HOLES

[movies35]

Plot-A teenager, Stanley Yelnats (La Beouf), sent to Camp Green Lake, a Texas detention camp, for a crime (stealing a pair of sneakers) he didn't commit. There, he and the other boys are forced by the warden (Weaver), a fiery woman who paints her nails with snake venom, to dig holes as something of a "character-building experience." Each day, each boy must dig a hole five feet deep and wide, in the long-dry rock that was once the bottom of Green Lake.

Running Time- 111 minutes

Rating PG- violence, mild language, and some thematic elements

Thoughts- I loved the book, and I was not too excited for this movie until I found out the running time. I thought this would be some 70 minute movie but it is almost 2 hours meaning that they could keep most of everything that was in the book. And because I am on vacation when it comes out, I will see it opening day!

[img]http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808411888&cf=pg&photoid=469102&intl=us[img]

[movies35]

I spent a LOT OF time trying to put one 1 picture in and I couldn't post it! :(

[dh1989]

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/walt_disney/holes/_group_photos/jon_voight1.jpg

movies35, you must right click on the photo, click on PROPERTIES, copy the URL, and then put it in between the [img]'s.

Anywho, I'll definitely see Holes, if someone pays me ten million dollars, or if I go to hell, it might be Satan's torture to watch this monstrosity. Yuck!

[movies35]

Thanks dh, now I know how to do it!

[DevilMonkey]

I have already started a thread about this here is the link

http://www.joblo.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=47739

But does it make ad ifference because they are in different forums?

[DevilMonkey]

Originally posted by dh1989
Anywho, I'll definitely see Holes, if someone pays me ten million dollars, or if I go to hell, it might be Satan's torture to watch this monstrosity. Yuck!

DH?! I thought you said before you were looking forward to this movie.. Well I have change of opinions all the time.

[Tom Samborski]

Originally posted by dh1989
http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/walt_disney/holes/_group_photos/jon_voight1.jpg

Maybe it's just me, but Jon Voight's makeup in this movie makes him look really weird.

[movies35]

Originally posted by DevilMonkey
I have already started a thread about this here is the link

http://www.joblo.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=47739

But does it make ad ifference because they are in different forums?

yeah yours was in the upcoming movies forum. It is not upcoming anymore it is current

[Horror whore]

I read the book in the sixth or seventh grade and I remember enjoying it... But the trailer and TV spots for this movie look awful and boring! I don't think I'd be able to sit through this.... Plus the runtime is 111 minutes!!!

[adcrochunter]

I read the book twice, it was great, and the movie looks even better, definitly seeing this opening day!

[MadsenOMC]

I've heard that it's a great book, but the preview does nothing for me. I'll be skipping it unless the word of mouth is spectacular.

[The Other]

Looks like shit!

[Nate6]

Originally posted by The Other
Looks like shit!

Agreed. A good one to stay away from, I'd say.

[idealdiscountdude]

Originally posted by Nate6
Agreed. A good one to stay away from, I'd say.

Yup!

I won't be seeing this one.........it looks like crap, and it honestly doesn't appeal to me whatsoever.

[Edie0027]

I think that this will be a good movie - for a couple reasons:

-it was a GREAT book that received all sorts of attention
-the author wrote the screenplay
-it has Louis Stevens in it- and that kid is getting all sorts of props for acting so well in it
-it has great adult actors

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan487-b.jpg Sigourney Weaver

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan487-m.jpg Dule Hill

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan486-a.jpg Patricia Arquette

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan482.jpg Henry Winkler

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan488-b.jpg Jon Voight

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan489-b.jpg Tim Blake Nelson

[Nate6]

Originally posted by Edie0027
-it has Louis Stevens in it- and that kid is getting all sorts of props for acting so well in it


:rolleyes:

[Nate6]

Originally posted by dh1989
Anywho, I'll definitely see Holes, if someone pays me ten million dollars, or if I go to hell, it might be Satan's torture to watch this monstrosity. Yuck!

What changed your mind and brought you back from the dark side of this:

I will. The trailer is very cool(except the bit with the kid called "Armpit"), and I enjoyed the book when I read it awhile ago. It won't be a great movie, but I think it'll be very fun

[Jon Lyrik]

Anywho, I'll definitely see Holes, if someone pays me ten million dollars, or if I go to hell, it might be Satan's torture to watch this monstrosity. Yuck!

Wait a sec. Why did you change your mind from this?

"I will. The trailer is very cool(except the bit with the kid called "Armpit"), and I enjoyed the book when I read it awhile ago. It won't be a great movie, but I think it'll be very fun."

___



I read the book in the sixth or seventh grade and I remember enjoying it... But the trailer and TV spots for this movie look awful and boring! I don't think I'd be able to sit through this.... Plus the runtime is 111 minutes!!!



Why would a running time of 111 minutes be a problem?

___

Anyway, the trailer was crap, but the TV spots were far better. If reviews are good I'll see it.

[Freeway]

The trailer wasn't particularly good but the premise is original and the cast is quite good and director Andrew Davis is a unique choice for a kids film after making a living directing R-rated films such as The Fugitive and Collateral Damage.

[sharkstank]

no interest

[ANTBond007]

Originally posted by Freeway
The trailer wasn't particularly good but the premise is original and the cast is quite good and director Andrew Davis is a unique choice for a kids film after making a living directing R-rated films such as The Fugitive and Collateral Damage.

Fugitive was PG-13 :p

[DevilMonkey]

Originally posted by Edie0027
I think that this will be a good movie - for a couple reasons:

-it was a GREAT book that received all sorts of attention
-the author wrote the screenplay
-it has Louis Stevens in it- and that kid is getting all sorts of props for acting so well in it
-it has great adult actors

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan487-b.jpg Sigourney Weaver

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan487-m.jpg Dule Hill

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan486-a.jpg Patricia Arquette

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan482.jpg Henry Winkler

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan488-b.jpg Jon Voight

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/th-dbscan489-b.jpg Tim Blake Nelson

Wow What a great post!

[coolbeans]

That was a great post considering I've read the book and was confused as to who was who in the movie.. that cleared it up.. thanks! Cast looks great!

[The Other]

The worst thing, is that the TV spots make this film look like some scary thriller...but it's rated fuckin' PG!

So...I don't think so!

[blankpage]

Looks terrible.

Yesterday in the chat some guy posted as "booyah" plugged this flick. Saying it was smart and creative. Probably a studio exec. It was funny.

[Nate6]

Originally posted by blankpage
Yesterday in the chat some guy posted as "booyah" plugged this flick. Saying it was smart and creative. Probably a studio exec. It was funny.

Yeah, we all got a good laugh out of that one. :)

[vastlynne]

I probably won't be seeing this on theaters but I'll def. watch this on rental. I don't think it looks that bad but it certainly is better looking to me then say Agen Cody Banks or Lizzie Macguire. :rolleyes:

There's something about a group of young adolescent boys together that vaguely reminds me of another fav of mine: NEWSIES!

