The Hollars

This movie, while not overwhelmingly original, certainly blew me away with its heart and beauty. Without spoiling it for anyone out there wishing to see this Krasinski piece of art, I just want to say I was pleasantly surprised with the entire movie. While having a few rough camera moments and jumpy spots on occasion, The Hollars never let me down with any scene from beginning to end. This movie took me into a dramatic reality full of painful truths and misguided lives, while also pointing out the importance of familial connections and not letting anxieties take away from the good in life. Truthfully, though, the roles of Margo Martindale, John Krasinski, and Anna Kendrick, made this movie stand out amongst similar indies. Martindale deserves an Award for her unbelievable performance, which ironically was extremely believable. She held this movie together like Gorilla Glue with one of the strongest, yet mostly understated, acting performances I've ever had the privilege of seeing before. She was mesmerizing and certainly should be recognized for her powerful scenes. Krasinski, in both his acting and his directing jobs, really pulled a win out of his hat on this movie. While being an enjoyable lead, he also didn't steal any of the spotlight away from those who also deserved it. His choices for musical interludes, his camera placement, and his excellent tear jerking moments, all speak to his clear talent in the director's chair. It only saddens me that he is so good, as this probably means he will be doing less acting which is a shame for all of Hollywood. Finally, Anna Kendrick was spectacular. I was never much of a fan, but this movie changed, and blew, my mind. Though some might disagree, I believe Kendrick was extremely subtle with how she played her character. She slowly snuck up on you as a complicated person, while not overdoing it as most actors and actresses tend to do in a smaller role. She was heroic in this movie, in a very real-life, down-to-earth, generous way. Essentially, I believe everyone should take the time to see this movie. Don't let what critics say deter you from the heartfelt, quirky, and touching movie that the Hollars embodies. Watch it, laugh, cry, and just be happy that young talent like John Krasinski is still out there waiting for their moment to shine.

'The Hollars' is a beautiful film that everyone should watch. It's perfect if you want to watch a comedy or a drama and there really is a lot of meaning and emotion allowing every person to get attached even for a little bit with the characters. I wanted it to watch it from the first time it came out but unfortunately it never came to my local movie theater, but when I finally watched it I realized that it was worth waiting. I can understand why someone can say that is not anything special the truth is that there is nothing particularly exciting in it but there is nothing particularly bad either and that's good enough for me. As a fan of Anna Kendrick this movie was one of the few that I really saw her shine and she showed the audience that she can do just as good in a dramatic part. Totally recommend it to everyone !

Greetings again from the darkness. John Krasinski's second film as a director mines the all too familiar territory of dysfunctional family life … only the script from Jim Strouse takes it a step further by burdening each character with their own special form of advanced personal dysfunction. The saving grace here is the always dependable Margo Martindale who anchors the gaggle of struggling men in her life. Richard Jenkins plays Margo's husband – a husband quick to cry and slow to recognize most any situation. Sharlto Copley plays their oldest son who is living in their basement and going through life rudderless ever since his divorce. Lastly there is John Krasinski who relocated from their Midwest hometown to NYC pursuing his dream of making it as a graphic novelist. One morning Margo collapses and is diagnosed with an advanced brain tumor. Krasinski rushes to her bedside to discover that Dad has recently fired the oldest son from the family business that is rapidly approaching bankruptcy. Additionally, big brother is super jealous of his ex-wife's (Ashley Dyke) new relationship (Josh Groban) and takes to stalking and bad-mouthing. Of course, Krasinski is toting his own baggage. He is whiny and depressed about his job, and has cold feet towards marrying his 8 months pregnant girlfriend (Anna Kendrick). The film is loaded with familiar faces and talented actors. Charlie Day shows up as Margo's nurse and Krasinski's insecure former high school nemesis who is now married to Mary Elizabeth Winstead … oh yes, she still has the hots for her high school sweetheart (Krasinski). Randall Park is Margot's doctor, and Mary Kay Place has a (very) brief role as Jenkins' sister and employee. Unfortunately the familiarity extends beyond the faces and into the clichéd characters and story lines. Most of the conversations are predictable, though there are plenty of laughs throughout. It may be the only film to feature punchlines utilizing Jenny Craig, Rod Steiger and Indigo Girls. It's also interesting to see how all three of the lead male characters are wandering aimlessly when the women aren't guiding them. This is a theme that could have been better explored and helped set the film apart from so many similar type films. Despite the negatives, any movie that offers up a few laughs to go along with Margo Martindale at its core, does have some value.

