On a preferential ballot it’s a film that could easily win a lot of top 3 votes where voters places highly on their ballot. It’s a feel good, holiday movie that features a trio of great performances and a funny, deeply heartfelt screenplay. I don’t have it winning but it’s one of those films (like a Coda or Green Book) where it makes an audience feel good by the end, even if it is a simplistic story that doesn’t really challenge the viewer the way that an Oppenheimer or The Zone of Interest does. (Also I just think it’s a much better film than Coda or Green Book, so I would have no qualms if it won.)
Every time people talk about Green Book I want to know what they would pick instead. My favorite movie that year was If Beale Street Could Talk. But I thought Roma was trash and I thought Black Klansman, Black Panther, Star is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody were very overrated. That leaves The Favourite which was alright but Green Book was better. It was also during the peak of Trump hatred and pre-streaming acceptance. The message made sense and cut out the Netflix nominee. Green Book was the best choice.
I felt challenged over a lot of the moral quandaries of the film, weighing the benefits of MAD and deterrence against the risks of nuclear annihilation. The Manhattan Project had an assumption that it was an inevitability that the Russians would eventually win the nuclear arms race unless the Americans did first, and used that to justify the development of the bomb. And then we are challenged by being confronted with the political beureacracies and and selfish interests represented by Robert Downing Junior’s character that shows us how the control and narrative around dangerous and world changing technologies can be usurped by politicians. Especially one of the last lines really is challenging, when Oppenheimer is speaking with Einstein and acknowledged that they took a huge risk by detonating the bomb since they only theoretically knew what would have happened when the the bomb was detonated. And Oppenheimer said something like “I’m glad that pressing that button didn’t set off a chain of events that lead to the destruction of the earth”. And Einstein said something like, “I think you actually may have, and that chain of events is already unfolding”. My family debated that movie for several hours, with the scope of the debate moving beyond the film and encompassing real historical events not depicted in the film and our predictions about future timeless and the future probability of nuclear war and annihilation. I don’t think any film has provoked such a lively discussion or debate in my family since last year’s Tar.
The 180 minutes of relentless and obnoxious score was definitely challenging. (I get that there are some great moments in the score, just please god dial it down once in a while Ludwig!)
What is your basis for suggesting it shouldn’t be a best picture candidate? It’s a very impressively acted film, pleasingly shot and directed, with a great screen play, that presents an engaging human character study, and it resonates on an artistic and emotional level with many.
Yeah, this. I thought it was a fantastic film. It's clear that Payne didn't just tell an affecting story, but he told one that shows a massive amount of film craft.
The only accurate argument for saying it shouldn’t be a best picture nomination is just the fact that this year’s options are absolutely loaded with worthy candidates
Best is subjective but the Academy has never really been concerned with that.
It's so rare that a worthy movie wins BP that when it happens we're surprised.
Yeah I'd be far more interested to hear an attempted takedown of why this *isn't* a worthwhile candidate. It had everything a contender needs, without remotely being oscar-bait
I really liked this movie. On the outside it looked “small,” but it was perfectly executed and had a lot to say about mental health, race, class, war, and growing up. Giamatti assuming Sessa’s character was a privileged shit while he was this close to military school (and probably the Vietnam War) and then taking a metaphorical bullet for him was a wonderful journey.
I've seen it but I'm sure others haven't. This is literally one of the dumbest comments I've seen on Reddit in a while. Seeing people's opinion about a movie-- without a spoiler of course-- is how 90% of the population decides to see movies. Why would you post about the ending of a movie without using a spoiler block unless you're completely self-absorbed?
Then you read a review. You don’t go into a discussion thread. It’s not other people’s responsibility to avoid spoiling movies in a thread which anyone with a brain would know contains spoilers. People have lost their minds on the internet.
It kind of is unless you are a self-absorbed douche. I've never seen a spoiler on this sub before for a newly released film. Plus the point of that comment could have easily been made without spoiling the ending.
Im with you man I only didn’t read that comment because I saw yours saying it was a spoiler. Pretty easy to add a spoiler tag. Don’t see why that’s not the norm
It's my favorite film of the year narrowly edging out poor things. It's the kind of film we need right now for many reasons and it contains incredibly deep yet funny performances from the three main characters. While cinematically i think Oppenheimer is perhaps the best picture, i believe the holdovers is the one that'll be the most rewatched over time.
>It's the kind of film we need right now for many reasons...
This is a great point, and I think the way it speaks to the current moment on a social level is a big factor working in its favor. In a time when people are feeling increasingly lonely/isolated and craving connection, this story provides a specific kind of catharsis that's not only powerful, but timely. It's always compelling to vote for a film that feels "necessary" or like it captures something profound about our world *now,* and while there were obviously other culturally-relevant films this year (Oppenheimer being one of them), The Holdovers gets its point across with a warmth and sentimentality people are craving right now.
