
Holes
2003, Kids & family/Adventure, 1h 58m
138 Reviews 100,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Faithful to its literary source, this is imaginative, intelligent family entertainment. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
The Warden
Mr. Sir
Kate Barlow
Dr. Pendanski
Sam the Onion Man
Stanley Yelnats
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Critic Reviews for Holes
Audience Reviews for Holes
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Sep 20, 2015Kinda surprised that I waited over a decade before I watched this film. Not that it's a great film or anything, I may have thought it was better had I watched it closer to the actual time the film came out, but it is what it is. I will say, however, that the film is certainly not what I expected. Though, to be fair, I had no idea what the film was about prior to watching it. Like I knew the kids dug holes and everything, but everything surrounding that I had no knowledge of. But it plays out nicely and I do like how they incorporate flashbacks to tell the story of past Yelnats, Katherine Barlow and the current day Stanley, who's stuck at a detention camp, were they dig the holes everyday as a supposed character building exercise, for a crime he did not commit. At first the flashbacks were a little bit jarring because I literally had no idea what role they were meant to be play, so they were a little annoying because I'd have rather been watching the current Stanley doing his thing at the detention camp. At first I thought the flashbacks were simply filler and sometimes to give a bit of background into Stanley's family, but it turns out that it's all pretty much connected and absolutely necessary in order to tell the story the film wants to tell and how modern day Stanley redeems himself, and his family's name, for this curse that has been in their family for several generations now. With that said, I still don't think the film goes into great detail in any of the flashbacks, so what you get is essentially the really basic stuff necessary to have an understanding of what's going on. Don't get me wrong, it's good and I really like that sort of interconnected stuff where everything has a point and purpose into how the story ends up playing out, but the flashbacks themselves are still not that great, to be honest. The best parts of the film are still bak at the detention camp and seeing how Stanley finds his way in the camp and how he fits in to a group of boys that have already been there for a really long time. It, of course, starts off contentiously. But Stanley eventually starts earning their respect. You've seen it before. Though the highlight of the film would definitely be Stanley's friendship with Hector. It's not as sentimental as one would expect, so that's a good thing. The acting is actually really good, so no problems on that end. Strong cast top-to-bottom. Like I said, the film doesn't really go into as much detail into any of the stories, both flashbacks and modern, but I still think that this movie is quite good. It's funny and it's smart. That's not something that you can say about a lot of these types of films. Solid Netflix watch here.
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May 24, 2013Even though the movie is so strange that it cannot really be classed as a children's film anymore, it does not really appeal to adults either. And even though there are some really great characters in the story performed by a wonderful cast and it is directed aptly, it did very little for me.
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Mar 17, 2013I was apprehensive about watching Holes, but I am glad that I did. This film being the debut feature film of Shia LaBeouf in one of first big screen roles. I have to say that the film really impressed me, and I thought it was a very entertaining film that is perfect for the entire family. The cast do a great job in their parts and I really liked the plot of the movie overall. The film balances comedy, adventure and drama into one picture that is one of the best Disney films in the last ten years. This is a must see for viewers of all ages and it definitely is a well structured film that will keep you entertained for its two hour run time. The film has a terrific story that is supported by a varied cast of talented actors. LaBeouf is great here, and though he would be later so-so in the Transformers films, he displays some talent on-screen. This is a film that the whole family is sure to enjoy and it has something for everyone. Director Andrew Davis who also made the thrilling film The Fugitive directs this highly entertaining comedy adventure that is sure to delight film fans of all ages. Although there are some areas that could have improved upon, Holes is a terrific live action movie from Disney and it is a very entertaining film from start to finish. I was pleasantly surprised at the result of the film, and it is definitely one of the best most memorable family oriented comedies that I have seen. This is a truly unique film that if you come across it, you definitely shouldn't pass it up. Holes has it flaws, but is very good, solid and amusing. But above all, it has heart.Alex r Super Reviewer
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Jan 12, 2013Definitely recommended to kids. I wanted more of the story with Sam and Kissin' Kate Barlow,so,since there is a book i'll search a piece of detail there...Eliza N Super Reviewer
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