Disney’s production of Louis Sachar’s *Holes*, directed by Andrew Davis, proves to be an enjoyable film adaptation. At Camp Green Lake, young offenders are sent for what's supposedly character development, which mainly means ceaseless digging in the dry desert landscape. Stanley Yelnats IV, played by Shia LeBeouf, is on the verge of triggering events that will reveal the reason behind all this excavation. *Holes* combines several genres – drama (and it has some rough edges), a story about growing up, action and adventure, elements of a detective mystery, touches of the Western genre, and comedy—making it a film suitable for everyone in the family. The storytelling is filled with charm and magic, unfolding along three separate paths that are skillfully woven together into a single, pleasing narrative. The younger actors, spearheaded by LeBeouf, give strong performances, vividly portraying their characters. Sigourney Weaver, John Voight, and Tim Blake Nelson seem to be having fun as the camp supervisors, while Patricia Arquette, in a dual role, impresses with her combination of appeal, elegance, and threat. Thoughtful films made for older children are uncommon; *Holes* feels like a precious find unearthed from the desert. 8.5/10

Source on TMDB