I remember I went in to this blind when it was released because of a radio appearances by Paul Giamatti and some fascinating stories he told. It is a lot more thoughtful than the “Christmas comedy” tag would suggest and is full of amazing characters.
I’d welcome any recommendations from the community too if you have any favourite festive movies.
My family and I watched it tonight and we all enjoyed it, thanks for bringing it to our attention!
I’d first seen Giamatti in Private Parts, and then spent a few years calling him Pig Vomit (as Stern called him in the movie) for a few years before realizing I was actually a fan of his.
I also have a weakness for boarding school movies for some weird reason.
The first half played out as a combination of The Breakfast Club and Dead Poets Society, and then it finally came into its own, and used all of those parts it had put into play so very, very well.
I’m glad you liked it.