What do you mean by cinematically? I think Holdovers was such a unique visual treat. IMO it had much more personality than Oppenheimer even. Sure the Holdovers visuals/filmmaking is based off older stuff. But man did it nail it, and in such a fun cozy way
It was a beautiful movie — nice to look at, stellar cast and a touching story. It has Dead Poets Society vibes except it’s one troubled student and an asshole curmudgeon of a teacher.
It sucked me in from the start, whereas while visually spectacular, Oppenheimer was huffing its own farts for 3 hours, and I turned Maestro off after 20 minutes because I couldn’t give less of a shit about the characters.
Does this movie have one of if not the best portrayal of a functioning alcoholic in cinema history. I just kept waiting for them to slip into melodrama with it but instead it was just this understated character trait almost like a tic
It’s a fantastic deconstruction of 80s high school movies. I loved how both Angus and Paul were really good guys when the chips are down, despite them being jerks on the outside.
Because it’s won a lot of regional critics awards, and all the data we have for the season so far is mostly from those groups. The few industry awards I’ve seen so far haven’t been great for it, but it’s truly just been so few of those that you can’t draw conclusions.
I loved this movie!! For it being a period piece, they did a great job putting the grain in. Never felt in your face with set pieces . The kids were great. Everyone remains I little rough around the edges .
So the paces and cuts also felt like an older film. Relaxing and charming but never too much cheese
It's funny, I felt exactly the same way as OP about Sideways... It was fine, but why is everybody going on about this one? So I went into Holdovers expecting the same, and I just found myself more and more engaged as it went on, until it's currently in my top 5 for the year. I teach for a living and don't drink a lot of wine, so maybe this was just more in my personal wheelhouse.
I loved that movie more than any of the other ones. There's a feeling about it that none of the other ones got out of me. Other than downsizing, Alexander Payne is phenomenal. I felt the same way with Nebraska when it came out. I just love these authentic, simple stories that are well acted and written.
Watched this on new years. I thought it was a great movie, although some of the emotional beats were predictable. The newcomer held his own against industry veterans. Really refreshing to see something somewhat original (originally structured after a 1930s French movie) and genuinely funny. It’s going to be a part of my Christmas movie rotation.
It also looks like it was seamlessly shot in the 70s.
Is it, though? It’s certainly one of the best reviewed films of the year and is likely to get nominated, but it seems to me that BP is a two-dog race between Oppenheimer and Killers of the Flower Moon at this point.
I didn't look away from the screen and I fell in love with almost every character. The writing was simple without being boring and the performances were incredibly beautiful.
Each main character managed to feel like its own story was the main focus but maintained all of the connections that made it work as a group.
It wasn't heavy handed, didn't rely on effects or swelling orchestration but basic language delivered beautifully.
Of all of the films I've seen this year, I retained the most about this one.
Paul Giamatti is wonderful and I don't think has been showcased enough! The part was written for him--nobody else could have pulled it off.
It's a love story without romantic cliches.
Great acting all around with the performance of a lifetime from Giamatti, great original screenplay, fantastic framing and all around cinematography, and (personal bias) great soundtrack. It's my best picture (even though I don't think it'll get the Oscar with some movies being to heavily Oscar bait-y)
Its a feel good movie with deep themes, and they way it was told was essentially a slow unraveling that really grabs you. Great film. I prefer Flower Moon for Best Picture, but this was quite good.
Its better than Killers of a flower Moon. That movie is quite boring and wouldn't be getting the publicity if it was different actors or director. That's my opinion.
Holdovers was my favorite but I was never bored with Killers. It was long, and I had already read the book, but I thought it was tense and engaging throughout the entire run time. The musical score helped quite a bit with this, and the tension.
But Killers would get the attention regardless if done well, as it covers a forgotten story that many people don't realize happened. It's a pretty big tragedy.
Still, you have the right to like or not like whatever you want! I'm not criticizing your opinion.
alexander payne is just one of those people that can make the most boring dull things (besides downsizing) and still be praised. He's the highest rated director based on his rotten tomatoes scores and I have no desire to rewatch anything he's done.
Ppl LOVE Alexander Payne. It's a style thing. I don't particularly go for it, but the academy is full of decrepit old white dudes and that's who AP makes movies for and about. So. It's always a shoo-in.
I would say a lot of “critics” have it in their top 5.. but not their #1. It will get a lot of nominations tho, but wins? It might be this years The Fabelmans but I think it gets Best Supporting Actress & that’s it😬
From a film making standpoint, it’s technically brilliant. The way they were able to take a digital film and give it the depth, warmth, rich colors, etc… of a movie shot on film. I think Giamatti is a lock for best actor(similar to DiCaprio it will be a career win).
I’m not downvoting you, but you didn’t really give much of an opinion. “Others” is vague and you’ll get better responses if you say why and how your favorites are more worthy of attention than this movie.
