I read this book often with my students. It's extremelely well written and engaging for children. When the movie first came out, I cautioned my students that they may be disappointed in the way the book has been translated to the big screen. Much to my surprise, the movie is great!

This was bought as a gift. My kids already had this movie and loved it. Recommended for 8 years and up.

Damon Medic says that if you want to see a film that will grab your interest from beginning to end, then you have to see "Holes." This film has such a unique premise that is set up by a flashback from a Ku Klux Klan murder of a black man because he was caught kissing a white woman. Flash forward to present day that takes place in a camp for juvenile delinquents who are forced to dig holes in the daily heat of a dried lake where it hasn't rained in a hundred years. This is a film that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Damon Medic

All in all, I was quite pleased with this film. It stayed true to the book, most of the boy actors gave respectable performances, and it remained upbeat and interesting. The emotional bits went at a good pace, and most of them didn't reach that scary level of corniness. I feel that most of the critics are just being sticks-in-the-mud--I chatted with a few friends who had never before read the book and they followed it well enough. A little intelligence when viewing a film doesn't hurt. #1. This ain't the first movie to do flashbacks. #2. Louis Sachar didn't write the original novel for pre-schoolers.

My only big complaint was Patricia Arquette. While she was delightful as the cute school marm, I had trouble believing her as a ruthless criminal.

There were a few other rough parts and some spots that, frankly, could have been handled differently. But for the most part, this is a good family film that everyone should enjoy.

A klutzie boy deals with being falsely imprisoned in a boys camp setup in the desert. He learns how to deal with bullies and comes out ahead. He learns how to forgive and stand up for justice when it is necessary. There is a bit of bad language but for the most part this is a good movie.