[sleekproductions]

Let's See. The novel, a 200+ page book written for those around the age of 11-13 or so, was actually very, very good. So good, in fact, that it won tons of awards, inclduing the Newberry award (Sp?) the highest award that a book of its type can win. Secondly, the author of this very good book wrote the screenplay. Thirdly, it has a great cast of adults, as well as a great young actor playing the lead: Stanley Yelnats. Will I see this film? Most definately. Will it be great? I'm really not sure. I haven't read any reviews of it yet, positive or negative, and while lately books that have been turned into movies (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Adaptation, etc.) have been great, the reputation overall of books into movies is more negative than positive. I will definately check this out, with an open mind, and I will hope to enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the book.

-Sleek-

[Freeway]

Originally posted by ANTBond007
Fugitive was PG-13 :p

Oh, so it was but that wasn't really the point of my post anyway. It still was an adult-oriented film.

[XCoRyX]

i think this looks atrocious,horrible,lame,boring...definetly looks to be like a worst of 2003 contender already.

[dh1989]

Here's a positive review of Holes from the Sacramento Daily News....

The inmates at a juvenile detention camp dig holes in a dried lake bed, ostensibly to "build character" - but it's clear their adult keepers (Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, Tim Blake Nelson) are actually looking for something. Louis Sachar's script (from his young-readers' novel) tells three stories at once, and the Dickensian complexity sometimes befuddles director Andrew Davis; he huffs and puffs to keep all the balls aloft, and the transitions from one plot to the next are less smooth than in Sachar's book. But all comes well in the end, and the movie's exhilirating energy buoys it up when the going gets rocky. Acting ranges from gentle understatement (Patricia Arquette as an 1890s school marm) to lip-smacking ham (Voight as a redneck Snidely Whiplash), but Sachar, Davis, and a fine cast make it all work.

Here is a negative review from filmcritic.com......

In certain literary circles, the ones that meet during fourth-period study hall, Louis Sachar’s Newberry Award-winning Holes has replaced the Harry Potter series as the hip new read. No wonder, since the novel introduces readers to a gaggle of misfit teens who hide behind self-inflicted nicknames like X-Ray (for his thick eye glasses) and Armpit (for his distinctive odor) and are characterized by their rebellious attitude towards authority.

Sachar’s antihero is Stanley Yelnats IV (Shia LaBeouf), an affable but luckless teen who’s accused of a crime he did not commit and ordered to serve his sentence at Camp Green Lake, a Texas labor camp that’s neither green nor near any lake. Instead of archery and crafts, the inmates spend their days digging holes under the watchful eye of crusty Mr. Sir (Jon Voight). His boss, Warden Walker (Sigourney Weaver), seeks something of value under the camp and needs the boys to keep tunneling until the unidentified treasure is found.

In a recent interview, Sachar explained that when Stanley dug his first hole, he “wanted the reader to feel what a long, miserable experience this is.” Apparently director Andrew Davis has the same intention for anyone enduring his drawn-out film adaptation, which plods along with the velocity of molasses and really does feel like manual labor. Kids will grasp the sweet-natured sentiments during the first half-hour. Getting them (or their parents) to sit still for the remainder is the real challenge.

Not that Holes isn’t inventive. The notion of kids digging 5’ by 5’ holes in the Earth and Davis’ accompanying visuals certainly spark our interests. But the film exhausts its creativity long before sputtering to its logical conclusion. The adults – Voight, Weaver, and a buttoned-up Tim Blake Nelson – all realize they’re playing larger than life. It’s as if they’ve predetermined that their literary shoes are too big to fill, so a Texas-sized approach to each character is required.

The teens, on the other hand, have after-school specials on the brain. Mostly, the interchangeable children engage in good-natured ribbing while achieving small-scale victories. Sweet, yes, but it only goes so far. Sooner or later, a story we all can get behind would be appreciated.

Stanley and his closest cohort, the pint-sized Zero (Khleo Thomas), form a commendable bond as the former teaches the latter how to read and write. The rest of the kids at the camp can’t remember whether they hate Stanley or not. At one point a boy named Zig-Zag (Max Kasch), who I thought was Stanley’s friend, picks a fight for no reason. When Nelson’s character spots Zig-Zag pushing poor Stanley, he encourages the boys to fistfight. Now I’m no parent, but that just seems like bad advice to feed to disgruntled teenager boys.

Davis intersperses his central narrative with historical snippets that explain the Yelnats’ 150-year-old family curse and how Green Lake dried up (we have Patricia Arquette to blame). Neither subplot is particularly interesting, though they do fill in several plot holes, pun intended. But even the most interesting segment, Stanley and Zero’s budding friendship, is eventually dulled by melodramatic music cues and the poky pace. Holes unearths a toothless tall tale for teens. If you’re looking for more than that, keep digging.

[Jon Lyrik]

.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Jon Lyrik
Anywho, I'll definitely see Holes, if someone pays me ten million dollars, or if I go to hell, it might be Satan's torture to watch this monstrosity. Yuck!

Wait a sec. Why did you change your mind from this?

"I will. The trailer is very cool(except the bit with the kid called "Armpit"), and I enjoyed the book when I read it awhile ago. It won't be a great movie, but I think it'll be very fun."[/QUOTE]

It's called a TV spot. They suck. Not to mention early reviews. The book was fun, but this looks like shite from the spots and reviews. And, after seeing the full trailer multiple times, it is starting to show how corny it is.

[coolbeans]

I'm still convinced that the movie is going to stick very closely to the book... and everyone is saying the book was amazing, won awards and all ... So I guess I just don't understand the logic that the movie will suck.

[movies35]

Originally posted by coolbeans
I'm still convinced that the movie is going to stick very closely to the book... and everyone is saying the book was amazing, won awards and all ... So I guess I just don't understand the logic that the movie will suck.


I too think that the movie will stay true to the book because the auther of the book wrote the screenplay. And I am going to see this tomarrow at 7pm, and I can't wait!

[Freeway]

Here's a very positive review from www.kinnopio.com, a respected film site.

Not long before this movie was made, Walden Media conducted a survey among school children, asking which books they and their teachers would most like to see adapted into film, and believe it or not, Louis Sachar’s Holes was a clear favorite (after Harry Potter). So Walt Disney Pictures took it upon themselves to hire director Andrew Davis and Sachar to adapt the popular and award-winning book to film, in anticipation, of course, of a tremendous fan turnout. What those fans will find is exactly what viewers of all ages have come to expect from Disney -- an inventive movie of pure delight.

The studio adverstised the film as a goofy adventure for young teens, but Sachar’s story involves much, much more than that. His screenplay is a worthy and well-executed tribute to all of the mystery, drama, comedy, and romance that he packed into the book. Though it’s unnerving at first, the writer leaves several plot holes open throughout the first two acts. But as fans of the book will surely know, everything is unveiled in the end, and in the process it gives the title a clever second meaning.