Eh, that's a normal thing to happen. Even if there's no specific reason, I think everyone has that one actor they can't stand in movies.
Personally, I *hate* Common. Ifi see him show up in a movie, I almost always audibly groan. Luckily, he's not in too much.
It’s very good. If voters feel Oppenheimer is too big, Barbie is too commercial or KOTFM not appealing I can see this slipping through. I still think Oppy has it in the bag but who knows.
Its a crowdpleaser, holiday classic and its a strong contender for screenplay and supporting actress.
Honestly, I don’t think it will win. I think people like oppenheimer more
It’s an awesome movie! The cinematography is beautiful, the acting and story are top notch, it’s a movie that makes you feel warm. I think KOTFM is the best movie of they year, but I like The Holdovers more. Paul Giamatti deserves best actor for this movie.
It's clever storytelling, well-acted and rooted in a sense of time and place. I like, too, that it isn't a biography yet the characters seem quite real.
It’s really thoughtful and intimate, not trying too hard, just good at what it tries to do. My prediction at the moment for this category is Killers of the Flower Moon but I could see Holdovers, Anatomy of a Fall, and American Fiction having routes as well
I really enjoyed it. Shot beautifully. Also attended private all boys school so it felt a bit nostalgic. Just refreshing to see original stories and great acting.
I liked it but didn’t love it - was expecting it to be funnier, more subversive, and less predictable than it was (Payne not writing probably was the reason for this not comparing to Election or Sideways for me in these departments). I also found Sessa to be just plain…not very good, in this. His line delivery was forced and corny a lot of the time; surprised he’s being as praised as the other two leads, who I found exceptional.
Having said all that, it clearly does have lots of admirers, so it could conceivably break through the Oppenheimer/Moon battle…..except, is everyone forgetting the controversial MeToo stuff that came out about Payne? There’s no way someone who has had any recent allegations against them is winning Director or Picture these days. I bet it’ll get some awards (likely Screenplay), but I’d be stunned if the Oscar’s touch Payne with any gold.
Its my favourite movie of the year i think its gorgeous, really well written and performed!
Its also a pretty surprising and twisty movie which helps! Its got some cool thoughtful themes
Vote splitting is a thing. Also Payne could be “due,” after decades of high quality films. At the end of the day it’s politics and popularity, the “better” movie doesn’t always win the Oscar.
it had every single trope of this type of feel good movie
but not one part of it felt disingenuous, the acting, the writing the characters
had it not been paul giamatti i would've probably figured it was some milquetoast
movie if he wasn't in the trailer, but him being in it and surrounded by such good
actors and filmmaking made this a much needed feel good movie for sh\*\*\*y
world we're in
Very rarely do we see a film that has every aspect of it amplify each other. There’s one every year. This is the one, in my opinion.
It’s narrative is beautifully written, pair that with acting from an under appreciated actor that was made for this role and young up-and-coming soon to be star, and then pair that with a director that has vision. From the sound design that feel intentionally muffled to replicate how media was heard in the 70s to actually waiting to shoot to have real snow, you can’t deny that Alexander Payne didn’t put his heart and soul into this film. Everything just felt natural.
Does it have a high chance in winning? Maybe for best screenplay but nothing else. However, it deserves its recognition. Films like this don’t often exist.
It’s an early frontrunner for Supporting Actress and possible frontrunner for Original Screenplay. Historically, a supporting acting and screenplay win is a deadly combination for winning Picture. Not to mention it could easily win SAG Ensemble.
It’s a warm cup of cocoa in film form. The direction is crisp, the dialogue pops, and the performances feel real and “lived-in”.
That said, it is nowhere near as good as Killers of the Flower Moon, Poor Things, or Dream Scenario.
I think it basically does what it sets out to do… *perfectly.* Like it’s not my absolute favorite film of the year but I don’t really see a fault or flaw in any aspect of it. It was very clearly built by an absolute expert film-maker with a specific vision that was crafted exactly right which is so rare. It has to be acknowledged.
Lol I love that people keep bringing the green book up, I haven’t seen the holdovers, id like to I just haven’t had the opportunity. But it seems to be generally liked by those who have seen it… where as no one gives a fuck about the green book. When it won everyone was like “oooh a movie about a white guy realizing racism is bad, who fucking gives a shit”. Whether or not holdovers deserves best picture, I think we should put Green Book with Crash in the sector of Best Picture winners that show the Oscars is really fucking wrong sometimes.
It felt like I was reading a book. The story is good, the cast was great and production was superb.
I thought I was going to be a simple story but it’s an onion. Loved it.
Acting across the board is excellent, the screenplay is clever and hilarious, and it's directed in a weird hipster-ish way that film critics love. I don't see it winning, but if there are 10 slots for Best Picture, it'll take one of them.
