The Holdovers

 

        This new comedy/drama reunites Paul Giamatti with director Alexander Payne, their second film together after "Sideways". They are both at the top of their game.

        Mr. Giamatti plays Paul Hunham, a crusty, curmudgeon of an ancient history teacher at a private boys school.  During Christmas break, he is assigned to watch over a small group of boys that have to stay behind at the school for various reasons.

        With him over the break is the school's cafeteria manager, Mary, played by Da'Vine Joy Randolph, in her best role yet. His young charges are soon reduced to one troubled student, Angus Tully, played by newcomer Dominic Sessa.

         The film is set in 1970 and Mr. Payne goes to great lengths to get the period and look of the film right. From the retro opening MPAA rating and Focus Features logo, you already feel transported back in time. Most of the film takes place at the school with the exception of a few significant sojourns. 

          You may be reminded of "Dead Poets Society" but with that film, Robin Williams was a loveable teacher with an unorthodox method of reaching his students. Mr. Giamatti is a self proclaimed failure who drinks too much and knows that no one at the school, teachers or students, likes him. 

           Forced to spend two weeks together, Hunham, Mary and Angus, all broken souls for different reasons, forge an unusual bond that propels the story. The film is funny, heartbreaking and ultimately endearing with three terrific performances.