The literal meaning of Holes comes from the five-by-five foot ditches that must be dug every day by every boy at Camp Greenlake, an unorthodox juvenile detention center in the middle of the Texas desert. The place is managed by the miserly, sunflower seed-spitting head of the guard, Mister Sir (Jon Voight), and he welcomes the newest addition to the camp, young Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf), who was accused of stealing an expensive pair of donated shoes from a homeless shelter. Mister Sir introduces him to the other boys, each of whom have been subjected to the camp’s daily hole-digging routine, and Stanley is soon sweating alongside them. The warden (Sigourney Weaver) claims this strenuous activity is intended to build strong character, but it’s later revealed that the boys’ digging is truly meant to uncover a buried treasure that only she and the camp counselors know about.

Interspersed with this present-day tale are two different historical subplots: one tells of Stanley’s great grandfather and the curse he brought upon every generation of the Yelnats family, and the other uncovers the legend of the buried treasure that the boys are unwittingly bent on digging up. At first, these flashbacks make the story even more confusing than the first question viewers will be asking -- Why has Stanley been sent to such an unusual place for such a strange reason? More and more characters from the past are introduced, and anyone unfamiliar with the book will likely be crossing their fingers for a solid explanation (which eventually arrives in subtle pieces).

This complexity is what makes Holes much more than a silly kids’ movie. It actually keeps more mature viewers interested, instead of concentrating on keeping the little ones giggling.

Having action film director Andrew Davis running the show certainly helped. Disney’s risk in choosing him to direct shows exactly how committed they were to creating top-notch family entertainment without all of the frivolous and overly childish ingredients that beleaguer a substantial amount of G- and PG-rated films. Who would have thought that Davis, the director of Under Seige and The Fugitive, would have succeeded so well with an adaptation of a children’s book?

All in all, Holes is filled with pleasant surprises. Aside from the abudant intricacies and a few scenes of violence (that mainly occur in the Old West flashback sequences), kids, and especially young teens, should love it. In fact, everyone else should love it, too, and exactly for the same reasons the youngsters will -- the sharp-witted and amusing boys, the mean but well-acted villains, or the endlessly clever names and plot details. (As you may have noticed, Stanley Yelnats, the main character’s name, is a palindrome.)

Davis and Sachar have succeeded well enough that even those unfamiliar with the book should have little to worry about. A bit more patience than usual may be required to enjoy the film, but it’s worth it to experience the true imagination behind this phenomenon.

Andy Zientek

[Sigur509]

I liked the book. But disney will screw it up. I hate the disney "movies". I just like the cartoon ones. But I do like that the author wrote the screenplay, so it might not be too bad.

[movies35]

God, I can't believe the good buzz around this movie! I can't wait till tomarrow. I will post a review around 9pm tomarrow.

[movies35]

Here is a semi-good review from screenit.com

OUR TAKE: 6.5 out of 10
Having been a film reviewer for many years now, I've seen both the good and the bad (unfortunately more of the latter). I've also witnessed just about every type of film and every way of making one. Accordingly, I can usually figure out where a film's headed and/or how it will end long before it does.
That's not to say that doing so is difficult as the majority of today's movies are formulaic and otherwise predictable. Thus, any time a film comes along and has me guessing and/or stumped in such regards as it unfolds, it earns a few points just for that rare commodity.

"Holes" is one such film. Not being familiar with Louis Sachar's prize-winning novel of the same name, I had little notion of what the effort was about beyond the digging of its titular subjects. Part coming of age story, part prison chain gang flick, part Western and part wacky comedy, with elements of sci-fi, occultism and more thrown in for good measure, the film certainly can't be accused of lacking in diversity.

That has both good and negative connotations, with the former stemming from the originality and unpredictability of the mix. The latter results from the fact that too many plot elements and genres clash for storytelling supremacy. While that and the various back and forth temporal jumps might have worked seamlessly in the novel, such mixing and jumping gives the film something of a haphazard and herky-jerky feel at times.

It's not a horrible fault, and it will probably keep some/many viewers guessing about what might next transpire as the various events eventually start to consolidate and deliver ever more clues about how things will turn out. Yet, it's also something of a substantial momentum killer for any particular storyline.

The film - adapted by Sachar himself and directed by Andrew Davis ("Collateral Damage," "The Fugitive") - starts off in a visually imaginative fashion with an aerial shot that shows just how many holes have already been dug. It then proceeds as something of a quirky, kid-based prison labor camp picture where the new "inmate" goes through the standard "Cool Hand Luke" theatrics, juvenile style.

The boys are told that digging holes is good for building character, but the nebulous comment about finding something "interesting" peaks both our and the new boy's interest about exactly what the powers that be are looking for.

With the appearance of some sci-fi type, yellow-spotted lizards (complete with extended throat fins just like in "Jurassic Park"), I imagined that or something like it was the "booty" and could see the film suddenly going full-bore into the genre, possibly along the lines of "Tremors."

It wasn't long, however, before that was tempered by flashbacks to Old West type material and a European fortune teller -- Eartha Kitt ("Harriet the Spy," "Boomerang")-- as well as cutaways to the boy's home life where the father -- Henry Winkler ("The Waterboy," TV's "Happy Days") - is trying to invent a cure for smelly shoe disorder and the grandfather -- Nate Davis ("Chain Reaction," "Dunston Checks In") - won't shut up about the family curse.

From that point on, the film continually hops, skips and jumps all over the place. Everything eventually fits together and makes sense, but I kept wishing that all of it had flowed together a bit more smoothly (although that was more as it unfolded rather than in hindsight when it didn't bother me as much).

While the kids are mostly a collection of little-known performers - including Shia LaBeouf (making his feature debut), Khleo Thomas ("Friday After Next"), Brenden Jefferson ("Senseless," "Crimson Tide") and Bryon Cotton (making his debut) among others - those playing the adults are decidedly better known.

Beyond Winkler, there's Sigourney Weaver ("The Guys," "Heartbreakers") as the feared warden, Tim Blake Nelson ("Minority Report," "The Good Girl") as the "camp counselor" and Patricia Arquette ("Human Nature," "Little Nicky") as a schoolmarm turned outlaw.

The standout, however, is Jon Voight ("Ali," "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider") as the steely guard who delivers a funny if quirky performance. All squinty-eyed and looking like he's hopped up on about 50 cups of coffee, he plays the standard bully wimp character who's mean to the kids but cowers in the presence of his boss.

One of the more bizarre but rather entertaining mainstream flicks to hit the big screen in some time - particularly for one aimed at kids, what with the dark and somewhat Dickens-esque material - "Holes" might not be a spectacular success, but it's good and different enough to earn the passing grade of 6.5 out of 10.

