THE HOLDOVERS

Massachusetts 1970, professor Paul Hunman (Paul Giamatti) is stuck babysitting 5 students at a private school over the winter break. Having a reputation as a harsh disciplinary, the students push back at ever instance in order to gain their independence as well as salvage whatever they can from their 2 week winter break. The films plays beautifully as an homage to films of the period. From the intro titles to the scene transitions, this really feels like a film made at anytime other than 2023. Giamatti is at the top of his game as the cantankerous, Jim Beam drinking teacher that I dare say this role is Oscar nomination worthy. Equally entertaining is his young student Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), who challenges his teacher and is the complete opposite from him. The pair make for a dynamic duo, often feeding off of each others banter. Unfortunately, the film appeared funny in the previews as there weren't many laugh out loud moments during the film other than the occasional chuckle. Still a film worth seeing, just perhaps not in the theaters. 6/10