The film stars Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, Patricia Arquette, Tim Blake Nelson, Eartha Kitt, Khleo Thomas, Dulé Hill, Scott Plank and Shia LaBeouf.

The camp forces inmates to dig holes in a dried lake bed under the command of the cruel Warden Walker (Weaver), who is secretly searching for the buried treasure of outlaw Katherine "Kissin' Kate" Barlow (Arquette).

Shia LaBeouf was cast as Stanley after Davis sought a "young Tom Hanks," though the character’s weight loss arc from the book was omitted for practicality.

Praised for its intelligence and depth, Holes stands out as a rare family film that respects its audience, seamlessly blending humor, folklore, and social commentary.

Director Andrew Davis earns recognition for his faithful adaptation of Louis Sachar’s novel, crafting a visually striking and thematically complex film.

In Green Lake, Texas, the Yelnats family has been cursed to be unlucky, which they blame on their ancestor Elya's failure to keep a promise to fortune teller Madame Zeroni over a century earlier in Latvia.

Inside, Stanley discovers old wanted posters and newspapers and realizes "KB" stands for Katherine "Kissin' Kate" Barlow, a notorious outlaw his great-grandfather encountered.

Years later, Kate is found by the now-destitute Walkers; before allowing herself to be lethally bitten by a lizard, she boasts neither Trout nor his descendants will find her buried fortune.

The soundtrack also includes contributions by the Eels, Devin Thompson, Dr. John, Eagle Eye Cherry, Fiction Plane, Little Axe, Moby, North Mississippi Allstars, Pepe Deluxé, Shaggy, Stephanie Bentley, and Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps.

He applauds its reliance on strong storytelling rather than flashy effects, noting that it respects its audience’s intelligence and embraces an eccentric charm, thanks in part to the faithful adaptation of the novel.

Baltake highlights the strong performances—especially from Shia LaBeouf and Khleo Thomas—and commends director Andrew Davis for skillfully balancing the film’s rich ensemble and interwoven storylines.

[21] Grant Tracey’s review in The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier praises Holes as a deeply layered and thought-provoking film that transcends typical Disney fare.

He highlights its exploration of social issues like institutional abuse, racism, and patriarchal injustice while maintaining a sense of childlike wonder through magical realism and mythology.

Tracey commends the heartfelt performances, particularly from Shia LaBeouf and Khleo Thomas, and lauds director Andrew Davis for staying true to Louis Sachar’s novel, crafting a film filled with mystery, warmth, and emotional depth.

[22] Nancy Churnin’s review published in The News-Press praises Holes as a rare children’s film with real depth, tackling themes of hope and redemption against a backdrop of historical and personal injustices.

She commends Louis Sachar’s screenplay for skillfully weaving past and present through flashbacks, allowing the audience to piece together the story in a way that enriches its emotional impact.

Director Andrew Davis brings the novel’s layered storytelling to life, and the strong performances—especially from Shia LaBeouf and Khleo Thomas—help ground its magical realism in heartfelt connections.

[23] Kenneth Turan’s review published in The Vancouver Sun awards Holes three and a half stars, praising its ability to entertain both young and older audiences without condescension.

He highlights the film’s skillful balance of comedy and menace, crediting Louis Sachar’s screenplay for preserving the novel’s rich themes and intricate storytelling.

The film’s casting, particularly its naturalistic young actors, adds authenticity, while the adult performances, especially Jon Voight’s, bring a touch of exaggerated humor.

Lane highlights the diverse acting styles, from Patricia Arquette’s subtle performance to Jon Voight’s exaggerated villainy, ultimately crediting Sachar, Davis, and the cast for making the film’s mix of tones and storytelling elements come together successfully.