I read "Holes" several years back for a children's literature course I took in college. I highly enjoyed it! It was one of the best books I read in that class.So when they introduced the movie, I was quite interested. Part of me was hopeful it would turn out well, the other part of me was skeptical that it would be anywhere near as good as the book. However, my fears were dashed. This movie was FABULOUS!The story jumps back and forth a little between three different tales -- the story of Elya Yelnats, the main character's "no good, dirty-rotten, pig-stealing great-great-grandfather"; the story of Stanley Yelnats IV himself; and the story of a legendary outlaw, Kissing Kate Barlow. The three stories are interwoven quite ingeniously. In some cases, you aren't completely sure what the connection will be, but then when you find out, it fits perfectly.The story IS slightly altered, of course, as most books-brought-to-movies tend to be. But it very much keeps the spirit of the original book. The boys are very believable -- I especially love Zero! Sigourney Weaver makes a wonderfully nasty warden. And John Voigt does a wonderful insane portrayal of Mr. Sir.This movie will keep you laughing and curious throughout. And if you enjoyed the book, you'll like this film! Holes (Full Screen Edition)
For accuracy, this film ought to have a couple dozen stars. The only scenes which are included in the movie but not written originally in the book are quite strongly implied in the book and need elucidation in the screenplay version. I have never seen a movie that stuck so amazingly close to the book from which it was taken, and so beautifully followed the descriptions within the book, making it a rich experience for those with vivid imaginations. When I first saw Mr. Sir, I was taken aback -- he looked EXACTLY like I had imagined. The rest of the characters were just the same.
For general quality, it deserves the highest rating one could give. The acting is superb, especially when you consider it was done by a group of teenaged boys, the script is delightful, much of it taken word-for-word from the book, and there is very little objectionable material: a perfect family movie. There's a great balance of mystery, suspense, and humor (in particular, the thread of Elya and Madame Zeroni is comically hyperbolic, reflecting the comically hyperbolice way that "Caveman's" grandfather looked at life), with the book's intricate play of symbolism.
I read the book about two years ago, and the appearance of a movie didn't excite me much, but now having watched it twice in a row this week, I can say nothing but that I was extremely impressed.
Great book, great movie. The author wrote the screenplay himself - the director wanted it that way. Way to go. My 9 1/2 year old smart as a whip daughter loved the book and couldn't wait to see the movie (our first DVD, yeah, so we're dinosaurs).
The extras on the DVD are not that great though - what a shame.
One reviewer mentioned that the film was too intense for her 6 year old. Well, duh, this is NOT for kids under 10. (Same people who bring their toddlers into a movie theater to see scary movies because they don't have a baby sitter. Is anybody checking IDs these days at the theaters - babies, helloooooo!!!
The kids in the film are great - it's basically Cool Hand Luke for kids meets Chicken Run/Stalag 17 meets Papillion. And it works due to great performances by all the kids and the adults too - Jon Voigt is an absolute hoot as Mr. Sir, Sigourney Weaver is the sexy Dominatrix warden. (Weaver's daughter is a fan of the book and asked her mommy to play the warden, Weaver tells us in the interview on the DVD version) The directing is very good, stylish but without undermining the story. Great soundtrack too, incl. one track with the kids rapping to the beat, yo! And did I mention that the one and only Eartha Kitt plays Madame Zeroni - she's perfect, of course. The story line with Kate and Sam was different and sexy. "I can fix that", Sam says to Kate. (Mmmm, bet you can.) Patrica Arquette is perfect as the school teacher turned bandit, still in love with Sam after 20 years. Very brave to have a story that includes an interracial couple's lovestory, and showing them kissing! How often do we get to see that in mainstream Hollywood!?
Also fun to hear Louis Sachar [pronounced "soccer" I believe] talking about his slow progress in writing the book - it took him 18 months I believe. A few pages every day. Very encouraging to hear this for a writer.
Unlike others here, I was never exposed to the book, so this movie was a mystery to me. I'd heard the generally positive reviews and read what passed for plot synopsis, but all I came away with was, "What?!?" This is a difficult movie to synopsize without giving away too much of the intricately woven plot. If this is what young teen-agers are reading, there may be hope for us yet.This is a movie that requires constant attention. The plot is revealed in fits and starts with modern day action intercut with flashbacks and clues in plain view at the periphery of the scenes. The story is about the bad luck Yelnats clan, all of which leads to the youngest family scion, Stanley (his first and last name together are a palindrome). There are actually five interrelated subplots:1) The origin of the family curse.2) The history of the site of the juvenile detention camp where the protagonist finds himself. This takes place in the old west.3) A story of Stanley's great-grandfather, who made a fortune and then lost it in events which touch on plot #2.4) The story of the camp warden and her family. This also relates to plot #2.5) The modern day plight of Stanley and his family.Sound complicated? It is, but it all entwines in some exceptional storytelling. The ending wraps up all five stories in an entirely satisfying way.So what is this and who would like it? Well, it's not a children's movie in any conventional sense. It requires attention and doesn't have a lot of "action". It's not riveting, but it is masterful storytelling. The film makers don't milk any scenes beyond their logical conclusion, so the intercutting between modern events and flashbacks could be disorienting to some viewers. The performances are all first rate. Jon Voigt is over the top as the dim-witted head guard, and Sigourney Weaver has her most deliciously evil role since "Snow White: A Tale of Terror". The juvenile roles are all excellent, especially the critical roles of Shia LaBeouf as Stanley and Khleo Thomas as "Zero". Eartha Kitt turns in a brief but effective performance as the old Latvian Gypsy who started the family curse. Patricia Arquette and Dulé Hill are touching in the critical roles as tragically star-crossed interracial lovers in the old west.If you let it, this is a highly involving film and time well spent. I was only going to give this 4 stars because it's not particularly showy, but wound up giving it 5 since it delivers everything it intends. The story is intricate, but still not particularly grand. But that's OK - this is a master work and deserves an audience. - Disney - Based On The Novel - Dvd - Holes'
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