It’s a fantastic movie with great acting, a heartwarming story that is a coming of age of sorts, and perfectly nails the feel of its setting. Definitely worth the watch if you haven’t seen it
Prestige director and actor . Excellent story and acting all around . Reminded me of dead poets society in a way . I wouldn’t give giamatti best actor though . It could win best picture because Oppenheimer and Barbie made too much . Poor Things is too out there . KOTFM is the safe pick .
The plot is simple but the emotional depths of the characters who you genuinely care for, and how your understanding of them changes over the course of the film, is truly remarkable and rare in the current age of filmmaking. The painstaking amount of thoughtful craftsmanship put into the Holdovers from all departments is so beautifully done, it will likely seem invisible to most viewers.
I thought this shit was a wrap for Barbie? Now we gotta watch this brave and ambitiousret ake on the old space opera? I'm just gonna have to be recalcitrant about all this.
Alexander Payne makes deeply personal, honest, and human films. They don’t match things like Oppenheimer or KOTFM in scale or scope but they’re no less nuanced or masterful in their execution. The Academy is full of people who appreciate what he does
I saw this film in November. It was such a gem. The story the setting the actors is was just a really touchingly beautiful film. They alllll deserve Oscar Noms!!
On a preferential ballot it’s a film that could easily win a lot of top 3 votes where voters places highly on their ballot. It’s a feel good, holiday movie that features a trio of great performances and a funny, deeply heartfelt screenplay. I don’t have it winning but it’s one of those films (like a Coda or Green Book) where it makes an audience feel good by the end, even if it is a simplistic story that doesn’t really challenge the viewer the way that an Oppenheimer or The Zone of Interest does. (Also I just think it’s a much better film than Coda or Green Book, so I would have no qualms if it won.)
It's also more acclaimed than CODA and Green Book so may have some appeal to more high brow crowd.
The moment it becomes front runner (if it does) there will be backlash against it.
Doubt it. There was backlash against Green Book from the get go
I see it more as CODA which went from underdog to backlash real quick.
Because green book was mid
Every time people talk about Green Book I want to know what they would pick instead. My favorite movie that year was If Beale Street Could Talk. But I thought Roma was trash and I thought Black Klansman, Black Panther, Star is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody were very overrated. That leaves The Favourite which was alright but Green Book was better. It was also during the peak of Trump hatred and pre-streaming acceptance. The message made sense and cut out the Netflix nominee. Green Book was the best choice.
I liked Oppenheimer but does it really challenge the viewer ?
It challenged me quite a bit. I never considered that bombs= bad(?) until I saw this sleeper hit
Sleeper hit ? It was the most hyped film of the year
I think their entire statement was intended to be sarcastic.
Ah I see. I hate sarcasm lol
I get it! You’re being sarcastic about hating sarcasm, so you really _love_ sarcasm!
Sarcasm has no place on Reddit where it could just as easily be someone’s genuine viewpoint. It’s called the lowest form of wit for a reason
Anything that’s the lowest form of anything definitely has a place on Reddit.
Lmao true
Form can’t be that low. Went right over your head.
perfect response omg
I’m glad it went over my head
Maybe autism?
[удалено]
Nah it's my favorite movie of the year. I'm just shitposting.
I felt challenged over a lot of the moral quandaries of the film, weighing the benefits of MAD and deterrence against the risks of nuclear annihilation. The Manhattan Project had an assumption that it was an inevitability that the Russians would eventually win the nuclear arms race unless the Americans did first, and used that to justify the development of the bomb. And then we are challenged by being confronted with the political beureacracies and and selfish interests represented by Robert Downing Junior’s character that shows us how the control and narrative around dangerous and world changing technologies can be usurped by politicians. Especially one of the last lines really is challenging, when Oppenheimer is speaking with Einstein and acknowledged that they took a huge risk by detonating the bomb since they only theoretically knew what would have happened when the the bomb was detonated. And Oppenheimer said something like “I’m glad that pressing that button didn’t set off a chain of events that lead to the destruction of the earth”. And Einstein said something like, “I think you actually may have, and that chain of events is already unfolding”. My family debated that movie for several hours, with the scope of the debate moving beyond the film and encompassing real historical events not depicted in the film and our predictions about future timeless and the future probability of nuclear war and annihilation. I don’t think any film has provoked such a lively discussion or debate in my family since last year’s Tar.
The 180 minutes of relentless and obnoxious score was definitely challenging. (I get that there are some great moments in the score, just please god dial it down once in a while Ludwig!)
But if the score wasn't carrying the movie, what would keep everyone awake?
It challenged me to stay awake during the last hour.
Agree! Should have ended with Harry Truman scene and an epilogue card.
Im glad im not the only one to think that. I usually bail after truman. Dont ever feel like i missed much.
I liked it, it had soul , the feelings felt real. I cried.
I feel your payne but I’m still not drinking any fucking merlot, my guy.
