Hollidaysburg (film)

Last updated
Hollidaysburg
Hollidaysburg.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAnna Martemucci
Written byAnna Martemucci
Philip Quinaz
Victor Quinaz
Dan Schoffer [1]
Produced by Julie Buck
Josh Hetzler
Josh Shader
Starring Rachel Keller
Tobin Mitnick
Claire Chapelli
Tristan Erwin
CinematographyMeena Singh
Edited byCharlie Porter
Music byJerome Smith
Production
companies
Hello Please
Shaderville
Point Park University
Steeltown Entertainment
Distributed by Starz Digital Media
Release date
  • September 19, 2014 (2014-09-19)
Running time
88 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$800,000
Box office$3,861 (US) [2]

Hollidaysburg is a 2014 coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Anna Martemucci (in her directorial debut), written by Dan Schoffer (with uncredited contributions by Martemucci and Philip and Victor Quinaz), and produced by Julie Buck, Josh Hetzler, and Josh Shader. It stars Rachel Keller, Tobin Mitnick, and Claire Chapelli. The film centers on five friends returning home for Thanksgiving break after their first semester at college. Along with Not Cool , It is one of two films that were produced for the Starz reality competition show The Chair, where each first-time director was given the same screenplay, budget, time constraints, and filming location to create their film.

Contents

Plot

Upon returning for Thanksgiving break from their first semester at college, a group of high school friends reunite in their hometown, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Tori (Rachel Keller) has to deal with the awkwardness of living with her family and with the waning friendship between her and her best friend, Katie (Kate Boyer). On the first day of the holiday break, Scott (Tobin Mitnik), a former prom king, is dumped by his girlfriend, Heather (Claire Chapelli), before re-establishing a connection with his old friend, Tori, when she accidentally bumps into him with her car following a reunion party.

Cast

Production

Hollidaysburg is one of two films sponsored by the Starz reality competition show The Chair, the other being YouTube personality Shane Dawson's Not Cool . Martemucci was hand-selected, alongside Dawson, by executive producer Chris Moore to take part in the series. Both contestants adapted the same coming-of-age script written by Dan Schoffer into their respective films, with Hollidaysburg receiving extensive uncredited rewrites by Martemucci, Philip Quinaz, and Victor Quinaz. Martemucci and Dawson were each given an $800,000 budget to work with and a 20-day shooting schedule in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but otherwise had free rein to create their films. The contestants vied for a $250,000 prize to further their careers in filmmaking, with the winner to be determined by a multi-platform voting system. [3]

Release

Hollidaysburg was given a limited theatrical release through Starz Digital Media, and premiered on September 19, 2014.

The film was released digitally on September 23, 2014.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 75% based on 8 reviews. [4] [5]

Gary Goldstein of the Los Angeles Times described the film as "amusing, moving, well-played stuff." [6] Frank Schreck of The Hollywood Reporter wrote that "despite its gimmicky provenance, Hollidaysburg proves to be a nicely low-key, unassuming coming-of-age tale," [7] while Chris Packham of The Village Voice stated, "Martemucci intertwines these stories gracefully, and with the charm and charisma of her cast, makes clever banter and script contrivances seem completely natural and unaffected." [8] Daniel M. Gold of The New York Times also gave a positive review, calling it "a pleasant if unremarkable coming-of-age film." [9]

Prior to The Chair's voting period, the show's executive producer Neal Dodson wrote an op-ed for The Wrap urging viewers to vote for Hollidaysburg, which he described as "objectively, subjectively, and critically, [the] better film and deserving winner." [10] Regardless of Hollidaysburg's significantly more positive critical reception, on the final episode of The Chair, broadcast on November 8, 2014, it was revealed that Dawson's film won the prize. The results were tabulated with SurveyMonkey, where Hollidaysburg averaged a score of 58 out of 100, in comparison to Not Cool's average of 63. About 39% of those who attempted to vote were disqualified because they failed to prove they had seen both movies by answering questions about key plot points. Chris Moore, executive producer of The Chair, noted that the difference between the two films came down to an "arthouse versus mainstream" sensibility, with the latter prevailing. Producer Zachary Quinto expressed a preference for Hollidaysburg, calling Dawson's film "ultimately a vapid waste of time" and "not my cup of tea," noting that Martemucci "made a better film, from a technical perspective." [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rachel Weisz</span> British-American actress (born 1970)

Rachel Hannah Weisz is a British actress. Known for her roles in independent films and blockbusters, she has received several awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heather Graham</span> American actress (born 1970)