[movies35]

Looks like I will see this at 3:20 and May at 12:25am

[Strider]

"Holes" doesn't interest me, not in the slightest. Besides, I try to avoid as many Disney flicks as I possibly can.... :D

Strider

[movies35]

Originally posted by Strider
"Holes" doesn't interest me, not in the slightest. Besides, I try to avoid as many Disney flicks as I possibly can.... :D

Strider

From some reviews I have read, they said that this didn't seem like a Disney movie at all. But everyone has diffrent tastes.

[movies35]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005JLYO.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

I think it is a pretty cool and original poster.

[movies35]

Here is a very possitive moviemom.com review
Movie Mom's Review she gave it an A-

In sharp contrast to most movies directed at 10-15-year-olds (come to think of it, to most movies of any kind), "Holes" respects the intelligence of its audience. It is even willing to challenge them, and that makes it a movie for everyone in the family to treasure.

Adapted by Louis Sacher from his Newbery award-winning book, this is the story of Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf), whose name is the same backwards and forwards, a palindrome. Stanley is wrongfully accused of stealing a very valuable pair of sneakers and sentenced to a juvenile facility in the desert. Each boy there is required to dig a five-foot-deep hole every day. They are told it is to help them develop character, but could it be that the Warden (Sigourney Weaver) is looking for something that just might be buried in the endless stretch of sand that once was Green Lake?


We cannot understand the answer to that question until we learn the stories of Stanley's pig-stealing great-great grandfather, who was cursed by a gypsy, and of the notorious outlaw of the Old West, Kissin' Kate Barlow, who left lipstick kissprints on the faces of the men she killed.


These two stories are interwoven with Stanley's, providing counterpoint and illumination.


Author Louis Sacher (who appears briefly as a man who is going bald) adapted his own story, and it retains all of the complexity and understated, offbeat charm of the book. The adult actors are excellent, especially Arquette and Hill, but the kids are the center of the story, and they handle it beautifully. Khleo Thomas is wonderfully engaging as Zero.


Parents should know that the movie deals frankly with some very serious issues, including racism, injustice, and the sometimes tragic consequences of poor choices. The boys at Green Lake are not beaten, but they are treated very badly and do not always treat each other very well. Characters are in intense peril and some are killed. There is a gross wound and a character throws up on screen. A character commits suicide. There is some strong language for a PG movie. There are very devoted and loyal inter-racial relationships, including one that ends tragically due to prejudice.


Families who see this movie should talk about its themes of fate and choice. What actions in the movie seem to have been decided by fate (or a curse) and what were decided by the characters? How much of our present is influenced by or determined by the past? There are even more connections between the three stories than you see at first. How many can you find? If you pay close attention, there is something significant about when the boys use their real names and when they use their tough nicknames. What does that tell you? Why doesn't Stanley tell the truth in his letter to his mother? How is Stanley different at the end of the movie?


"Holes" is also a good story to introduce young readers to the idea that the setting of a story can tell you something about the characters. Green Lake appears in very different form in the three stories. What does that tell you about what is going on with the people in the stories?


Families who enjoy this movie will also enjoy "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and "Tuck Everlasting." They should read the book and the companion volume, Stanley Yelnats' Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake, as well as some of Sacher's other terrific books.

[Horror whore]

hmmm... Roger Ebert gave it ***½ and my local paper gave it ****/*****... Maybe it will actually be good. I'll probably end up renting it now...

[movies35]

Originally posted by Horror whore
hmmm... Roger Ebert gave it ***½ and my local paper gave it ****/*****... Maybe it will actually be good. I'll probably end up renting it now...

see it in theaters. I am going to see it at 1:10pm. I know the time keeps changing!

[DevilMonkey]

WOW! I love the book and I am so happy it is getting so many positive reviews, I will be seeing this today and I hope the theater is packed full of Holes fans, I think this movie has a great chance of opening high, I even think it will be #1, BTW bulletp[roof monk isn't going to make anything it looks horible and dumb.

[dh1989]

I can't believe a lame kiddie movie like this is getting so many good reviews. Well, I still think it looks awful. I hope Bulletproof Monk kicks Armpit's ass at the box office this weekend.

[DevilMonkey]

Originally posted by dh1989
I can't believe a lame kiddie movie like this is getting so many good reviews. Well, I still think it looks awful. I hope Bulletproof Monk kicks Armpit's ass at the box office this weekend.

Armpit is just going to raise his hands and the Jackie Chan wanna be will be died (GO HOLES!)

[dh1989]

I am not going to comment on the fact that YOU just called Chow Yun-Fat a "Jackie Chan-wannabe"..... I'll just assume you know very little about foreign films and martial arts movies......

[DevilMonkey]

wELL ISN'T EVERYONE A JACKIE CHAN WANNA BE? I want to be like jakie chan don't you its like saying that boy (sorry)

[Edie0027]

To add to the slew of reviews posted....excerps from the NY Times:

NYTimes Review (http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/18/movies/18HOLE.html)

Louis Sachar's 1998 novel "Holes," which among other prizes has won a Newbery Medal and a National Book Award, has also, and more important, attracted a fanatical following among children in the middle grades. Since these tend to be the most passionate and also the pickiest members of the reading public, their fierce regard for Mr. Sachar's book should not be taken lightly.

Any adult who has read "Holes" — and I suspect there are quite a few, not all of them the parents or teachers of sixth graders — will immediately see the sources of its appeal. There is a clear moral scheme balanced by morally complex characters, irreverent humor combined with earnest emotion and, most of all, enough plot to satisfy the addiction to narrative that affects so many of our youth today.

The central story — of a boy named Stanley Yelnats, unjustly sent to a camp for delinquents for stealing a pair of baseball cleats — sprouts wild tendrils of invention that reach from the Old Country (in this case, Latvia) to the Old West. Their elegant, suspenseful resolution makes this novel a masterpiece of juvenile magic realism.

As abundant as its pleasures are, "Holes" is equally notable for what it lacks: the icky sentiment and cynical condescension that mark too many efforts to turn the intelligence and curiosity of young people into a source of profit. Since Hollywood often specializes in sentimentality and cynicism (to say nothing of profit), the movie of "Holes," which opens nationwide today, might be met with apprehension by some of the book's fans. Not to worry. Mr. Sachar, who wrote the screenplay, has betrayed neither his own imagination nor that of his audience. The director, Andrew Davis ("The Fugitive"), has turned the book's spare, gritty allegory into a shaggy-dog saga that is sometimes hectic but always surprising and never easy, predictable or false.

And it deals with these themes more honestly and with more respect for the audience's intelligence than most movies aimed at supposed grown-ups. The interracial romance that is, along with the Yelnats curse, the kernel of all that follows is treated with neither the skittishness nor the sensationalism that still characterize so many studio pictures. Perhaps the current generation of 10-year-olds has outgrown the hypocrisy and squeamishness of its forebears.