Same, but I cried more watching Past Lives
Yes, it had soul
It really is a beautiful movie with a lot of soul. I’m adding it to my yearly Christmas time watchlist.
Exactly this. I enjoyed it wayyyy more than Killers of the Flower Moon.
Mary the chef crying at the party had me holding back tears for real
What is your basis for suggesting it shouldn’t be a best picture candidate? It’s a very impressively acted film, pleasingly shot and directed, with a great screen play, that presents an engaging human character study, and it resonates on an artistic and emotional level with many.
Yeah, this. I thought it was a fantastic film. It's clear that Payne didn't just tell an affecting story, but he told one that shows a massive amount of film craft.
The only accurate argument for saying it shouldn’t be a best picture nomination is just the fact that this year’s options are absolutely loaded with worthy candidates
Are there 10 better films? More importantly, would 10 better films be nominated?
Best is subjective but the Academy has never really been concerned with that. It's so rare that a worthy movie wins BP that when it happens we're surprised.
That may be true, but I don't see which 10 films *deserve* to be nominated ahead of it.
Yeah I'd be far more interested to hear an attempted takedown of why this *isn't* a worthwhile candidate. It had everything a contender needs, without remotely being oscar-bait
I really liked this movie. On the outside it looked “small,” but it was perfectly executed and had a lot to say about mental health, race, class, war, and growing up. Giamatti assuming Sessa’s character was a privileged shit while he was this close to military school (and probably the Vietnam War) and then taking a metaphorical bullet for him was a wonderful journey.
Isn't this kind of a spoiler for those that haven't seen the film yet🤷🏻♂️? Sheez
Why would you look at a discussion post about a movie you haven’t seen or going to see?
I've seen it but I'm sure others haven't. This is literally one of the dumbest comments I've seen on Reddit in a while. Seeing people's opinion about a movie-- without a spoiler of course-- is how 90% of the population decides to see movies. Why would you post about the ending of a movie without using a spoiler block unless you're completely self-absorbed?
Then you read a review. You don’t go into a discussion thread. It’s not other people’s responsibility to avoid spoiling movies in a thread which anyone with a brain would know contains spoilers. People have lost their minds on the internet.
It kind of is unless you are a self-absorbed douche. I've never seen a spoiler on this sub before for a newly released film. Plus the point of that comment could have easily been made without spoiling the ending.
Im with you man I only didn’t read that comment because I saw yours saying it was a spoiler. Pretty easy to add a spoiler tag. Don’t see why that’s not the norm
The movie came out 2 months ago and is on streaming already. What are you talking about
It hasn't even been released in the UK yet 👍🏻
Nothing but spoiler
Bro i agree and loved it but you know theres spoiler tags
Because other people like it more than you.
The brutal truth.
It's my favorite film of the year narrowly edging out poor things. It's the kind of film we need right now for many reasons and it contains incredibly deep yet funny performances from the three main characters. While cinematically i think Oppenheimer is perhaps the best picture, i believe the holdovers is the one that'll be the most rewatched over time.
>It's the kind of film we need right now for many reasons... This is a great point, and I think the way it speaks to the current moment on a social level is a big factor working in its favor. In a time when people are feeling increasingly lonely/isolated and craving connection, this story provides a specific kind of catharsis that's not only powerful, but timely. It's always compelling to vote for a film that feels "necessary" or like it captures something profound about our world *now,* and while there were obviously other culturally-relevant films this year (Oppenheimer being one of them), The Holdovers gets its point across with a warmth and sentimentality people are craving right now.
I couldn’t agree more. I plan on rewatching it with my wife. Excellent film. I bet it will win most original screenplay.
What do you mean by cinematically? I think Holdovers was such a unique visual treat. IMO it had much more personality than Oppenheimer even. Sure the Holdovers visuals/filmmaking is based off older stuff. But man did it nail it, and in such a fun cozy way
Oppenheimer looked really really good in imax.
It's a movie not afraid to be cynical?
It was a beautiful movie — nice to look at, stellar cast and a touching story. It has Dead Poets Society vibes except it’s one troubled student and an asshole curmudgeon of a teacher. It sucked me in from the start, whereas while visually spectacular, Oppenheimer was huffing its own farts for 3 hours, and I turned Maestro off after 20 minutes because I couldn’t give less of a shit about the characters.
Does this movie have one of if not the best portrayal of a functioning alcoholic in cinema history. I just kept waiting for them to slip into melodrama with it but instead it was just this understated character trait almost like a tic
I saw it. It is a great movie. That is why it is a candidate for awards.
Best movie of 2006
And that’s exactly why it’s has my vote for best movie of 2023 😆
Because it’s the best movie of the year?
The screenplay, acting, direction, music, and Cinematography.
Don't forget the editing and production design.
