The Hollars (2016) User Reviews

"Don't waste time with the bad, live with the good"

[paul-allaer · 8/10 · 27 September 2016]

"The Hollars" (2016 release; 90 min.) brings the story of the Hollar family. As the movie opens, Sally (the matriarch so to speak) is found laying on the bathroom floor, and we soon learn that she has a potentially life-threatening brain tumor ("the size of a softball"). Meanwhile, we also get to know her husband Don, whose heating and plumbing business is *this* short of bankruptcy, oldest son Ron, who is so down on his luck that he is living in the basement of his parents' house, and younger son John, a wanna-be graphic novelist bored out of his mind at his current customer service job, and his highly pregnant girlfriend Becca. At this point we're 10 min. into the movie but to tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this is the second film directed by actor John Krazinski (who also plays the role of the younger son John). In this movie, he examines a dysfunctional (and that is a kind reference) family, in which pretty much everyone is unhappy, or unlucky, or both, as to the state of affairs in their respective lives. The movie is billed as a 'comedy-drama' and I'd say that is pretty accurate, with the funniest bits coming up in the first half of the movie (with the best of those featured prominently in the movie's trailer, which I had seen beforehand). The second part of the movie is far more introspective, and for me the better part of the movie. When John asks his mom how she managed to get through 38 years of marriage, Sally responds "Don't waste time with the bad, live with the good. I've had a good marriage for 38 years." The movie is helped tremendously by some wonderful acting performances, starting first and foremost with Margo Martindale as Sally, bur Richard Jenkins as her husband Don is equally great. Anna Kendrick as John's highly pregnant girlfriend has a surprisingly large role 9and she is super-charming in it), whereas Mary Elizabeth Winstead as John's ex-girlfriend has maybe 5 min. of screen time in total. Check out also Josh Groban (yes, the singer) in a charming role as Reverend Dan. Last but not least, there is a terrific soundtrack from singer-songwriter Josh Ritter. Bottom line: the movie has received a mixed reaction from critics and the public at large. Perhaps because of that, my expectations were low, going into this. Instead, I found myself fully charmed by and invested in these characters, and I was sorry to let go of them when the movie was over.

"The Hollars" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, and it finally made its way to my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati this past weekend. The Monday evening screening where I saw this at was attended okay (given it was a Monday). No, this film doesn't cover any new ground as such, but if you like small-scale indie movies with a big heart, you;ll want to give this one a chance, be it in the theater, on Amazon Instant Video or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray. "The Hollars" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Not a comedy as advertised

[valkylie2604 · 8/10 · 14 March 2017]

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.

When the family needs you the most...

[Reno-Rangan · 8/10 · 4 January 2017]

I'm not saying this is the best film of the year, because there are plenty of better films than this, but in some way this film wins our heart. First of all I did not know John Krasinski directs films. In fact, this is his second feature film, the only one I have seen and I loved it. The main reason to I enjoy it was, it is sentimental. Not just some foolish melodrama, but an uplifting film filled with lots of fun.

The cast was at its best. I liked everyone and their unique display. At some point it feels like a realistic drama, but those comedies make us realise that it's only a film. Margo Martindale was really awesome. I have never seen her in such a wonderful role. Most importantly in an important role like this one. If I remember this film in the future, that's only for her. The only negative about the film was the twist. It was like they aimed for it to bring change in pace and atmosphere, when the situation in the story was not in its favour. Even though I did not care it, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is the story of the Hollar family who reunite when they needed for each other. When John comes to know his mother got ill, he immediately flies back home. His brother is already there and the father is financially struggling. With many struggles, they all prepare for the medical procedure. In the meantime, there are some outside adventures. Like meeting their old friends, places, ex-wife et cetera. The remaining of the film is to reveal how it all goes and where they will stand.

The target audience is mainly the families. If you like a tearjerker, you would enjoy watching it as well. So in my opinion, this film is under-rated and under-noticed. Mainly because of the cast is not so popular and so the lack of promotion. Even the film poster is not that impressive. Kind of looks like a B movie and of course it is, but an awesome B movie. Worth a watch for many reasons and you will know it when you give it a try. So, recommended.

8/10

A heartwarming film

[Gordon-11 · 15 February 2017]

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.

Family Comedy with Heart

[kz917-1 · 6/10 · 1 November 2017]

Directed by and starring John Krasinski this family comedy with a few tears hits all the right marks.

From family fisticuffs in the hospital room to indulging mom's sweet tooth for dipping pretzels into ice cream for breakfast - this family has got a lot of heart.

