'Holes' filled with delightful surprises for kids, adults

By Marshall Fine
The (Westchester, N.Y.) Journal News

HOLES (Rated PG) (Good) An unlucky teen winds up in a bizarre reform school, where he finds the opportunity to redeem his family for a generations-old curse in this complex but entertaining adaptation of an award-winning children's book. Starring Shia LeBeouf, Jon Voight, Sigourney Weaver, Tim Blake Nelson, Dule Hill and Eartha Kitt. Directed by Andrew Davis. Walt Disney Pictures, 111 minutes.

Based on the award-winning novel by Louis Sachar (who also wrote the script) and directed by Andrew Davis ("The Fugitive"), "Holes" is the story of 13-year-old Stanley Yelnats (Shia LeBeouf), whose family is under a generations-long curse that has made him an unlucky kid all his life. His latest bit of bad luck: A pair of sneakers fall from the sky and land in his hands — moments before the police pull up, arrest him for stealing them and send him to reform school.

Called Camp Green Lake (it's a dry lakebed) the facility is run by the dictatorial camp staff, Mr. Sir (Jon Voight) and the Warden (Sigourney Weaver). They force the "campers" to spend their days digging holes because it builds character. Before Sachar is finished, he has woven in stories of an Old West bandit named Kissin' Kate and her missing treasure, along with tales of Stanley's ancestors and the source of the curse.

There is a lot of vulgar and slapstick humor, but also a surprising social conscience in this adventure story about boys in prison. It has a lot of heart, using a potentially depressing setting to tell a charming underdog story that features a strong cast of young newcomers.

There are also wonderfully comic performances by such old pros as Voight, Weaver and Tim Blake Nelson, as the camp doctor. If they lay it on a bit thick, they never break character in the process.

"Holes" is a treat, funny enough for kids and thoughtful enough for adults.

Rated PG for profanity, vulgarity, violence