"The Holdovers," directed by Alexander Payne, seems like a misfired attempt to recapture the magic of his earlier success with "Sideways," but it ends up veering off course, much like a driver trying to navigate a snowstorm with a broken GPS. The film, set in a New England prep school over Christmas break, follows a grumpy instructor (Paul Giamatti) and his interactions with a troubled student and the school's cook.
Giamatti's performance, while earnest, comes across as a less charming and more grizzled version of his character in "Sideways," as if he swapped wine for bitter lemon. His portrayal of a curmudgeonly teacher is so exaggerated that one might expect him to start yelling at clouds. The plot attempts to weave a tale of unexpected friendships but ends up as predictable as a Hallmark Christmas movie, minus the feel-good charm.
Dominic Sessa, as the troubled student, delivers a performance reminiscent of a rebellious teen from a 90s sitcom – all angst and no substance. His character arc is as flat as the school's overcooked cafeteria pancakes. The subplot involving Da'Vine Joy Randolph's character, the school's cook, seems to be an afterthought, much like the last-minute addition of a forgotten ingredient in a recipe.
The film's attempts at humor are akin to dad jokes at a family gathering – more likely to induce eye rolls than laughter. The dialogue often feels like it's trying too hard to be witty, resulting in lines that are as awkward as a penguin on a treadmill.
Overall, "The Holdovers" feels like a rehashed version of better films, lacking the depth and originality that made "Sideways" a hit. It's a cinematic equivalent of reheated leftovers – edible but certainly not enjoyable. The movie, in its attempt to be a heartwarming holiday dramedy, ends up as forgettable as last year's Christmas list.