The family rallies when Sally Hollar begins having seizures and needs brain surgery. What follows is a family coming back together and smoothing out misunderstandings. There are zany madcap moments that will make you laugh and cry. Worth a view.

These movies are not made anymore.

[RJBrez · 7/10 · 31 October 2021]

I found this movie the other day on Showtime. John Krasinski, Anna Kendrick, Margo Martindale, Charlie Day, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and a bunch of other great actors make up the cast. I did not remember this movie being released at all. I wish I had known. Krasinski pulls double duty as he also directed. The writing is simple but well executed. Small-town family dealing with numerous issues. It's the kind of movie that really doesn't get made anymore, and that makes me sad. I found it very entertaining. It had plenty of comedy to go with the dramatic moments. What really makes the movie work is Kraskinski and Martindale. They are both extremely talented and this movie is a good showcase.

The Hollars is far from perfect, but it's definitely worth a watch based on the talent involved alone. Enjoy!

Very cute

[subxerogravity · 6/10 · 18 September 2016]

Starts off as a really funny story about John Hollar played by John Krasinski, who also directed the movie. He's a struggling artist living in New York, whose personal life is not that great either. Then he goes back home when he discovers his mom has brain cancer.

After a while the film becomes a nice quiet heartwarming story about choosing what regrets you can live with, or in some cases having those regrets chose you.

Sharlto Copley was my favorite in the movie as John's older brother Dan, a man-child living with his parents cause his dad had to fire him, trying to get back into his wife and kids lives, but of course she has started to date a much better man.

Down the line it looses it humor, but it never loses it's heart. The characters are very colorful and relateable people you want to know and love.

Very cute indeed.

I would recommended more

[angeliki_spatki · 6/10 · 6 May 2017]

This movie has good acting first of all, a story that can happen to all humans, is 'nt boring at all - in spite of the sad theme of mother's illness. I was watching it with enough interest then came the scene where ill mother escapes with her son to have a dinner outside at a restaurant, celebrating the next day's operation. On the other hand, the end seems real, brings in mind, the well known saying, hope dies last! Anyway, I think, this movie has some bizarre writing details. We see comforting son, saying that is tired, or has enough, from his relationship and afterwards, admitting that he loves and wants to be together! Surely, the dialogues are good enough, but somewhere control over reality is getting lost - or is reality sometimes, so contradictory?

Better than I expected

[lepage3449 · 7/10 · 28 April 2018]

Margo Martindale and Richard Jenkins can make any script work.

Pfff that's complete garbage, but Anna Kendrick is excellent in it

[human2 · 1/10 · 4 September 2023]

I bought this on DVD today because it had actress Anna Kendrick in it, at 7$ the DVD was somewhat expensive for my budget and also I kept in my mind that at least 75% of all those small story-oriented movies that have been flooding the market since 20 years ago are made my complete incompetents who don't even realize that what they make is garbage, you have to tell them... If you decide to make a movie and you don't even know the difference between a good movie and a bad movie, that mean you're an incompetent because if you don't know what you are doing and you don't care about what the viewer want your movie become a gamble, if someone at the studio greelight a movie they should care about making something good quality-wise... A few years ago I bought the DVD of "Saving Mrs. Banks" because it had Tom Hanks in it, I never laughed of all my life because it was so ridiculous, and then when I wrote publicly about my disgust for that woman peoples around me were angry they accused me of hating sociopaths, I had to justify myself... So I bought this DVD also because it was from the "Sony Pictures Classics" studio it gave me confidence because that's the branch of Sony Pictures who's supposed to make all the high-quality movies... But look I'm not even going to try to explain the story is garbage, the acting is garbage but Anna Kendrick is excellent, everybody else is pretending they're not professional actors, the actors in addition of being complete amateurs they are ugly and I'm serious the way I see things a professional actor need to be pleasant to watch and brilliant. The'res a reason why they gave Mel Gibson 20 Millions dollars for each movie, actors who are born with the gift of being actors, who are very intelligent and beautilful at the same time like Anna Kendrick and one in a million, you can't replace them with anybody and expect a good movie... In any case avoid this garbage at any cost.

Margo Martindale's performance has Oscar written all over it.

[Ramascreen · 10/10 · 23 August 2016]

John Krasinski's feature directorial debut, #TheHollars is one of this year's must-see films, it's the most honest and hilarious dysfunctional family comedy I've seen in recent years. Perfect ensemble cast, especially the great Margo Martindale whose performance has Oscar written all over it.

Krasinski plays a struggling NYC artist named John Hollar who hates his job and has a rich and caring pregnant girlfriend (Anna Kendrick). John returns to his small mid-America hometown upon hearing the news of his mother's (Margo Martingale) illness. But coming back isn't easy because it brings up not only old pains between family members but also high school rivalry and other anxieties. Co-starring Richard Jenkins, Sharlto Copley, Charlie Day, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Josh Groan and Randall Park.

