Paul Giamatti plays a man obsessed with ancient Rome and who gets stuck watching some private school kids over Christmas.
Honestly I think this film was massively overrated. I saw why it won academy awards it feels like the sort of film that would win them, but should it have? For example, though Da’Vine Joy Randolph won for her role as a grieving mother, the only performance that stirred me towards feelings any kind of emotion was Giamatti. This final scene where his life has basically imploded is far more emotional that Randolph’s character who mopes and occasionally makes a sassy comment.
I think in many ways like a Pixar film this film was trying to manipulate you with its arc into feeling something into caring, all films do this to a degree, but when the kids father was in an asylum it was clear the film wanted to hit you in the feels. The issue with this artificial approach of course is that it feels disingenuous, it doesn’t feel real or authentic and as such it seems shallow within its emotional resonance.
Overall, a sad film and one that is not all that impressive.
2/5
Pros.
Giamatti
The score is fantastic
Cons.
It is emotionally manipulative in an obvious way
It is badly paced
It is overhyped
If you enjoyed this review, then please head over to my Patreon to support me, I offer personalized shoutouts, customised film recommendations to suit your personality and tastes, the ability for you to pick what I review next and full access to my Patreon exclusive game reviews. Check it out!
https://www.patreon.com/c/AnotherMillennialReviewer
Or if you would rather send me a donation if Patreon isn’t for you then please find a link to my donations page below
Another Millennial Reviewer 