Advertisement

In any case, Mr. Sachar's young devotees will be gratified that "Holes" shows such fidelity to its source. But unlike, say, the "Harry Potter" films, Mr. Davis's movie has a brash, confident identity of its own. You spend much of it in a state of flashlight-under-the-covers breathlessness, wondering what on earth will happen next and what Stanley's unhappy predicament has to do with an ancient curse or the sad fate of a late-19th-century Texas onion peddler (Dulé Hill).

"Holes" is one of the few recent movies I have seen that plunged me into that rare, giddy state of pleasurable confusion, of not knowing what would happen next, which I associate with the reading and moviegoing experiences of my own childhood. But there is no reason that children should have a monopoly on this primal, wonderful experience.

Yes, "Holes" is certainly the thing that schoolchildren will drag their parents to see on spring-break afternoons, but the parents who are dragged will find themselves watching the best film released by a major American studio so far this year.

Seems to be getting good reviews in several places.

[PuggyD]

I saw "Holes" last night (I work at a movie theater and we run movies the night before sometimes to make sure they're put together correctly and running properly). I haven't read the book, but the movie was very cool. I understand the Disney haters out there (Lion King sucks rhino) but you really can hardly tell it's Disney at all. The movie has a great story, a surprisingly cool soundtrack, and some great performances from everyone involved. Contrary to my previous belief, that Chia LaDouche kid can act. Well, ok, the role wasn't particularly demanding, but apparently neither am I.

I think this movie is a good argument for the fact that just because a movie is PG doesn't mean it's aimed just at kids. Like Spy Kids, for example, another ecetn "kiddie" movie that worked well for many different audiences. I mean, there are those who would similarly argue that horror movies need to be R in order to be worthwhile, but some great recent horror was PG-13 (The Others, the Ring, What Lies Beneath). Just because a movie doesn't have swearing in it doesn't mean it's not worth your time. Besides, Holes was surprisingly violent at times.

Anyways, the point I'm trying to make is that "Holes" was very cool and that if people give it half a chance, I can see it making a ton of money this weekend.

[DevilMonkey]

Holes sounds like it is very good from everyone. Can't wait to see it tonight!

[movies35]

HOLES REVIEW

As you could read I couldn't wait for this movie! They did a wonderul job adapting it, wait they did too good a job adapting it. EVERYTHING that was in the book was in the movie. And the movie was hard to follow. Maybe my expectations were too high on this movie.
6/10

[movies35]

Oh yeah DevilMonkey, THE THEATER WAS PACKED!

[DevilMonkey]

Originally posted by movies35
Oh yeah DevilMonkey, THE THEATER WAS PACKED!

Thats great! Was it in the Afternoon??? I am abot to go and see it. Or did you see an evening showing, still its great the theater was full :)~!

[movies35]

Originally posted by DevilMonkey
Thats great! Was it in the Afternoon??? I am abot to go and see it. Or did you see an evening showing, still its great the theater was full :)~!

It was in the afternoon at 1:10pm.

[movielover-9]

I'm a teenager and "Holes" is one of my favorite books so I may be checking this out. I'm also surprused it's getting so many favorable reviews.

[Benny]

Originally posted by movies35
HOLES REVIEW

As you could read I couldn't wait for this movie! They did a wonderul job adapting it, wait they did too good a job adapting it. EVERYTHING that was in the book was in the movie. And the movie was hard to follow. Maybe my expectations were too high on this movie.
6/10

Louis Sachar, who wrote the Newbery-award winning book, also wrote the screenplay for this movie, so no wonder it was a lot like the book. Also, I'm not surprised the theater was packed at 1:10pm, because many kids, who are the film's target audience, are on Spring Break this week or had off today because of Good Friday.

Anyways, I enjoyed the book when it came out a few years ago, and the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive (see the NY Times review for proof), so I might just check this one out next week, along with A Mighty Wind. Plus it's by the director of The Fugitive, so that's another bonus.

[movies35]

Originally posted by movielover-9
I'm a teenager and "Holes" is one of my favorite books so I may be checking this out. I'm also surprused it's getting so many favorable reviews.

See Holes was one of my favorite books too, I just cou;dn't get into the very boring and long running movie.

[DevilMonkey]

Holes-

Holes was a great movie went above and beyond my expectations. I sawit this afternoon at around 4 and it was more full then Malibu's Most Wanted 9/10 when I saw it in the evening. Holes was a superb adaption of the book and was greatly done. I love the flashbacks and the cut to's. The acting was great and it was very cool I don't want to give it all away but I would recomend Holes to anyone.

Overall: Holes was a 10/10 in my book probally the best films of 2003 so far, I loved it and I'll probally see it again this weekend.

[Freeway]

Although it did drag on a little towards the end, Holes really was a good movie. Jon Voight was absolutely fantastic and easily overshadowed everyone else in the film despite solid performances by every cast member. I will probably buy this one on DVD.

[sleekproductions]

In 1998 Lewis Sachar released a book called holes. It received tons of critical praise, and was very, very good. (It has a Newberry Medal to prove that!) I always say, then, that a movie is as good as its source material. Of course, it can go wrong, but in the case of Holes, it goes right... very, very right. Holes is everything that usual family films aren't. It isn't cheesey, it isn't stupid, and it isn't laughable in the least. In fact, it is the EXACT opposite. It is a smart, fun, exciting, challenging, and completely rewarding film. It presents a story that travels through different time periods, back and forth, and covers issues such as friendship, togetherness, and the power of destiny.
All of the actors in this film do a terrific job. Jon Voight is PITCH PERFECT as the evil Mr. Sir, Sigourney Weaver does a fine job as the warden, Patrici Arquette is charming and funny as Kissin' Kate Barlow, and Shia LaBeouf... man is he great. This is a kid who is actually quite funny on the slapstick-esque children's sitcom Even Stevens, and who now provides a great and touching dramatic performance. He carries this film like a star, which he will be in very short time. I give Shia great accolades.
And then there is the screenplay and direction. Louis Sachar, the author of the original book, adapted the screenplay himself, so it is obviously quite the same as the book. It is just as whimsical, witty, quirky, powerful, and fun. The direction is also great. The man who is responsiple for such greats as The Fugitive, directs Holes with great style. The edits are great, the music selection is perfect, and the visuals are subtley asstounding. He is one of the main reasons the film is as good as it is.
Overall, after seeing Holes TWICE in two days, I can honestly say that it is a GREAT experience, and a GREAT film. And the song that plays in the begining/end of the film, by the D-Tent boys (the actors in the film), is truly inspired. As Roger Ebert once said in a review, "What a glorious movie!"
I would like to add that I felt as if I really connected to this movie. As each of the stories were told, I could reflect on them, and relate to the characters in one way or another. That is probably why I loved the film as much as I did. It was just so powerful, and well done. I truly connected to this film, and was engrossed by it in a way that not even most adult films can achieve. And this, in my opinion, is a GREAT thing.

