Tag Archives: Focus Features

59th Chicago International Film Festival, Film reviews

The Holdovers Review

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The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson, is a film about people who know how to turn hard times into good times. Paul Giamatti plays the lead in the film, and his performance as a lonely man and a frustrated teacher is stellar. The Holdovers is simply one of the best films of 2023.


The Holdovers takes place in the 1970s. It is the depth of winter at a New England boys prep school. Teacher Paul Dunham (Giamatti) volunteers to stay on campus with boys who can’t go home for the holidays. Many of the boys are hot-headed and not very academically inclined. Dunham is strict teacher, and the students tend to rebel against him.

One of the students, Angus Tully (played by Dominic Sessa), couldn’t go home because his mother is in a new marriage and she didn’t want him home for the holidays. All the other boys manage to find a way to get home, so Paul is stuck with just Angus and the cafeteria lady, Mary (played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph). Angus is desperate for a holiday feeling so Paul begins to take him on excursions, mostly restaurants and a few other places. Paul can see that Angus craves a sense of connection at a time when his family is not there for him.

One of the fascinating things about the writing in The Holdovers is that even though Paul is all about discipline and tough love, he breaks the rules many times to help Angus feel connected. It’s the holidays, a time when it’s important to be with family. And we find out that not only is Angus alone for the holidays, Paul also doesn’t have anyone to be with either. Paul is tenured and has been at the school for many years, so even though he’s breaking the rules, he probably wouldn’t lose his job and he thinks it’s worth the risk in order to provide Angus with some happiness.

Paul Giamatti’s performance in The Holdovers is on par with his brilliant performance in Payne’s Sideways (2004). Almost two decades later, Giamatti still has that frustrated yet heartfelt attitude of inspiration. He inspired his friend in Sideways as much as he inspires Angus in The Holdovers. Payne’s directing is such that the key characters in many of his projects often find encouragment for others. The Holdovers is a masterpiece of connection.

I loved The Holdovers because it deals with loneliness and melancholy in an interesting and encouraging way while the characters navigate situations that are difficult and unavoidable. And we all have difficult and unavoidable situations in our life. It’s a film where the joy of feeling loved is restored, where good times come out of the bad. The Holdovers is an achievement that is unique in its brilliance. It is not to be missed. Four stars for The Holdovers.

Film reviews

Every Body Review

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The term intersex is at the center of Every Body. For those unfamiliar with this term, intersex refers to people born with genitals, chromosomes or reproductive organs that don’t fit into a male/female sex binary. It is a story of individuals who have encountered many hurdles before owning and accepting their bodies. Every Body is a daring documentary and a revolutionary achievement. Every Body is a film that proves how hard it can be to be accepted. I found the film engrossing because the stories are touching and courageous. The exploration of fear experienced by the starring individuals is where Every Body stands as a sentimental struggle.

Every Body shares the stories of Sean Saifa Wall, Alicia Roth Weigel, and River Gallo. These individuals shine by being brave as they share their secrets about their own bodies. They talk about how medical advice and shame have brought them mental challenges throughout their tough journeys. The film is brilliant in capturing their emotions as they elaborate on hiding the truth about themselves. Every Body is a sensory experience and an important and invigorating documentary.

It is said in the film, “Surgery is not medically necessary.” This quote reminds us that one’s gender is about how one chooses to live their life. Someone may want to live with the body parts they were born with.  Others may elect surgery to help them feel like they are their true gender. Every Body is a scientific ride which reveals the traits, personalities, and complex challenges of Wall, Weigel, and Gallo. Their success is illustrated in this documentary as all three intersex individuals have had to overcome many rough encounters while dealing with their unique gender scenarios.

I respect those who identify in different ways. I feel I have even more empathy for those who feel the way they do after watching Every Body. The in-depth descriptions and topics are emotional and compelling. The stories described in the film display how there is increased awareness and more support for gender diversity in society today. The topic is still quite sensitive, but the film demonstrates the resilience of those impacted by being intersex and the hope that there is increased understanding. The documentary shines a light on the positives of being open and honest about the issues that are highlighted in Every Body.

The emotional content of the film is sensitive and requires empathy. It is a documentary of a serious topic told in a highly personal way. The concept of delving into individuals’ feelings connected to their gender and anatomy is bold. Every Body carries a strong and powerful message that everyone no matter what their gender should be accepted. The talents that Wall, Weigel, and Gallo carry with them add to the unique way they each identify with the world around them. Every Body is an intriguing documentary focused on awakening acceptance and being an ally for those who identify differently. Three and a half out of four stars for Every Body.

Film reviews

Book Club: The Next Chapter Review

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What could be better than the continued story of four wonderful ladies living their life to the fullest? Find out in Book Club: The Next Chapter, directed by Bill Holderman who also gave us Book Club in 2018. This time, the joy among the ladies in the film is contagious as they live life like they are young again. Book Club: The Next Chapter includes many pointers on the concept of feeling young again. With Jane Fonda (as Vivian), Mary Steenburgen (as Carol), Candice Bergen (as Sharon), and Diane Keaton (as Diane), these ladies bask away into the wonders of a trip that will enrich their lives no matter how old they feel. 

Book Club: The Next Chapter continues from the first film in the franchise. The first one focused on Vivian, Carol, Sharon, and Diane becoming fascinated with the novel 50 Shades of Grey. Of course, the audience knows how that novel was encouraging to them. In Book Club: The Next Chapter, Vivian is engaged. Her wonderful news makes them all decide to take a trip to Italy. Adventure awaits among the four lifelong friends. There are loads of positive vibes throughout the film.. They experience more culture and realize the fascinations of life they have not yet fulfilled. Book Club: The Next Chapter is delightful because of the incredible chemistry between Vivian, Carol, Sharon, and Diane.

As the ladies escape into the vast scenery of Italy, they encounter many intriguing facts about the country. They also exhibit that they still have stamina and plenty of energy. They still get excited by feelings of  love and escape.  Keaton as one of the leads is the most empathetic and encouraging.. She knows how to portray a character who is having a fantastic time. Fonda does as well. Bergen and Steenburgen’s characters are more of the introverts in the party. The many personalities are a bit like a Sex and the City reunion except with the ladies being a decade or more  older. They do know how to have a jolly time though, and Book Club: The Next Chapter will entertain its audience in this one-of-a-kind comedy. For a sequel, it is quite invigorating, and better than the first.

Ageism is represented with an inspirational tone in Book Club: The Next Chapter. In real-life Fonda is in her 80s, and the other three actresses are all in their 70s. All of these ladies still have that magic charm with positive and upbeat attitudes which their fans will cherish. There are golden moments with each and every one of the ladies throughout Book Club: The Next Chapter.

There are, however, a few mid-life crises to deal with by some of the ladies, but they are thoughtfully presented with a loving perspective. Book Club: The Next Chapter reminds its audience to appreciate life’s wonders and feel lucky to be alive. Although the movie is presented in a romcom fashion, the story is an interesting blend of culture, friendship, and new journeys. The film is quirky in some scenes, but overall, it is a well done continuation. Three stars for Book Club: The Next Chapter.