Paul Giamatti plays a grumpy teacher at a private New England prep school who’s assigned to stay over the Christmas break with the students stuck there. Ultimately, he ends up with one particularly smart but troubled lad (newcomer Dominic Sessa, who’s actually 32). They butt heads continuously with the only refuge for understanding from the school’s head cook (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). As expected, the softening of their strife ends up with quiet connections and underplayed emotions. Since this was directed by Andrew Payne, there’s a dry humorous approach that helps make the dramatic elements more palatable. Giamatti creates a curmudgeon with underlying sadness that serves as the film’s core. The other performances are genuine and heartfelt. While the outcome is predictable, getting there is a sweet and salty character drama. 
(3.5 / 5)