Heather Joan Graham is an American actress. After appearing in television commercials, her first starring role in a feature film came with the teen comedy License to Drive (1988), followed by the critically acclaimed film Drugstore Cowboy (1989). She then played supporting roles on the television series Twin Peaks (1991), and in films such as Six Degrees of Separation (1993) and Swingers (1996). She gained critical praise for her role as "Rollergirl" in the film Boogie Nights (1997). This led to major roles in the comedy films Bowfinger and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

<i>Speak</i> (film) 2004 American independent coming-of-age teen drama

Speak is a 2004 American independent coming-of-age teen drama film based on the award-winning 1999 novel of the same name by Laurie Halse Anderson. It stars Kristen Stewart as Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who practically stops talking after a senior student rapes her. The film's story is told through Melinda's perspective. It was broadcast on Showtime and Lifetime in 2005 after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004.

<i>The Interpreter</i> (2005 film) 2005 film directed by Sydney Pollack

The Interpreter is a 2005 political thriller film directed by Sydney Pollack, starring Nicole Kidman, Sean Penn, Catherine Keener, and Jesper Christensen. It was the first film shot inside the United Nations Headquarters, as well as the final feature film directed by Pollack before his death in 2008.

<i>The Haunting Hour: Dont Think About It</i> 2007 American film

R. L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It is a 2007 American children's horror film based on the children's book of the same name by R. L. Stine. The film was directed by Alex Zamm, written by Dan Angel and Billy Brown, and stars Emily Osment, Cody Linley, Brittany Curran, and Tobin Bell. It was released direct-to-DVD. The plot follows a goth girl named Cassie moving into a new town and fascinated by the occult. At a mysterious Halloween store, the store owner insists on selling her an old book. Stuck with her brother Max on Halloween night, she reads the book to him, despite the book's warnings not to read it out loud or think about its monster. After the monster comes to life and captures Max, Cassie, with help from her friend, must save Max and defeat the monster before their parents return from a Halloween party.

<i>Party Down</i> American sitcom

Party Down is an American sitcom created and primarily written by John Enbom, Rob Thomas, Dan Etheridge, and Paul Rudd that premiered on the Starz network in the United States on March 20, 2009. The series follows a group of caterers in Los Angeles as they hope to make it in Hollywood.

Step Up is an American romantic-dance anthology franchise created by Duane Adler, the franchise includes six films and a television series. The films have received a generally mixed critical reception, while being a box office success with a collective total of $651 million.

<i>Outlander</i> (TV series) 2014-present British-American drama television series

Outlander is a historical drama television series based on the Outlander novel series by Diana Gabaldon. Developed by Ronald D. Moore, the show premiered on August 9, 2014, on Starz. It stars Caitríona Balfe as Claire Randall, a former Second World War military nurse in Scotland who, in 1945, finds herself transported back in time to 1743. There she encounters, falls in love with and marries a dashing Highland warrior named Jamie Fraser, a tacksman of Gabaldon's fictionalized version of Clan Fraser of Lovat. Here, Claire becomes embroiled in the Jacobite rising.

<i>Turn: Washingtons Spies</i> American historical drama TV series

Turn: Washington's Spies is an American period drama television series based on Alexander Rose's book Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring (2007), a history of the Culper Ring. The series originally aired on the AMC network for four seasons, from April 6, 2014, to August 12, 2017.

<i>Dumbbells</i> (film) 2014 American film

Dumbbells is a 2014 comedy film directed by Christopher Livingston and starring Brian Drolet, Hoyt Richards, Mircea Monroe, Jaleel White, Taylor Cole, Jay Mohr, Tom Arnold, Laura Ashley Samuels and Andy Milonakis, with a rare film appearance by Nancy Olson. The film saw a limited release on January 10, 2014. The film also marks the film debut of singer Frenchie Davis. The film received generally negative reviews from critics.

<i>Authors Anonymous</i> 2014 comedy indie film directed by Ellie Kanner

Authors Anonymous is a 2014 American comedy film directed and produced by Ellie Kanner. It stars Kaley Cuoco, Chris Klein, Tricia Helfer, Jonathan Banks, Jonathan Bennett, Teri Polo, Dylan Walsh, and Dennis Farina. The film was released on March 18, 2014, through video on demand prior to its limited release on April 18, 2014, by Screen Media Films and Starz Digital.

<i>Flesh and Bone</i> (miniseries) American television miniseries

Flesh and Bone is an American drama television miniseries created by Moira Walley-Beckett. It premiered on November 8, 2015, on the American cable television network Starz. Ethan Stiefel was a consultant and choreographer on the series.