8/10

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/04_HOC-FF-0016.jpg

[dh1989]

I may have to see this today with my family. I am going to fight for Anger Management, but if I lose, I'll have to sit through this crappy-looking film. Pray for me please. :(

[movies35]

I can't believe how many people loved this movie!

[dh1989]

The average schmoe grade for Holes is.....

8/10!

Note: I am guessing that sleekproductions's "A-" is the same as 8/10.

[DevilMonkey]

Originally posted by dh1989
The average schmoe grade for Holes is.....

8/10!

Note: I am guessing that sleekproductions's "A-" is the same as 8/10.

Did you end up seeing it, dh? It was fabulous. It actually was sort of thrillerish like the commmercials.

[DevilMonkey]

BTW an A is a 9/10 or a 10/10 so I would be guessing it is actually a 9/10n (btw i gradee klike a teacher)

[movies35]

Wow! Critics and Schmoes of all ages love HOLES

[DevilMonkey]

Originally posted by dh1989
I may have to see this today with my family. I am going to fight for Anger Management, but if I lose, I'll have to sit through this crappy-looking film. Pray for me please. :(

DH I hope you see iut :) But i'll still prey for you to go see anger managment.

[Mike]

This movie looks so dumb and boring. I hate cheesy family movies and I will not see a movie with a friggin' character named Armpit. Ugh! I couldn't imagine going to see this. They are advertising it like it's some horror movie or something. My sister saw a TV spot for it today and she tells me "there's this new horror movie coming out in theaters called HOLES." I think the advertising is so misleading. I doubt there's anything thrilling about it.

[Freeway]

Holes was the first film from Walden Media, the new film offshoot of the national bookseller Walden Books. What a great success for them. I wonder if there will be a sequel or something because when a film is really successful, one can always ask that question.

[movies35]

Originally posted by Freeway
Holes was the first film from Walden Media, the new film offshoot of the national bookseller Walden Books. What a great success for them. I wonder if there will be a sequel or something because when a film is really successful, one can always ask that question.

THEY BETTER NOT HAVE A FUCKIN SEQUAL! IT DOESN'T NEED IT!

[DevilMonkey]

Originally posted by Mike
This movie looks so dumb and boring. I hate cheesy family movies and I will not see a movie with a friggin' character named Armpit. Ugh! I couldn't imagine going to see this. They are advertising it like it's some horror movie or something. My sister saw a TV spot for it today and she tells me "there's this new horror movie coming out in theaters called HOLES." I think the advertising is so misleading. I doubt there's anything thrilling about it.


Actually, it was preety thrilling. It had a good opening that made you jump a little. Then later on in the movie you start to really like the main charcter. When the main charcter is climbing the mountin he almost falls and that makes youu jump a little as well. And the charcter's real name is not Armpit but it is a name that all his friends give him because he smells preety awful, I just really loved this movie I suggest you all see it.

[movies35]

Originally posted by Mike
This movie looks so dumb and boring. I hate cheesy family movies and I will not see a movie with a friggin' character named Armpit. Ugh! I couldn't imagine going to see this. They are advertising it like it's some horror movie or something. My sister saw a TV spot for it today and she tells me "there's this new horror movie coming out in theaters called HOLES." I think the advertising is so misleading. I doubt there's anything thrilling about it.

Mike, you are making a really smart decision!

[DevilMonkey]

Originally posted by Freeway
Holes was the first film from Walden Media, the new film offshoot of the national bookseller Walden Books. What a great success for them. I wonder if there will be a sequel or something because when a film is really successful, one can always ask that question.

I wouldn't mind a sequel the movie was really good as you all can tell how much I liked it.

[movies35]

Originally posted by DevilMonkey
I wouldn't mind a sequel the movie was really good as you all can tell how much I liked it.

What would the sequal be about?

[Freeway]

Originally posted by movies35
Mike, you are making a really smart decision!

movies35, I thought that you kind of liked Holes. What did you think of Voight's performance?

[movies35]

Originally posted by Freeway
movies35, I thought that you kind of liked Holes. What did you think of Voight's performance?

I loved the performances! That is the reason it was a 6/10. If the performances sucked it would be a 4.5/10.

[DevilMonkey]

Originally posted by movies35
What would the sequal be about?

*****Spoilers*****

The warden could get out of jail because she didn't do anything horable like Murder. Mr.pendanski wasn't convicted for anything but the other guy was still in jail. Well The warden could see stanley's family and zero's family is making millions off sploosh and she wants some revenge. She purposly gets stanley in trouble and sues him or something it couyld be completly different as well it could be about Camp Green Lake opening up again and another kid getting sent there and there is an even greater adventure then before.

[Mike]

I'll probably end up seeing it someday on video anyway. But I'm still not expecting a damn thing from it.

[movies35]

Originally posted by DevilMonkey
*****Spoilers*****

The warden could get out of jail because she didn't do anything horable like Murder. Mr.pendanski wasn't convicted for anything but the other guy was still in jail. Well The warden could see stanley's family and zero's family is making millions off sploosh and she wants some revenge. She purposly gets stanley in trouble and sues him or something it couyld be completly different as well it could be about Camp Green Lake opening up again and another kid getting sent there and there is an even greater adventure then before.

Well I think Camp Green Lake should stay closed. Your idea about Sploosh is good though.

[DevilMonkey]

Originally posted by movies35
Well I think Camp Green Lake should stay closed. Your idea about Sploosh is good though.

Thanks but it kind of reminds me of 102 dalmations

[movies35]

Originally posted by DevilMonkey
Thanks but it kind of reminds me of 102 dalmations

Now that you mention it, it does sound like 102 Dalmations.

[sleekproductions]

A. The Sequel Would Be Terribly Stupid. It Works Perfect As A Stand-Alone Film.
B. I Posted My Full Review On Page 2, So Read It If You Like.
C. An A- Would Be About An 8.5/10 or so, So round it as you like.
D. DH, knowing your taste, I HIGHLY encourage you to go see this. I think you will like it A LOT.


-Sleek-

[PuggyD]

I don't think the author of the book/script would allow for a sequel, unless he were writing a sequel to the book anyways, which I highly doubt. There's just no need for a sequel.

I wouldn't put it past the creeps at Disney to try and make one anyways. Probably direct to video, starring Emily Osment, who gets sent to a prison camp with her talking pet monkey. They dig a tunnel to China and have wacky slapstick misadventures. Also starring French Stewart in a hilarious double role as New Warden/Lon Duk Dong. Features a lush score of wuss rock: eleventeen collaborative songs by Bryan Adams and Randy Newman.

Damn, I should be a studio exec.

:p

[dh1989]

I lost my argument. I sat through Andrew Davis' Holes. I'll post my review in a few minutes.

