Cody's Movie Minute

The Holdovers Review   Oscar season is officially upon us, and with it comes one of the best dramas of the year. A much smaller film than many from last year, “The Holdovers” has found its spotlight in the Academy Awards, garnering 5 nominations. But does this film live up to the accolades it is looking to take home this awards season? I am happy to say that “The Holdovers” is one of the best films from last year. Following a teacher at a New England prep school in the 1970’s, the grumpy and stern Mr. Hunham is forced to watch over the remaining students that have nowhere to go for Christmas break. Along with a cafeteria cook who has fallen into a family tragedy, the unlikely group finds something special together during the holidays. “The Holdovers” was a very warm movie. It made me feel great, and felt like a classic movie I had blown the dust off of after finding an old VHS. It is a feel good movie that brings a ton of heart to the screen that makes you feel wrapped into the movie from the beginning. Another great element of this film, that could’ve come across in a worse way if done poorly, is that the film is made to look and feel as though it was lost in the 1970’s. Shot and made just like a film from the time, just in a higher quality for the most part, it felt very nice to see a film that broke away from today’s very commonly seen digital look of movies that just don’t quite have it. Thankfully, this movie has it and thensome. Starring Paul Giamatti as Mr. Hunham, Giamatti is giving a career performance here. Nominated for Best Lead Performance by an Actor, it is very deserving for him. He brings such an interesting sense of charisma that isn’t always warm and kind, but always leaves you wanting more of him on the screen. He is fantastic here, and is even greater alongside the other stars of the film. Another huge standout from here is Dominic Sessa as Angus Finch, who is one of the standout students who is staying at the school. This is Sessa’s first role, and first time acting in general, and you would never know. He is outstanding, but he really shines in his chemistry with Giamatti and how they bounce off of one another. And the final standout is Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Mary Lamb, the cafeteria worker. She is incredible here, and is a front runner for winning the award for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress. She is the final, amazing third piece that makes this movie as great as it is. “The Holdovers” charm comes from the incredible performances and characters that you get to watch through the story. A great film that I think everyone can relate to and enjoy, “The Holdovers” is a wonderful time. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone who simply wants a good time with a movie that, despite being past its holiday setting, still brings the warmth of the holidays.   RATING: 4.5/5