Holes
Performance & Direction: Holes Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Holes (2003) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Adventure.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and Holes features a noteworthy lineup led by Shia LaBeouf . Supported by the likes of Khleo Thomas and Sigourney Weaver , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Holes
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2003, Holes is a Adventure, Family, Drama, Comedy film directed by Andrew Davis. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Shia LaBeouf.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. After being wrongfully convicted for stealing a pair of shoes, Stanley Yelnats is sent away to Camp Green Lake, a boys detention facility where inmates are forced to dig holes all day in the hot desert sun as a form of character building. But Stanley and the other boys start to unravel a mystery, linked with the camps tough-as-nails warden —and possibly Stanley’s family itself. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Shia LaBeouf's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Holes
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Andrew Davis, Holes concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to adventure resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Shia LaBeouf, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Holes reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Holes?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Adventure films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Shia LaBeouf or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Holes
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $71.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Holes Budget
The estimated production budget for Holes is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Holes
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Holes Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeHoles Parents Guide & Age Rating
2003 AdvisoryWondering about Holes age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Holes is 117 minutes (1h 57m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, Holes is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2003 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Holes worth watching?
Holes is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Holes parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Holes identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Holes?
The total duration of Holes is 117 minutes, which is approximately 1h 57m long.
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Critic Reviews for Holes
We dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig… Disney produce and Andrew Davis directs this wonderful adaptation of Louis Sachar’s Holes. Miscreant youths are sent to Camp Green Lake for character building, the bulk of which involves them constantly digging holes in the parched desert. New inmate Stanley Yelnats IV (Shia LeBeouf) is about to set the wheels in motion that will unearth the secret of the digs. It’s a blender is Holes, part drama (there’s plenty of edginess here), part coming of age tale, part action adventure – cum – detective mystery – cum - Western and part comedy, in short it’s a bona fide piece for all the family. The narrative, awash with whimsy and enchantment, is triple pronged, and it’s with great credit that the three story arcs are seamlessly put together to create one delightful whole. The child actors, led by LeBeouf, are excellent, really bringing life to the various characterisations, while Sigourney Weaver, John Voight and Tim Blake Nelson have a great time of things as the camp enforcers, and Patricia Arquette in a two-fold characterisation, scores very favourably with charm, grace and menace in equal measurements. Mature and intelligent kids films are a rarity, Holes is like a little gem dug up in the desert. 8.5/10
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