I think it all stems from Jim Strouse's script that gives us a look at a family that is reflective of the ones we the audiences have. The story just flows naturally becomes I think it comes from a very real and truthful place. You don't have to have grown up in small town U.S.A. and you can still relate to the banter, the anger, the argument, the jealousy, and the heartbreak. The comedy in "The Hollars" is so ferocious so whenever the drama does kick in, you feel it all the much stronger. All the actors involved did a phenomenal job of having an emotional impact on you, especially Margo Martindale whom I've always considered to be a national treasure, in "The Hollars," she gets to unleash her fullest potential, it's as if everything she ever did her career over the years had led her up to this defining moment, what a remarkable actress. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll find hope in "The Hollars." -- Rama's Screen --

Amusing enough

[pauliecorleone-72628 · 6/10 · 10 March 2017]

I could nitpick and find a trillion faults with this movie. The direction lacks any sort of inspiration, letting the viewer actually "feel" the passive way Krasinski chooses to go about treating the all-star cast. Thankfully, most of the actors seem to know what they're doing so, albeit lukewarm directorially, the performances somewhat save the day.

My opinion, unless he seriously ups his game, JC really needs to keep his front-of-camera day job and leave the technicalities to those with a more creative eye. Onwards.

The writing is inconsistent, varying from incoherent to brilliant which, let's just say is not good for those with short attention spans. Like a screenwriter's hoarding wasteland, the plot is crammed with all sorts of random subplots that add nothing to the story, ultimately resulting in frustrating loose ends - so be prepared to invest and be disappointed.

Now, for the surprise. I actually enjoyed this movie. Emotional manipulation, forced drama and all, on the back of the magnificent chemistry between Martindale and Jenkings, Krasinski's dead-pan despondence, Day's irrational wit, and Kendrick's refreshingly grounded performance, I was thoroughly entertained. The movie offers quite a few pieces of quotable dialogue and peppered with humorous lacings, certain melodramatic sequences that border on the twee never quite tip over to the cringe-inducing side, keeping the drama basic but real.

All said and done, this would have been a two-star, forgettable annoyance, yet it somehow succeeded in gripping my attention enough for me to enjoy the otherwise menial material.

From me, three stars and never forget that Margo Martindale is one of the great ones.

The Hollars family needs to be more dysfunctional to be funny.

[JohnDeSando · 13 September 2016]

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.

Ed Burns for the modern era

[dar0417 · 7/10 · 25 September 2019]

A John Krasinski film that a majority of people may not have heard of. Watching this makes me think a the younger Ed Burns films that are simple and about family and the common things we take for-granted in like.

"The Hollars" deserves to be seen

[ksdilauri · 10/10 · 7 May 2017]

Here's another example of a terrific film that wasn't given proper exposure by the industry. The four leads--Krasinski, Copley, Jenkins, and the amazing Martindale--are perfect, and completely convincing as a family facing crisis. In spite of the somber subject matter (it's geared toward adults, not children), director Krasinski successfully wrings both chuckles and tears from these performances. It's a shame that "The Hollars" didn't garner some of the Oscar nominations that went to bigger-budget, but less deserving, films in 2016.

Watchable little film about real-life

[maccas-56367 · 7/10 · 25 January 2019]

Real people going through real life problems. That's what this film felt like. Despite the short runtime, I felt connected to these characters by the end of it. I laughed, I cried, I felt annoyed. Such is life.

Some of the characters felt a bit too close to home. But I think that might just be the point. The Hollars could be any family out there, and here they were experiencing things we all do in life. Sometimes it's just kind of comforting to see others being normal human beings - even just in fictionalized movies.

If you're wanting an escape from every day life - this film probably isn't for you. Because it takes every day life and shoves it in your face, warts n' all. I wish the storyline took certain turns where it didn't, but that was out of my control - much like life itself is.

The often annoying Anna Kendrick was great in this, as were the rest of the cast.

"..the best thing you've ever done for me Is to help me take my life less seriously"

Closer to fine

[ferguson-6 · 5/10 · 8 September 2016]

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.