[dh1989]

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/01_HOC-TB-227R.jpg

I just got back from seeing Holes. I did not expect a good film at all. In fact, I expected an awful film. The film is based on a popular kids novel by Louis Sachar. At a glance, the film would seem simple: An adventure yarn about a kid named Stanley Yelnats (what do YOU notice about that name?) who is wrongly accused of stealing sneakers, that were donated by a popular athelete, from a homeless shelter. He is then sentenced to Camp Green Lake, a facility for young boys in Texas. As it turns out there is no "lake" at Camp Green Lake. In fact, it a barren desert where, we are told, it never rains. The camp is run by a mean warden who paints her nails with snake venom. Under her is Mr. Sir, an ugly man who runs the day-to-day actions of the camp, and Mr. Pendanski, the councellor for the imprisoned youngsters. Those prisoners must dig a hole each day: 5 feet deep and a 5 foot diameter (your shovel is your ruler.) to build character, but if you find something the warden likes, you get the rest of the day off. Is she looking for something? If this is not enough to make a kids scream, there are also Rattle Snakes at the camp that'll make you sick if they bite you and Spotted Lizards that, if they bite you, cause a slow and painful death. Pretty big plot, huh? Well, there is also three stories told in flashbacks! The 120 minute film is jam packed. Did I enjoy this "epic" story? Yep.

Shia LaBeouf, who stars in the Disney sitcom "Even Stevens" as the crazy and juvenile Louis, makes his film debut as Stanley, the unlikely hero of the film. LaBeouf is quite charming and pulls off the role like a seasoned pro. I admit, the role ain't exactly demanding, but he carries the film well.

Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, and Tim Blake Nelson play the dastardly Camp Green Lake employees. They all take different routes in terms of their acting. Weaver tries her hardest to make this character seem as violent as a snake. Voights ham it up to an incredible level. Imagine a demented Clint Eastwood who chews on sunflower seeds and has a bad attitude. As for Nelson, um.... He's hilarious, as always. This man can be charming in anything. He could read a Captain Crunch box and make it clever and entertaining!

The rest of the cast play their roles well. None are amazing, but they are servicable. Oh wait, I forgot someone. Satan, I mean, Henry Winkler! Yuck. Granted, some of his scenes are needed, but seeing him smell shoes, dance, and sing made me want to slit my throat with a razor. I didn't. All I did was get and up his smack his 20 foot face.

Andrew Davis directs this with grace and style. I was not suprised. He did direct one of the greatest thrillers of all-time, The Fugitive! He does just as well, if not better, on this one. It is obviously quite a task to film this web of curses and destiny that spans over 100 years, but he pulls it off!

The script is by Louis Sachar, the man who wrote the source material. Good choice. He obviously knows every nook and cranny of his characters, he created them! A rich and layered script. Probably my favorite part of the film is the friendship between young Zero and Stanley. It felt entirely natural. It did not seem forced, a genuine friendship, something I don't see in many family films such as Air Bud or Big Fat Liar.

Overall, this is campy fun. Nothing more, nothing less. A rich adventure. It does not TOUCH the Harry Potter films, but it certainly does make for a fun Spring Break adventure flick. Enjoy!

8/10

[sleekproductions]

See DH! I KNEW that you would like it. Stick with me kid. I'll never guide you wrong. ;-)


Well... usually.

[DevilMonkey]

Originally posted by dh1989
http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/01_HOC-TB-227R.jpg

I just got back from seeing Holes. I did not expect a good film at all. In fact, I expected an awful film. The film is based on a popular kids novel by Louis Sachar. At a glance, the film would seem simple: An adventure yarn about a kid named Stanley Yelnats (what do YOU notice about that name?) who is wrongly accused of stealing sneakers, that were donated by a popular athelete, from a homeless shelter. He is then sentenced to Camp Green Lake, a facility for young boys in Texas. As it turns out there is no "lake" at Camp Green Lake. In fact, it a barren desert where, we are told, it never rains. The camp is run by a mean warden who paints her nails with snake venom. Under her is Mr. Sir, an ugly man who runs the day-to-day actions of the camp, and Mr. Pendanski, the councellor for the imprisoned youngsters. Those prisoners must dig a hole each day: 5 feet deep and a 5 foot diameter (your shovel is your ruler.) to build character, but if you find something the warden likes, you get the rest of the day off. Is she looking for something? If this is not enough to make a kids scream, there are also Rattle Snakes at the camp that'll make you sick if they bite you and Spotted Lizards that, if they bite you, cause a slow and painful death. Pretty big plot, huh? Well, there is also three stories told in flashbacks! The 120 minute film is jam packed. Did I enjoy this "epic" story? Yep.

Shia LaBeouf, who stars in the Disney sitcom "Even Stevens" as the crazy and juvenile Louis, makes his film debut as Stanley, the unlikely hero of the film. LaBeouf is quite charming and pulls off the role like a seasoned pro. I admit, the role ain't exactly demanding, but he carries the film well.

Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, and Tim Blake Nelson play the dastardly Camp Green Lake employees. They all take different routes in terms of their acting. Weaver tries her hardest to make this character seem as violent as a snake. Voights ham it up to an incredible level. Imagine a demented Clint Eastwood who chews on sunflower seeds and has a bad attitude. As for Nelson, um.... He's hilarious, as always. This man can be charming in anything. He could read a Captain Crunch box and make it clever and entertaining!

The rest of the cast play their roles well. None are amazing, but they are servicable. Oh wait, I forgot someone. Satan, I mean, Henry Winkler! Yuck. Granted, some of his scenes are needed, but seeing him smell shoes, dance, and sing made me want to slit my throat with a razor. I didn't. All I did was get and up his smack his 20 foot face.

Andrew Davis directs this with grace and style. I was not suprised. He did direct one of the great thrillers of all-time, The Fugitive! He does just as well, if not better, on this one.

The script is by Louis Sachar, the man who wrote the source material. Good choice. He obviously knows every nook and cranny of his characters, he created them! A rich and layered script.

Overall, this is campy fun. Nothing more, nothing less. A rich adventure. It does not TOUCH the Harry Potter films, but it certainly does make for a fun Spring Break adventure flick. Enjoy!

8/10

Ha! You liked it ::does a touchdown dance:: I knew you would, BTW Bullet Proof Monk was not to bad afterall :)

I saw it again today and it was much much much more enjoyable! I don't know what it is but this is a movie whereyou can relize he there was another big part of the plot I missed before! and Hey I don't remember that! and oh yeah now I get it. Well the second time I still give it a 10/10 my mom saw it with me today and she said it was a little confusing. I asked her what would she give it out of 10 she said 8 I said O.k. then we got in her car :)

[anakinsrise]

I cant believe people actually like this it looks so lame!!! But as of friday it made 7 mil .i guess kids are desperate.

[movies35]

Originally posted by sleekproductions
See DH! I KNEW that you would like it. Stick with me kid. I'll never guide you wrong. ;-)


Well... usually.

Holy, Shit! Dh liked it!