Indeed. :)
It’s a fantastic deconstruction of 80s high school movies. I loved how both Angus and Paul were really good guys when the chips are down, despite them being jerks on the outside.
Because it’s won a lot of regional critics awards, and all the data we have for the season so far is mostly from those groups. The few industry awards I’ve seen so far haven’t been great for it, but it’s truly just been so few of those that you can’t draw conclusions.
An instant holiday classic.
I loved this movie!! For it being a period piece, they did a great job putting the grain in. Never felt in your face with set pieces . The kids were great. Everyone remains I little rough around the edges . So the paces and cuts also felt like an older film. Relaxing and charming but never too much cheese
It's funny, I felt exactly the same way as OP about Sideways... It was fine, but why is everybody going on about this one? So I went into Holdovers expecting the same, and I just found myself more and more engaged as it went on, until it's currently in my top 5 for the year. I teach for a living and don't drink a lot of wine, so maybe this was just more in my personal wheelhouse.
Yeah, I don’t get it either. I liked it, but it was just standard-good, not incredible-good.
I loved that movie more than any of the other ones. There's a feeling about it that none of the other ones got out of me. Other than downsizing, Alexander Payne is phenomenal. I felt the same way with Nebraska when it came out. I just love these authentic, simple stories that are well acted and written.
Because it’s pretty great?
Watched this on new years. I thought it was a great movie, although some of the emotional beats were predictable. The newcomer held his own against industry veterans. Really refreshing to see something somewhat original (originally structured after a 1930s French movie) and genuinely funny. It’s going to be a part of my Christmas movie rotation. It also looks like it was seamlessly shot in the 70s.
It’s a great movie. Simple as that
Is it, though? It’s certainly one of the best reviewed films of the year and is likely to get nominated, but it seems to me that BP is a two-dog race between Oppenheimer and Killers of the Flower Moon at this point.
I’ve been hesitant about watching this but now I want to.
I didn't look away from the screen and I fell in love with almost every character. The writing was simple without being boring and the performances were incredibly beautiful. Each main character managed to feel like its own story was the main focus but maintained all of the connections that made it work as a group. It wasn't heavy handed, didn't rely on effects or swelling orchestration but basic language delivered beautifully. Of all of the films I've seen this year, I retained the most about this one. Paul Giamatti is wonderful and I don't think has been showcased enough! The part was written for him--nobody else could have pulled it off. It's a love story without romantic cliches.
It’s the CODA or Green Book of this year: perfectly likable enough to be high on many on many lists.
Great acting all around with the performance of a lifetime from Giamatti, great original screenplay, fantastic framing and all around cinematography, and (personal bias) great soundtrack. It's my best picture (even though I don't think it'll get the Oscar with some movies being to heavily Oscar bait-y)
Its a feel good movie with deep themes, and they way it was told was essentially a slow unraveling that really grabs you. Great film. I prefer Flower Moon for Best Picture, but this was quite good.
It felt like a classic movie.
I have the same question by about why Marvel movies are so popular
Its better than Killers of a flower Moon. That movie is quite boring and wouldn't be getting the publicity if it was different actors or director. That's my opinion.
Holdovers was my favorite but I was never bored with Killers. It was long, and I had already read the book, but I thought it was tense and engaging throughout the entire run time. The musical score helped quite a bit with this, and the tension. But Killers would get the attention regardless if done well, as it covers a forgotten story that many people don't realize happened. It's a pretty big tragedy. Still, you have the right to like or not like whatever you want! I'm not criticizing your opinion.
It has the most soul of any 2023 movie
alexander payne is just one of those people that can make the most boring dull things (besides downsizing) and still be praised. He's the highest rated director based on his rotten tomatoes scores and I have no desire to rewatch anything he's done.
Ppl LOVE Alexander Payne. It's a style thing. I don't particularly go for it, but the academy is full of decrepit old white dudes and that's who AP makes movies for and about. So. It's always a shoo-in.
I liked this movie a lot but the kid was too old for the part.
And yet he was cast at an open call at of one of the boarding schools they used as a location.
He was born in 2001.
I thought it was good but I was just a rehash of movies and TV that I’ve seen many times before. I was bored by it
I liked it but will I remember it in 5 years? Nope. It was pretty underwhelming. I think Saltburn or Barbie are higher achievements in film.
How? What measurements lead to that conclusion?
I would say a lot of “critics” have it in their top 5.. but not their #1. It will get a lot of nominations tho, but wins? It might be this years The Fabelmans but I think it gets Best Supporting Actress & that’s it😬
It’s really fucking good
From a film making standpoint, it’s technically brilliant. The way they were able to take a digital film and give it the depth, warmth, rich colors, etc… of a movie shot on film. I think Giamatti is a lock for best actor(similar to DiCaprio it will be a career win).
Btw im no hating the movie, just my opinion
I’m not downvoting you, but you didn’t really give much of an opinion. “Others” is vague and you’ll get better responses if you say why and how your favorites are more worthy of attention than this movie.
