshPotato]

It really put me back in my childhood of watching old VHS movies from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

[@whiterabbit1632]

A real gem.

[@artvandalay7632]

10/10 film. Watch it with family.

[@vickyternida4982]

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.

[@cordyone]

Being somewhat of a holdover myself this Christmas, I have already seen this movie several times, and absolutely LOVE IT!!!

[@scrambled5948]

The movie finally came out today in the uk and I absolutely loved it. It made me sob, it made me laugh, it’s overall an incredible film.

[@jonolow]

movie of the year for me. what an amazing film

[@mikmindd]

NOT enough people are talking about this movie and it’s driving me crazy

[@janrenee80]

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!

[@derekseven1647]

I've seen this Masterpiece several times so far.

[@Bob-nl2co]

So happy this movie is getting the praise it deserves.

[@applesushi]

Probably the best film I’ve seen this year.

[@dandelves]

Can add this to the great Christmas films of yesteryear - It's a Wonderful Life, The Bishop's Wife, and Miracle on 34th Street (Original)

[@PeterEvansPeteTakesPictures]

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.

[@teddyfurstman1997]

I’m happy this movie exists for the Holidays.

[@paulfortney4725]

I've been saying this is a great triple bill with "Dead Poets Society" and "Scent of a Woman", sort of a boarding school theme night...

[@BanCorporateOwnedHouses]

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.

[@JaimeRobateau]

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.

[@My20GUNS]

I really liked it. So much so that I imported the 4K from the UK, It'll be in my yearly Christmas movie rotation.

[@africanpenguin3282]

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.😊

[@wowzabob]

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.

[@Bobbybabybobbybubbie]

They should have added those little circles that warn the projectionist to change the reel!

[@adamjlozano2454]

I love this movie its such a great movie the story was fun and the characters were great. I love how it's 70s movie style. I had a lot of fun watching this movie.

[@LisaMurphy]

Let's see if the academy members can discern what truly good acting is. For a change.

[@jimoncken6936]

Great acting and vividly capturing the period doesn't prevent this movie from being a turkey.

[@NaomiVirshbo]

I love this movie so, so, so much.

[@Shah-of-the-Shinebox]

Absolutely loved The Holdovers. Its Quirky, heartbreaking and uplifting all at once.

[@andywinslow9638]

This is a great movie indeed. It's one of Paul's best films and roles

[@BugsyFoga]

Glad Alexander Payne get a win after how Downsizing turned out.

[@Slndtr]

I loved this movie so much. I watched it opening night and then twice more that week.

[@apancem7192]

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

[@stardogbillionaire]

Joe I value your recommendations so highly I bought it full price ($30 AMAZON DIGITAL) and I don’t regret it. What an excellent film. Thank you there was a chance I could have overlooked it. Paul Giamatti deserves Best Actor!

[@thetwopointslow]

Best movie I’ve seen in a whole

[@Grim528]

This movie was beautiful

[@bensneb360]

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

[@evanstravelchannel4905]

One of the best films I've ever seen!

[@MikeMJPMUNCH]

It blew my mind that this was shot digitally

[@bobdeniro9]

You truly like movies. And I like that. Great work, hats off to you!

[@bowtie0331]

Watched last night band LOVED it. Nice bookend to Saltburn

[@davidprenticeii6742]

So, I finally watched the film, having wanted to see it since I saw the trailer. Needless to say, I was very impressed with this movie. The best thing I can say about it is that it is one of the most human films I've ever seen. Once released on physical media, I will definitely add this film to my collection, and it will become part of my holiday rotation. I held off on watching your video until I saw it for myself, and you hit on a lot of the things that make this movie a gem. I hope it spurs others to go see it.

[@ethankoehler6103]

I work at a movie theater and when I saw the holdovers for the first time I fell in love with it and I grabbed a poster for the film

[@marco.issa1981]

Loved it. Watched it 2 times last week.

[@travismiller4320]

Just watched this on Peacock January 4th, thank you for great recommendation.

[@fernandezfernandez8414]

It was great!

[@jyreHeffron]

excellent breakdown and very insightful analysis... such a wonderful film....!!! thanks!!!

[@PhilMoskowitz]

Just from the trailers it has "The Paper Chase" vibes.

[@JasonWrightArt]

Finally just saw it. One of the best I’ve seen in a while

[@DwRockett]

Wholeheartedly agree, a fantastic movie

[@alasdairnisbet5170]

stalag 17 maybe next year’s Christmas movie review I think you would really enjoy its an almost cult classic in my eyes

[@joshtutor5606]

This movie is fantastic...Hopefully it has long legs and many more people see this masterpiece.

[@Daniel-be6cj]

We never do find out if they actually ate those Christmas cookies 😩 (I also thought it was actually shot on film, you mentioning it was actually digital is the biggest plot twist of the year for me)

[@m.hreels9822]

This was my favorite movie last year!❤

[@Jamesadamiak]

This looks so good!