The Holdovers (2023)

The Holdovers is about a teacher, student, and cook stuck together over Christmas break.

The writing from David Hemingson is really on a different level than much of what I've seen lately. While the movie lacks in keeping your attention from a directorial perspective it makes up for with interesting characters, dynamics, and immersion into the year 1970. The odd thing about this film is that Hemingson is better known as a producer than a writer and for this to be his first writing duty for a full-length feature film, it's pretty impressive. He was the producer of one of my favorite shows called Lie to Me, but he was also the producer for How I Met Your Mother, and Just Shoot Me!

Dominic Sessa plays the student who is abandoned for Christmas break. His character is written in such a way that makes you believe that he's a seventies kid and not just some actor. It was great but it was Paul Giamatti who plays the teacher and displays his seasoned acting skills. He plays a completely unlikable lecture-bound teacher who has the most character arc in the film. This was Dominic Sessa's first anything, not even a TV show. Paul Giamatti has been in everything from 12 Years A Slave to Cinderella Man.

While the film has interesting characters the film can be difficult to sit through if you aren't invested in those characters. I imagine viewers with a lesser attention span would hate this film. It's probably best to watch this without distractions. Result: B

Comments

Wuthering Heights (2026)

Wuthering Heights is directed by Emerald Fennell , known for Promising Young Woman and Saltburn , and opens with a striking image that immediately signals this will not be a conventional adaptation of the classic novel. The film remains faithful to several of the book's narrative choices, particularly in how it lingers on the characters' early years before fully embracing the central tragedy. While this approach accurately reflects the source material, the pacing occasionally suffers, with several montages and extended childhood sequences lasting longer than necessary. One element that works especially well is the portrayal of Catherine and Heathcliff's adoptive father, whose volatile temper contrasts sharply with the affection he shows the two children, echoing one of the novel's stronger character dynamics. Margot Robbie , known for Barbie and I, Tonya , delivers one of the strongest performances of her career as Catherine. She captures the character's passio...

Supergirl (2026)

Supergirl is directed by Craig Gillespie , known for I, Tonya and Cruella , and written by Ana Nogueira . The film attempts to launch a new corner of the DC universe while simultaneously giving Supergirl her own coming of age journey. While the movie does succeed in giving its protagonist a genuine character arc and lays some groundwork for future stories, the script often struggles with dialogue and plot points. Several lines land awkwardly, pulling scenes out of their emotional moments rather than enhancing them. In many cases, the performances feel less at fault than the direction, as stronger takes or rewrites could have improved several key exchanges. Milly Alcock , known for House of the Dragon , carries the film and easily emerges as its greatest strength. She brings vulnerability, confidence, and determination to Supergirl, making the character feel relatable even when the material around her falters. Alcock does everything she can with the dialogue she is given, and her per...

Citizen Vigilante (2026)

Citizen Vigilante is written and directed by Uwe Boll , a filmmaker whose work has always been divisive, and this film continues that trend. The movie tackles issues surrounding immigration, social tensions, and public frustration, themes that have been prominent throughout the decade. Surprisingly, the film often approaches these subjects from a perspective that many viewers may not expect from a major studio release. While the political themes are front and center, the larger issue is that the writing struggles to make the world and its characters feel believable. Conversations often lack the natural reactions people would have in real life, particularly younger characters who accept lectures and speeches with very little resistance or personality. Armie Hammer , known for The Social Network and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. , plays the vigilante and spends much of the film using a gravelly, Batman-inspired voice. He commits fully to the role, and his physical presence works well for th...

Movies, Film, and Chili

Search This Blog