<i>Cake</i> (2014 film) 2014 film

Cake is a 2014 American drama film directed by Daniel Barnz, written by Patrick Tobin, and starring Jennifer Aniston, Adriana Barraza, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Anna Kendrick, and Sam Worthington. It debuted in the Special Presentations section of the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival.

<i>The Girlfriend Experience</i> (TV series) American TV drama series (2016–)

The Girlfriend Experience is an American anthology drama television series created, written, and directed by Lodge Kerrigan and Amy Seimetz that is broadcast on the premium cable network Starz. The first season stars Riley Keough as Christine Reade, a law student intern who also works as a high-end escort. Executive produced by Steven Soderbergh, it is based on the 2009 film of the same name. A 13-episode first season premiered on April 10, 2016, and all episodes were made available on Starz On Demand.

<i>Not Cool</i> (film) 2014 film by Shane Dawson

Not Cool is a 2014 American romantic teen comedy film directed and edited by Shane Dawson, written by Dan Schoffer, and produced by Lauren Schnipper, Dawson, and Josh Shader. The film centers on a group of high school friends reuniting over their Thanksgiving break during college. Along with Hollidaysburg, it is one of two films that were produced for the Starz reality competition show The Chair, where the competitors use the same screenplay to create their own film. The film stars Cherami Leigh, Shane Dawson, Drew Monson, Michelle Veintimilla, Lisa Schwartz, and Bill Laing. The film grossed $36,026 in the US against an $800,000 budget and received negative reviews. As of 2023, it is Dawson's only directed feature film.

<i>Mistress America</i> 2015 film by Noah Baumbach

Mistress America is a 2015 American comedy film directed by Noah Baumbach. It was written by Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, and stars Gerwig and Lola Kirke. The film was released on August 14, 2015, by Fox Searchlight Pictures.

<i>The Staggering Girl</i> 2019 Italian short film

The Staggering Girl is a 2019 short film directed by Luca Guadagnino. The film was produced in collaboration with Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. It was written by Michael Mitnick and stars Julianne Moore, Mia Goth, KiKi Layne, Kyle MacLachlan, Marthe Keller and Alba Rohrwacher.

<i>Just Beyond</i> American anthology series

Just Beyond is an American horror comedy anthology series created by Seth Grahame-Smith for Disney+, based on the Boom! Studios graphic novel series of the same name by R. L. Stine. The series premiered on October 13, 2021, with all 8 episodes. The series was removed from Disney+ on May 26, 2023.

<i>Blindspotting</i> (TV series) American comedy-drama television series

Blindspotting is an American comedy-drama television series and a spin-off sequel of the 2018 film of the same name. Set six months after the events of the film, the series follows Ashley after Miles, her boyfriend and father of their son, is suddenly incarcerated, forcing her to move in with Miles' mother and half-sister. It co-stars Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, Benjamin Earl Turner, and Atticus Woodward.

<i>Camera Obscura</i> (2017 film) 2017 film by Aaron B. Koontz

Camera Obscura is a 2017 horror film directed by Aaron B. Koontz in his feature film directorial debut, with a script written by Koontz and his writing partner Cameron Burns. It stars Christopher Denham, Nadja Bobyleva, Noah Segan, Catherine Curtin, Chase Williamson, and Andrew Sensenig.

References

  1. "Hollidays (2014) Full Cast & Crew". IMDb.
  2. "Hollidaysburg (2014)". Box Office Mojo . Internet Movie Database. October 3, 2014. Retrieved April 7, 2021.[ better source needed ]
  3. McNutt, Myles (September 5, 2014). "The Chair forces drama on the already dramatic process of making movies". The A.V. Club . Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  4. "Hollidaysburg". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  5. "Hollidaysburg". Metacritic . Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  6. Goldstein, Gary (September 25, 2014). "Hollidaysburg hits all the right humor buttons". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  7. Schreck, Frank (September 23, 2014). "Hollidaysburg: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  8. Packham, Chris (September 16, 2014). "Coming-of-age Comedy Hollidaysburg Intertwines Its Stories Gracefully". The Village Voice . Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  9. Gold, Daniel M. (September 18, 2014). "Angsty Reunion of Callow Collegians". The New York Times . Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  10. Dodson, Neal (October 31, 2014). "Why Hollidaysburg Should Win Starz's The Chair (Guest Blog)". The Wrap . Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  11. Spangler, Todd (November 8, 2014). "Shane Dawson Wins Starz The Chair $250,000 Prize, But Not Everyone's Cool With It". Variety . Retrieved April 7, 2021.