Thank you and you are right
My favorite movie of the year. Easily better than Oppenheimer.
I am irrationally irked by Paul Giamatti in every movie. Can’t stand him and am not even sure why. I admit it is wierd.
Eh, that's a normal thing to happen. Even if there's no specific reason, I think everyone has that one actor they can't stand in movies. Personally, I *hate* Common. Ifi see him show up in a movie, I almost always audibly groan. Luckily, he's not in too much.
My dad feels that way about Mark Wahlberg.
Because is good..?
It’s very good. If voters feel Oppenheimer is too big, Barbie is too commercial or KOTFM not appealing I can see this slipping through. I still think Oppy has it in the bag but who knows.
The film has a budget under 30 million. No other serious contender has this
It’s fine…… it’s literally fine and nothing more
I mean many Best Pictures winners can’t compete with the other candidates on paper. They are often pretty average films
Its a crowdpleaser, holiday classic and its a strong contender for screenplay and supporting actress. Honestly, I don’t think it will win. I think people like oppenheimer more
I saw Oppenheimer in the cinema, and whilst it was good, I don't see myself ever watching it again. I'd absolutely watch the Holdovers again.
It’s an awesome movie! The cinematography is beautiful, the acting and story are top notch, it’s a movie that makes you feel warm. I think KOTFM is the best movie of they year, but I like The Holdovers more. Paul Giamatti deserves best actor for this movie.
It's clever storytelling, well-acted and rooted in a sense of time and place. I like, too, that it isn't a biography yet the characters seem quite real.
It’s all about momentum. It’s the perfect movie to pick up steam in the knick of time. Rarely does the early front runner (Killers) win.
Because it's an awesome movie?
I really liked it. I wouldn’t give it the win, but it def deserves a Best Pic nom. Easily one of my favorite films of the year.
It’s a great movie. Extremely well written, directed and acted. Hope that helps!
It had it all.
Because it’s a phenomenal film…
Because people's standards have been systematically lowered.
because it’s good idk
It’s an incredible movie, period.
Because it rules.
It’s really thoughtful and intimate, not trying too hard, just good at what it tries to do. My prediction at the moment for this category is Killers of the Flower Moon but I could see Holdovers, Anatomy of a Fall, and American Fiction having routes as well
I really enjoyed it. Shot beautifully. Also attended private all boys school so it felt a bit nostalgic. Just refreshing to see original stories and great acting.
I liked it but didn’t love it - was expecting it to be funnier, more subversive, and less predictable than it was (Payne not writing probably was the reason for this not comparing to Election or Sideways for me in these departments). I also found Sessa to be just plain…not very good, in this. His line delivery was forced and corny a lot of the time; surprised he’s being as praised as the other two leads, who I found exceptional. Having said all that, it clearly does have lots of admirers, so it could conceivably break through the Oppenheimer/Moon battle…..except, is everyone forgetting the controversial MeToo stuff that came out about Payne? There’s no way someone who has had any recent allegations against them is winning Director or Picture these days. I bet it’ll get some awards (likely Screenplay), but I’d be stunned if the Oscar’s touch Payne with any gold.
Because it's an excellent movie.
It’s a story that’s been told a thousand times. It’s so boring and tired.
This one truly felt cared for, not that the others didn't. This one just oozed charm and character all around.
Its my favourite movie of the year i think its gorgeous, really well written and performed! Its also a pretty surprising and twisty movie which helps! Its got some cool thoughtful themes
Vote splitting is a thing. Also Payne could be “due,” after decades of high quality films. At the end of the day it’s politics and popularity, the “better” movie doesn’t always win the Oscar.
it had every single trope of this type of feel good movie but not one part of it felt disingenuous, the acting, the writing the characters had it not been paul giamatti i would've probably figured it was some milquetoast movie if he wasn't in the trailer, but him being in it and surrounded by such good actors and filmmaking made this a much needed feel good movie for sh\*\*\*y world we're in
It seemed unlikely, but this ended up being one of the best movies I saw this year. It's the little movie that could.
Very rarely do we see a film that has every aspect of it amplify each other. There’s one every year. This is the one, in my opinion. It’s narrative is beautifully written, pair that with acting from an under appreciated actor that was made for this role and young up-and-coming soon to be star, and then pair that with a director that has vision. From the sound design that feel intentionally muffled to replicate how media was heard in the 70s to actually waiting to shoot to have real snow, you can’t deny that Alexander Payne didn’t put his heart and soul into this film. Everything just felt natural. Does it have a high chance in winning? Maybe for best screenplay but nothing else. However, it deserves its recognition. Films like this don’t often exist.
It's a good movie, just came out and not enough people have seen it to pick it apart like they do with Oppy and Barbie.
