Holes (2003)



Movie Title: Holes

Year Released: 2003

Rated: PG

Runtime: 2h

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Director: Andrew Davis

Writer: Louis Sachar

Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, Patricia Arquette, Tim Blake Nelson, Shia LaBeouf, Khleo Thomas, Brenden Jefferson, Jake M. Smith, Byron Cotton, Miguel Castro, Max Kasch, Dulé Hill, Henry Winkler, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Rick Fox, Scott Plank, Eartha Kitt

Review: Stanley Yelnats IV (Shia LaBeouf) is wrongfully sent to a brutal camp, where the camp warden (Sigourney Weaver) and her staff (Jon Voight, Tim Blake Nelson) force the children in their care to mysteriously dig holes all day long in the desert. Their rehabilitation is questioned, as they think something sinister is involved. Little do they know, but Stanley's cursed family and an infamous outlaw named Kissin' Kate Barlow (Patricia Arquette) are at the center of it all.

"You take a bad boy and make him dig holes all day long in the hot sun, it makes him a good boy. That's our philosophy here at Camp Green Lake."

I absolutely loved the book by Louis Sachar as a child, and was thrilled when the book was later adapted for the big screen. To this day, I still get a lot of enjoyment out of this movie. Holes is the epitome of a comfort film for me. I've seen it so many times, and my sister and I can practically quote the entire thing. I think this movie really excels due to it's fantastic cast, and it's ability to intertwine both fun sequences and life-or-death sequences. There's just enough silliness to keep kids entertained, and equally enough seriousness and unpredictability to keep you on the edge of your seat. Sigourney Weaver and Patricia Arquette are both great in their portrayals of more serious characters who's pasts have been so traumatic that their present and future selves have endured irreparable psychological damage. Both characters harbor more extreme vendettas that play themselves out through the use of flashbacks that do a really great job of tying into the story. Jon Voight is hilarious as a camp disciplinarian who goes by Mr. Sir, coming across as a hot-tempered guy who is easily knocked off his rocker when challenged by the deliberately antagonistic camp-goers. All in all, I really enjoy the story as well. Holes is a true adventure tale of perseverance and friendship.

I highly recommend this film, and if you're game to give it a watch, always remember this very important rule: "If you forget to come back for Madame Zeroni, you and your family will be cursed for always and eternity." I don't make the rules; Madam Zeroni (Eartha Kitt) does, and this movie will show you first hand what will happen if you forget this very important detail!

Bonus: The infamous "If Only" song from the book was made into an actual track by the band, Fiction Plane. The song recorded for the Holes soundtrack can be found here.

Stars (out of 4):
       

Fun Fact: Dulé Hill played Sam in Holes. He later appeared in the hit TV show, Psych alongside actor James Roday. In the episode, "65 Million Years Off," when seeing all the holes that the paleontologist dug on the land, Roday mentions "that this is like that movie with Sigourney Weaver." He also mentions Shia LaBeouf and Jon Voight. Hill keeps guessing movies, but never correctly guesses the movie that he appeared in.


Subscribe!








Free Newsletters   |    Go Shopping   |    Where Are They Now?   |    GopherArchives   |    EVTV1


© 2025 GopherCentral and PulseTV.com