Where has Margo Martindale, playing the Hollars' family matriarch, Sally, been since I was impressed with her in Million Dollar Baby? Apparently she has been busy between TV and films, frequently playing a warm, down-to-earth middle-aged lady who is not sexy enough to be the lead but earthy enough to center a film. When she exclaims in The Hollars before surgery that her hairless head makes her look like Rod Steiger, we are witnessing the work of a consummate reality actress. So she does in The Hollars, a comedy drama with a smidge of romance. The three elements are not strong in each case, and without her gravity the entire film could be nothing more than entertaining, a TV sitcom displaced to the big screen. The setups, such as the feckless sons, weeping father, and man-eating daughters in law, are too lightly handled, lacking depth. Actor-director John Krasinski, a TV transplant with boyish charm, imbues his film with good-hearted gloom as son John Hollar. He's unhappy with his work as a graphic novelist and with rich girlfriend, Becca (Anna Kendrick). Yet, everyone is mostly unhappy except for Sally, who is undergoing brain surgery. That will tell you how the film mixes its tone between melodrama and tragicomedy. Besides the strong mom role, dad Don (RichardJenkins) also holds center stage. A sensitive husband who needs much sympathy (he is losing his business), his bouts of crying are too much for a role that lets him cry over his wife but fire from his failing business a clueless son, Ron (Sharlto Copley). Other improbable eccentrics include Charlie Day as Nurse Jason, who is married to Mary Elizabeth Winsted's Gwen, ex-girlfriend of John, and Josh Groban, youth pastor roommate of Ron's ex-wife, Stacey, played by Ashley Duke. The connections would be comical if they had comic lines to match. Mostly the sentiments are maudlin or mediocre. I just could not figure where writer James C. Stouse wanted the comedy and drama to go, light or dark? Thinking about quirky family comedies like Garden State and Little Miss Sunshine, I found The Hollars lacking moments of greatness. Mostly some grand coincidences collide with sentimental observations to end up a film missing a dramatic or comedic core—instead it has a strong mother not in the film enough to make it strong.

John Krasinski's 'The Hollars' is all heart. And that's precisely why this family-dramaedy shines so bright. With Krasinski calling the shots & acting in one hand, along-with an ensemble ready to leave you awe-inspired on the other, its hard to refuse 'The Hollars', despite its predictable plot. 'The Hollars' Synopsis: A man returns to his small hometown after learning that his mother has fallen ill and is about to undergo surgery. 'The Hollars', for all it stands for, is about Family & Love. Where would one be without a Family? The Hollars are flawed, but that's how us Humans work, amidst this ride called "LIFE". Krasinski treats the narrative with realism & makes sure you have a smile on your face once this story concludes. I liked The Hollars, all of them, this family of four, full of madness, secrets, regrets, but above-all, there for one another at its most crucial moments. Krasinski is self-assured at his job here & his Direction is skillfully done. He has the knack of a true filmmaker! James C. Strouse's Writing is strong. The emotions bloom out beautifully & the humor, though brief, works wonders whenever its put in. Cinematography is first-class. Editing is neatly done. Art & Costume Design are good. Performance-Wise: Krasinski is a fine actor & 'The Hollars' is a yet another reminder of that fact. He's nicely restrained in the central role. Richard Jenkins & Margo Martindale are Acting Jewels. Jenkins is faultless as the overtly emotional, subtly devastated Hollar Sr., who doesn't miss a single beat. Martindale, meanwhile, steals the show! In a role that demands a performer of true merit, Martindale chews on the character & offers soul in abundance. Sharlto Copley is in form after a long time. He shines here. Anna Kendrick is natural to the core, as always. Charlie Day can do better for himself in the world of acting, as he's marvelous here. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is cute in a small cameo. Randall Park is decent. On the whole, 'The Hollars' is a Winner. This one's right from the heart, made with a genuine sense of feeling.

'THE HOLLARS': Four Stars (Out of Five) A dysfunctional family comedy-drama, directed by actor John Krasinski (who also stars in the movie). It's Krasinski's sophomore effort, as a film director, following 2009's 'BRIEF INTERVIEWS WITH HIDEOUS MEN'. The script was written by James C. Strouse. It tells the story of a NYC artist, that returns home to the small town he grew up in, when his mother falls ill. The film features a large ensemble cast of various different celebrities; including Krasinski, Sharlto Copley, Margo Martindale, Richard Jenkins, Anna Kendrick, Charlie Day, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Josh Groban and Randall Park. It's received a small indie release in theaters, and it's also gotten mixed reviews from critics. It's definitely an unbalanced movie, but I mostly enjoyed it. Krasinski plays John Hollar; a struggling NYC artist, who's expecting a baby with his girlfriend Rebecca (Kendrick). John is hit with the sudden news that his mother, Sally (Martindale), is ill (and in the hospital). So he rushes home, to the small town he grew up in, to see her. All of John's past relationships, with his dysfunctional family and friends, come rushing back into his life once he's there. The whole time he tries to remain calm, and sane, while awaiting his mother's surgery. The movie is definitely funny, and the cast is all great in their roles; although I had a really hard time believing Krasinski and Copley are brothers (given that Copley is South African, and he has a very obvious accent). The film is also very dramatic, and a bit of a tearjerker (at times). It's so uneven though, that the drama never has enough time to really effectively play out. Krasinski seems like he has talent (as a director), but he also has a lot more to learn. There's a lot of great potential here though, and some great scenes. It's still a movie that's definitely worth watching. Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/BdhMQkH1n2k

