I am not an Alexander Payne fan. I liked most of SIDEWAYS, but didn't love it. NEBRASKA was okay but it was Bruce Dern that I remember. As for the rest of his films you could flush them and I wouldn't miss them (DOWNSIZE?- dear god no). He is more a film maker I avoid then rush out to see.
As a result it kind of freaks me out that I pretty much loved THE HOLDOVERS. Sure it hits a lot of expected notes, particularly in the early portion of the film, but once it gets going and we are focusing on the three main characters the film soars.
The first thing I noticed with the film was this was the first film, in a very long while that absolutely nailed the 1970 style. What you see is what it is. No one feels like they are doing dress up. It all feels lived in. It's amazing, even down to the retro titles.
Yes, the script has some cliche points but the cast makes this film work. While Paul Giamatti coasts for much of the film, he makes it work and by the denouncement he is moving us to tears. DaVine Joy Randolph truly is Oscar worthy as Mary the school cook. Dominic Sessa as the third leg of the trio is wonderfully real and in no way cliche as many of the other students are.
This film is so good that the hyperbole we are seeing in the trailers of this being a new Christmas classic very well may end up being true.
I really loved this film... it probably won't get me run out and see the next Alexander Payne film, but I won't balk when I do see it.
Highly recommended.
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