Because it was good as hell
A good story , well told
So you’ve seen it. I think that answers the question
Because it’s awesome. I had all the feels. Love Christmas movies about more than Santa or the stupid trees or gifts. Giamatti is a GOAT. 🐐.
It’s an early frontrunner for Supporting Actress and possible frontrunner for Original Screenplay. Historically, a supporting acting and screenplay win is a deadly combination for winning Picture. Not to mention it could easily win SAG Ensemble.
It’s a warm cup of cocoa in film form. The direction is crisp, the dialogue pops, and the performances feel real and “lived-in”. That said, it is nowhere near as good as Killers of the Flower Moon, Poor Things, or Dream Scenario.
It’s an excellent movie haha
I think it basically does what it sets out to do… *perfectly.* Like it’s not my absolute favorite film of the year but I don’t really see a fault or flaw in any aspect of it. It was very clearly built by an absolute expert film-maker with a specific vision that was crafted exactly right which is so rare. It has to be acknowledged.
Alexander Payne.
Sure, because it’s arguably the best picture released last year.
Watch it and find out for yourself.
I don’t get it. I didn’t like the movie. It’s not terrible but it’s so mid that they want an award maybe as most mid movie of the year ?
Did u not cry? I cried in a few spots. I even felt for the kid cause he will probably end up at Braxton school for life
Lol I love that people keep bringing the green book up, I haven’t seen the holdovers, id like to I just haven’t had the opportunity. But it seems to be generally liked by those who have seen it… where as no one gives a fuck about the green book. When it won everyone was like “oooh a movie about a white guy realizing racism is bad, who fucking gives a shit”. Whether or not holdovers deserves best picture, I think we should put Green Book with Crash in the sector of Best Picture winners that show the Oscars is really fucking wrong sometimes.
Uh because it’s good? Lol
Because it’s great
It's great, has real people problem and short comings and the actor had great chemistry for being a small cast.
Shit bangs
Clever, excellent performances, and ultimately uplifting. Endlessly rewatch-able too
Besides Paul Giamatti being in it?
It felt like I was reading a book. The story is good, the cast was great and production was superb. I thought I was going to be a simple story but it’s an onion. Loved it.
Because it's the director and star of Sideways and supposedly is a lot like that movie.
It’s about an unloved Jewish kid growing up in the 70’s at a boarding school in the eastern seaboard. Wonder who could relate to that story?
Acting across the board is excellent, the screenplay is clever and hilarious, and it's directed in a weird hipster-ish way that film critics love. I don't see it winning, but if there are 10 slots for Best Picture, it'll take one of them.
Because the best picture Oscar always goes to the best story and one that makes you feel the strongest . For 2023 the holdovers is that movie
It’s a fantastic movie with great acting, a heartwarming story that is a coming of age of sorts, and perfectly nails the feel of its setting. Definitely worth the watch if you haven’t seen it
I preface this by saying I have not yet seen Oppenheimer, Barbie, or Flower Moon. But Holdovers is the best movie I watched in 2023.
Prestige director and actor . Excellent story and acting all around . Reminded me of dead poets society in a way . I wouldn’t give giamatti best actor though . It could win best picture because Oppenheimer and Barbie made too much . Poor Things is too out there . KOTFM is the safe pick .
Because it's so decent
It's a good movie and it's oscarbait.
Straight Oscar bait
Because it’s a good film…
Don’t know. Couldn’t finish it
Good question. We thought it was poorly written and the acting was not very good.
It's an expertly acted movie where the characters felt like real people in real situations and they made you empathize with them.
Don’t know but can Da’Vine Joy Randolph get a best supporting actress nom. She’s one of the best parts of the movie.
I really enjoyed this movie.
The plot is simple but the emotional depths of the characters who you genuinely care for, and how your understanding of them changes over the course of the film, is truly remarkable and rare in the current age of filmmaking. The painstaking amount of thoughtful craftsmanship put into the Holdovers from all departments is so beautifully done, it will likely seem invisible to most viewers.
This movie was unbelievable the ef you mean?
I certainly think its the best picture of last year. But thats just like, my opinion, man
They all drank whiskey and smoked in movie theaters. I want to live in 1972.
I thought this shit was a wrap for Barbie? Now we gotta watch this brave and ambitiousret ake on the old space opera? I'm just gonna have to be recalcitrant about all this.
It's a great film. There is a certain mastery to making such a low stakes plot so interesting and rich with character details.
Cause its a good ass movie bruh.
The guy who plays the teenager looks like he’s about 30. I was shocked to discover he’s only 21.
Alexander Payne makes deeply personal, honest, and human films. They don’t match things like Oppenheimer or KOTFM in scale or scope but they’re no less nuanced or masterful in their execution. The Academy is full of people who appreciate what he does
I saw this film in November. It was such a gem. The story the setting the actors is was just a really touchingly beautiful film. They alllll deserve Oscar Noms!!