[movies35]

Originally posted by dh1989
http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0311289/01_HOC-TB-227R.jpg

I just got back from seeing Holes. I did not expect a good film at all. In fact, I expected an awful film. The film is based on a popular kids novel by Louis Sachar. At a glance, the film would seem simple: An adventure yarn about a kid named Stanley Yelnats (what do YOU notice about that name?) who is wrongly accused of stealing sneakers, that were donated by a popular athelete, from a homeless shelter. He is then sentenced to Camp Green Lake, a facility for young boys in Texas. As it turns out there is no "lake" at Camp Green Lake. In fact, it a barren desert where, we are told, it never rains. The camp is run by a mean warden who paints her nails with snake venom. Under her is Mr. Sir, an ugly man who runs the day-to-day actions of the camp, and Mr. Pendanski, the councellor for the imprisoned youngsters. Those prisoners must dig a hole each day: 5 feet deep and a 5 foot diameter (your shovel is your ruler.) to build character, but if you find something the warden likes, you get the rest of the day off. Is she looking for something? If this is not enough to make a kids scream, there are also Rattle Snakes at the camp that'll make you sick if they bite you and Spotted Lizards that, if they bite you, cause a slow and painful death. Pretty big plot, huh? Well, there is also three stories told in flashbacks! The 120 minute film is jam packed. Did I enjoy this "epic" story? Yep.

Shia LaBeouf, who stars in the Disney sitcom "Even Stevens" as the crazy and juvenile Louis, makes his film debut as Stanley, the unlikely hero of the film. LaBeouf is quite charming and pulls off the role like a seasoned pro. I admit, the role ain't exactly demanding, but he carries the film well.

Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, and Tim Blake Nelson play the dastardly Camp Green Lake employees. They all take different routes in terms of their acting. Weaver tries her hardest to make this character seem as violent as a snake. Voights ham it up to an incredible level. Imagine a demented Clint Eastwood who chews on sunflower seeds and has a bad attitude. As for Nelson, um.... He's hilarious, as always. This man can be charming in anything. He could read a Captain Crunch box and make it clever and entertaining!

The rest of the cast play their roles well. None are amazing, but they are servicable. Oh wait, I forgot someone. Satan, I mean, Henry Winkler! Yuck. Granted, some of his scenes are needed, but seeing him smell shoes, dance, and sing made me want to slit my throat with a razor. I didn't. All I did was get and up his smack his 20 foot face.

Andrew Davis directs this with grace and style. I was not suprised. He did direct one of the great thrillers of all-time, The Fugitive! He does just as well, if not better, on this one.

The script is by Louis Sachar, the man who wrote the source material. Good choice. He obviously knows every nook and cranny of his characters, he created them! A rich and layered script.

Overall, this is campy fun. Nothing more, nothing less. A rich adventure. It does not TOUCH the Harry Potter films, but it certainly does make for a fun Spring Break adventure flick. Enjoy!

8/10

I think I should see this again, if dh likes it, it is worth a 2nd chance. I will see it in theaters again.

[blankpage]

wELL ISN'T EVERYONE A JACKIE CHAN WANNA BE? I want to be like jakie chan don't you its like saying that boy (sorry)

Jackie Chan is a Bruce Lee wannabe.

[XCoRyX]

im still in so much shock that this grossed $17 million.

[Horror whore]

dh liked it! I think you like the movies you think look awful better than the movies you think look good... Hey, maybe you'll enjoy Identity if you give it a chance!

[Edie0027]

Originally posted by XCoRyX
im still in so much shock that this grossed $17 million.

Why....it was a holiday weekend and a movie that appealed to several ages- from what I have read here ( i have yet to go and see it, but am planning on going sometime this week) applies to children but is enjoyed by adults- therefore I would expect it to draw well.

Can't wait to see it. Thanks for all the good reviews to make me look forward to it more!

[coolbeans]

Ok this was better than I expected! That review is definitely true .. I think I enjoyed it as much as the kids in the audience, if not more. It is a definite must see for this year!

[Sugar Magnolia]

meh...

[StrictlyJenn]

Everyone is saying that it is a unique movie and I admit I am curious. Perhaps I will catch it when it moves to the cheaper theater, because I am a cheap person :)

[movies35]

Originally posted by StrictlyJenn
Everyone is saying that it is a unique movie and I admit I am curious. Perhaps I will catch it when it moves to the cheaper theater, because I am a cheap person :)

I just started to talk to you but you don't seem cheap at all.

[StrictlyJenn]

Originally posted by movies35
I just started to talk to you but you don't seem cheap at all.

Ah, not really actually :) I am trying to be more cautious with spending but that is about it.

[CrimsonRiver]

Great movie! This Sat. will be the 3rd time we've seen it. Each time my daughters (teens) bring two or three of their friends. The friends in turn tell their parents how good it was and then the parents come to watch it with them. In other words it has really good WOM. It would have to have good WOM because the trailer doesn't tell much of ANYTHING concerning the movie. It's 3 intertwining stories, using flashbacks, that come together in the end. Not just guys "digging holes". My girls have NO desire to watch Lizzie.

[Sigur509]

8/10, More like the book than I thought it would be and Disney dident screw it up.

[CrimsonRiver]

I REALLY would have liked to see JoBlo's take on this movie!

[clerks2]

this movie most likely and looking at everyones reply will appeal to teenagers. the book was a hit with the kids and this will be no exception. all though i am a teenager and most of you think i have an opinion, this movie is good. it is a feel good movie. i expectually liked it because my friend is in it who plays Mrs. Yelnats and it has a few good jokes and has good plot to it. jon voight and tim blake nelson are surprisingly funny in this. i suggest everyone see it

[CrimsonRiver]

Holes needs the great WOM it is getting. The trailer is TERRIBLE. There are THREE stories intertwined and all they show on the trailer are guys digging holes. Whoever made that trailer needs a new day job.

[CrimsonRiver]

1. X2: X-Men United - $6,037,803 -7% $98,146,521
2. Identity - $763,404 +22% $31,573,577
3. Anger Management - $617,973 +27% $116,390,395
4. The Lizzie McGuire Movie - $497,331 -14% $18,418,816
5. Holes - $332,015 -5% $46,048,976
6. Malibu's Most Wanted - $186,253 +10% $29,303,720

I think "Holes" has been doing very well with the drops. I am glad Lizzie (5 days) almost dropped below Holes (19 days). Holes was DEFINATELY the better movie.

[CrimsonRiver]

Holes still holding onto the top ten at 55.9. Do you think it will make it to 70? Am I the only one still interested in this movies' BO? :(

[RicochetShaw]

I saw this in the dollar show last week and... I loved it! Shia is a good young actor, and I hope he has a bright future ahead of him (I really want to see THE BATTLE OF SHAKER HEIGHTS). This is one of my favorite flickies of the year so far, it was just so enjoyable!

8/10