If you were to create a spoof of independent family dramedies, it might share a lot in common with "The Hollars." That's not to knock the relatable, familiar and big-hearted intentions of writer Jim Strouse and director/star John Krasinski ("The Office"), but their movie is rife with not just clichés, but the most obvious clichés. Most people could guess what will happen after witnessing just the first 20 minutes. Like so many films before it, a major family occurrence brings the main character, in this case John Hollar (Krasinski), home from his big city life to his middle America hometown and into old and challenging dynamics. That inciting incident is news that mama Sally Hollar (Margo Martindale) has been diagnosed with an advanced brain tumor. Each Hollar takes the news differently, and it turns out that's not all they have to contend with; patriarch Don's (Richard Jenkins) family business is failing and older brother living at home, Ron (Sharlto Copley), is crossing the line with his ex-wife and two daughters. Oh, and John's girlfriend (Anna Kendrick) is eight months pregnant. Strouse's story doesn't just embrace clichés, it leans into them. John has to face his high school sweetheart (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and her high-strung boyfriend (Charlie Day) who "happens" to be his mom's nurse; Ron contends with his ex's seemingly perfect youth pastor boyfriend (Josh Groban); Sally has emotional trouble shaving her head in preparation for her surgery. And that's without mentioning the pregnant girlfriend. No character's behavior, circumstances or outcome comes as any surprise. In spite of it all, the film attracted all these terrific names in the parentheses above, and they lift Strouse's script about as high as it can go. The moments of the film that work work because of the talent. Krasinski does not offer much as a director to tell this story in a way that extends beyond the banal framework of the family that contends with big feelings and comes together in the face of adversity. "The Hollars" will surely find fans in viewers who enjoy recognizable on-screen talent in a movie that's story safely goes where they want it to go, with its "profound" moments punctuated by indie folk music. Sure, the reason filmmakers started making movies like this in the first place was because there was something real, honest and tangible about this setup, and "The Hollars" touches these same universal themes and feelings. But Strouse's script feels more like a smattering of conveniently chosen archetypes, scenarios and personality traits weaved together to create that story instead of finding its own voice. Especially considering the talents of Krasinski, Kendrick, Jenkins, Martingale, etc. the lack of originality creates a staggering amount of apathy for their characters and the cookie-cutter ups and downs of the story. There's something bizarre about seeing moments in this film that are well-acted and come from such a sincere place, but feel empty because they go down exactly as you'd expect a movie to draw them up. Empathy requires novel moments in which viewers feel compelled to put themselves in a character's shoes. "The Hollars" proves that the key word in that formula is "novel," because if we've already pondered all of these exact predicaments depicted in a film, it's not so exciting to put on that old pair of shoes, even when they offer some familiar comforts. ~Steven C Thanks for reading! Visit Movie Muse Reviews for more

Ron Hollar (Sharlto Copley) is an adult son living in the family home with his parents Don (Richard Jenkins) and Sally (Margo Martindale). Ron is recently fired from the failing family business. He stalks his ex-wife Stacey who is moving on with reverend Dan (Josh Groban). They have two kids together. Sally suffers a seizure and Dr. Fong (Randall Park) diagnoses a brain tumor. John (John Krasinski) returns home from NYC after receiving the news from his pregnant girlfriend Rebecca (Anna Kendrick). Jason (Charlie Day) is a hospital nurse who still holds a grudge and married to John's ex Gwen (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) with a baby. I really don't like Sharlto Copley. His character starts off by peeing in a bottle in the kitchen. It's off-putting without being funny. His character is entirely annoying without being funny. Almost everybody is a little annoying without being funny. I wonder if Charlie Day could be funnier as Ron. This is John Krasinski's feature directorial debut. I get his intention of a quirky dark comedy indie. I didn't get much comedy and the indie is all too familiar.

This film tells the story of a family who is troubled by many misfortunes, including the father's business going badly, the mother having cancer, the older son coping with divorce and the younger son doing a job he dislikes. Despite the multiple misfortunes, "The Hollars" remain light hearted, optimistic and cheerful. They show human emotions appropriate to the situations, and is not over the top. Attributing the mother's symptoms to a weight issue is quite funny, but believable at the same time. The thing about these characters is that they face real problems and have realistic reactions. I have sympathy for the characters because they are relatable to the viewers. The ending is quite funny, sweet and sad all at the same time. It also reminds us to live life to the most.

Don't be fooled by the categorisation of the film on the In Flight Entertainment channel. It's not just a comedy as advertised but a honest, tear jerking yet funny and thought provoking film. The honesty of the movie has me examined my relationship with my own parents - have I spend enough time with them? care about them as much I should? The love and marriage the older Hollars have is something we should all want and work towards to. The actors did a phenomenal job portraying their characters - bringing them to life, making my heart wrench with what is happening to them and having me invested all 90 minutes to find out how the story pans out in the end. Highly recommend watching this if you're tired of watching all the big money Hollywood films and is looking for something refreshing to watch.