Holes (2003 film)

Cast and principal characters

The film stars Shia LaBeouf as Stanley Yelnats IV. The ensemble cast includes Sigourney Weaver as the camp supervisor, Jon Voight in a supporting role, and Patricia Arquette. Other notable performers are Tim Blake Nelson, Eartha Kitt, Dulé Hill, Rick Fox and Henry Winkler. The interplay among the young inmates and the older characters helps the story shift between present events and flashbacks that explain the mysteries.

Production and release

The film was produced by Walden Media and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It combines comic moments with darker, dramatic beats and a visual emphasis on the desolate Camp Green Lake. On its opening weekend the film grossed about $16.3 million and reached the number two spot at the box office.

Themes, structure and adaptation choices

Holes interweaves several narrative threads: a coming‑of‑age tale, a family legend about bad luck, and a historical subplot involving an outlaw and a hidden treasure. The film remains largely faithful to the novel’s layered structure while condensing some sequences for pacing. Central themes include friendship, justice, fate versus free will, and the consequences of history on the present.

Reception and legacy

Critics generally praised the film for its strong performances, faithful adaptation of the novel’s spirit, and appeal to both younger and older audiences. Its mix of humor and moral lessons helped sustain interest beyond an initial theatrical run, and it is frequently cited as a successful family‑oriented adaptation of a popular children’s book. For more information about the story and cast, see the novel and film references: original novel, film overview, and genre notes at adventure comedy‑drama.