Holes

Holes (2003) starring Shia LaBeouf, Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight and Tim Blake Nelson.

Before...I had heard good things about this movie, but that still did not still my nerves about the filming of a book. It seems it is hard thing to do to make a good film from a book. I don't know why as books are fantastic source materials. Such rich characters and more developed plots than most movies...I suppose the problem comes when trying to fit those plots into a palatable movie form. However I hadn't heard much about the plot and was expecting some sort of Critter's-esque movie for the Disney generation, and that is a great concept. As I say I this had the chance of being brilliant, but then again...

Stanley Yelnats (LaBeouf) is found guilty of stealing a pair of shoes from a famous sports star from a charity auction, however, he didn't do it. The judge sends him off to a Camp for delinquent boys. When he gets there he meets 'Mr Sir' (Voight) and Dr Pendanski (Blake Nelson) two of the assistants to the warden (Weaver). The delinquent boys are ordered every day to dig holes 5 foot diameter by 5 foot deep because apparently it builds character. This doesn't settle right with Stanley. When one of he boys finds something in his hole the warden drives out and orders them to dig up the whole area searching for something in particular. What are they digging the holes for? Why is the warden so secretive? And what makes Stanley's family so unlucky?

If I had seen this on relsease in 2003, after seeing it I would have happily put money on Shia LeBeouf becoming something big. The charisma and charm that make you smile and want to take him home and give him some proper food, not the beans that he is fed at the work camp!! With him carrying the weight of the film on his shoulders it shows signs that he will be able to continue to be the star that he has turned into today. LeBoeuf is actually one of those stars that makes me think now "Oooo that movie could be good." Silly? Maybe but lets look at the evidence...Holes, I, Robot, Constantine, Disturbia, Transformers, and even Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Yes the movie was crap but it certainly wasn't his fault. He played a James Dean-esque role VERY well I thought). And then there is Eagle Eye, which is supposed to be good too! :)

Anyway I don't want this turning into a focus about one actor, so back to the film. His role in it is great. A loveable rogue who is against the evil Warden Walker (Weaver) and her two henchmen, Mr Sir and Dr Pendanski. Voight's character tells people to call him that and we only find out his name near the end of the film, and with this being as un-spoilerific as possible i won't say anymore! :)

Tied into this film is a historic back drop which is done brilliantly. Disney enjoys creating movies with a historical back drop...see National Treasure and National Treasure: Book of Secrets for evidence on that!! In my view this film does the historical part of the story better than either of those two combined. It draws you in without lampooning itself, with both National Treasures seem to do.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It was funny in all the right places, it had its balance of action too. The one problem with this film is a problem that crops in most Disney movies. The level to which they go to turn up the sentimental feelings is clumsy and over clichéd. However having said that this one does it better than most that go down that route. A throughly enjoyable movie, and I can understand why they put it on over the Bank Holiday weekend as it is one that will draw in both the adults and the children. We could have another Disney classic on our hands!! :)

★★★★☆