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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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."

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

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.

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

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!

"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.

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

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).

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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.

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.

A real gem.

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.

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!🏆

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.

The ending of this movie had me in tears like none other did in 2023. A really funny, beautiful film.

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.

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

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!

10/10 film. Watch it with family.

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.

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!

Great video! This movie was an instant favorite for me. I think I've watched it five plus times already! And the lengths they went to for the sets and especially the look of the cinematography paid off. Plus it's so great to watch a movie with no cell phones!

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).

So happy this movie is getting the praise it deserves.

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

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

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🤙

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

movie of the year for me. what an amazing film

I've seen this Masterpiece several times so far.

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.

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!

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.

I’m glad you made this video, it was the deciding factor to make me go see it finally and it was great

Really loved this movie. Glad you highlighted it.

saw this movie this past weekend, glad to know someone such as Joe appreciated it as much

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

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

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)

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

Probably the best film I’ve seen this year.

It's a film with both laughs and tears. Three people who live lives of quiet desperation in community with each other. Very good film.

When I saw this all the way back in October I instantly thought of this channel and have been waiting to hear your thoughts on this beautiful film

Thanks, definitely checking this one out, a tip of the Hats Off is always a solid recommendation.

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!

I was able to catch this a couple days ago and realllllly enjoyed it. It was a beautiful film.

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

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.

A wonderful movie. Beautifully shot, great performances and a story that is truly original. Best of 2023 IMO

We saw it when it came to our local theater and I'm going to watch it again and probably several more times.

Thanks for this thoughtful review. This movie wasn't on my radar but now I really want to see it.

I’m happy this movie exists for the Holidays.

Loved it. Watched it 2 times last week.

I’ve been really looking forward to this one. I absolutely love both Sideeays and The Descendants.

I’ve already watched it 3 times

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.😊

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)

I really enjoyed it. It was funny in the right places and also had some good emotional moments as well.

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

In New Zealand the film was released a month ago. I am a house tutor at a boarding school and we took our weekend boarders to see this movie. The boys enjoyed the show. Commenting on the style of the movie, as soon as the first logo came up it had such a 70s feel. One of the boys moaned "oh, not an old film." A great movie which the boys talked about on the way home. Something they don't do when they watch a marvel movie.

Best movie I’ve seen in a whole

I love how many "quiet movies" got nominated for Oscars this year. I expected this one to be a little more cinematic and wanky, and it was just a lovely experience the same as American Fiction and Past Lives. I'm really here for less bombastic biopics and "big drama" films getting accolades, and more well acted, well constructed, well written quiet films.

The holdovers and Beau is afraid have been my fav films this year. I would really like to see Giamatti get a best actor oscar someday

Fantastic video - made by someone with a true passion for cinema. In as brief a fashion as possible you breakdown key aspects of production. Hopefull the buzz around Giamatti and Randoph's Oscar nominations will help kick this video in 100K+ territory.

Surprised you didn’t notice how much this movie took from The Shining’s filming techniques.

Loved every second the depiction of people hiding the pain of loss during the holidays was perfect. Great writing with some comedy blended in to distract from the sad moments.

I’ll give this a watch tonight!

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

This looks so good!