I am reporting behind enemy lines from Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Massachusetts. We live in a quiet part of Central Massachusetts and occasionally hear medical helicopters or small planes. For the third day in a row, we hear military helicopters (UH-60 Black Hawk or similar) loudly flying over our residential area at low altitudes. They start at around 4 PM until 10 PM. Our entire house is shaking. Let’s hope nothing major is going on.
Last night we watched a wonderful new movie The Holdovers directed by Alexander Payne (Election, About Schmidt, Nebraska) (Watch Trailer) The movie was released last month in movie theaters but bombed at the box office. Let us vote with our wallets and show Hollywood that we support wholesome life-affirming films that are pro-family and pro-Christmas.
Film Synopsis: The story is set in December 1970 at Barton, an all-boys' prep school outside of Boston. Paul Giamatti plays a cranky ancient history professor hated by students and faculty because he refuses to let them pass due to their Elite family connections. Mr. Giammati is forced to watch over the students who are unable to go home for the Christmas holiday, including Domnic Sessa, a smart-mouthed junior whose plans are canceled at the last minute. Completing the trio is the school's head chef, played by Da'Vine Joy Randolph, whose son (a Barton alum) was killed in Vietnam. Despite their best efforts to remain enemies, Paul and Dominic eventually realize they have more than they expect in common. There are shades of other movies, but The Holdovers is definitely in a class by itself. Oscar nominations should be given to Giamatti and Randolph. Like The Ref, the initial animosity between the characters only makes their eventual redemption and bond that much sweeter. Excellent film. Excellent story. Excellent cast.
Content Warning: A few F-bombs are thrown by rowdy kids. There's a brief shot of a woman's breast when one of the boys flips through an Adult magazine.
How to Watch: The Holdovers is still playing in some theaters. You can also rent it online ($19.99) on Amazon Prime Video. You may use Amazon No-Rush Credits to pay for the rental. Check your Amazon No-Rush Credits here.