An assured feature film directing debut by Krasinski in this touching & funny family drama

[azanti0029 · 8/10 · 11 December 2016]

Films with families coming together where one sibling his been absent for years that has in turn led to rivalry and jealously are not exactly new ground but in 'The Hollars' it never feels overly familiar thanks largely to the golden rule of film making, that a good script is King. The movie directing debut of John Krasinski, who also acts see's him play John Hollar, a struggling insecure graphic novelist, with a pregnant girlfriend (Anna Kendrick) living in New York. Upstate his father (Jenkins, brilliant as always) is running a failing family business, while his brother (Sharlto Copley) Ron, has just been fired by the Dad for warning him they're days away from bankruptcy. Ron has his own problems, going through a divorce from his wife and missing his two daughters, resulting in some what dysfunctional behaviour. It is in this setting that the patriarchal mother of the household (Margo Martindale, so natural & so brilliant she makes acting looks effortless) discovers she has a brain tumour, forcing the brothers together and the father to re- evaluate himself and the mistakes he may have made before its too late. A subplot involves John meeting his old flame who has now married high school friend turned hospital nurse (Charlie Day) who in turn is a bit of a dick. Will John resolve his own issues and see what is right in front of him, how will the father cope with his impending loss and can Ron find a peaceful solution to his messy divorce & cope with his wife's new love in the form of the affable local Priest (Nicely underplayed by Josh Groban) - Such are the dilemmas facing this familiar feeling family.

How dramas of this type work often depend on how engaging the characters are and connecting with them at an early stage. Krasinski cleverly never makes you like anyone in-particular too much or too little, tugging at the heart strings just right. Krasinski assembled a top notch group of actors here who clearly know their craft. This could have been a play on stage, but has enough drama to work well on screen. Copley plays a role very different from previous performances and handles the American accent with ease, while Kendrick proves she can handle a more demanding role outside of the Twilight Saga spectrum. Some characters feel a little underwritten, Ashley Dyke does well to make you notice her in a part with little characterisation, but essentially this is a film about The Hollars (Hence the title) and they are rightly the focus of the piece.

I have no doubt that Margo Martindale will be criminally under looked when it comes to award season for her role of the mother. One of those actresses who I have seen hundreds of times, has assured I will always know her name after this performance. The film may not break much new ground, but it is certainly among the best within its genre and fortunately, it wasn't set during Thanksgiving with a scene involving a turkey. Recommended.

The cycle of life.

[zarcos-01818 · 7/10 · 21 March 2024]

I was zapping on tv one night and I saw on one channel that this movie, The Hollars, was about to begin. Went to IMDb to check what it's about and who's in it. Sharlto Copley first got my attention. So I settled down and watched.

While not being exactly prepared for the film, me starting to watch casually, it managed to grab my focus five minutes in. The mood and rhythm of the film was set from the start and it pretty much kept going in a similar way, sometimes slowing down more than necessary, but ok.

I'd like to think that there is more down to earth reason than beautiful emotions in the story, and I like that. And this down to earth reason is beautifully portrayed by the wittiness we get from time to time, and the more than decent performance by every one. Even though Sharlto's character might not be realistic, it works in this instance.

It is then a story about life, how to deal with it, how to see it, what to expect from it, if expectations there need to be. It is the nature of life unrolling in a short time of a film.

Recommended.

don't like Ron

[SnoopyStyle · 4/10 · 7 October 2017]

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.

Cute - just cute

[thejdrage · 6/10 · 11 April 2022]

Margo Martindale makes this movie much better than it might be. She makes EVERYTHING better.

It's a cute movie. Anything Anna Kendrick is in is "cute". Forgive me, she is not on my favorite list because I just see her as "cute". The only time she reached a bit higher was in The Accountant. But she was still "cute".

Gosh Josh Groban was a quiet riot!! So underplayed and, well, Josh Groban. Who can resist that smile?

The rest of the cast was a delight.

Now, the movie. It was a good way to pass a few hours in an afternoon.

'It's Okay '

[gradyharp · 8/10 · 16 December 2016]

There can never be enough films of the nature of THE HOLLARS to keep us all sane in the midst of world chaos and cinematic apocalyptic explosions and car chases and burning buildings. Jim Strouse has written a comedy drama about the importance of family and John Krasinski directs a stellar cast in this warm fuzzy hilarious and ultimate deeply moving film.

The setting is a small town in middle America – Ohio – where we meet the Hollars – a family consisting of a father, Don (Richard Jenkins) whose business is on the verge of bankruptcy, son Ron (Sharlto Copley) who is jobless and pines for his ex-wife Stacey (Ashley Dyke) and their children (Ron divorced them and regrets it and stalks them), Stacey's new husband Reverend Dan (Josh Groban), a school chum Jason (Charlie Day) who married the left behind sweetheart of John (John Krasinski) – a NYC artist of graphic novels who has left his live-in pregnant girlfriend Rebecca (Anna Kendrick) to visit his ill mother Sally (Margo Martindale). Old secrets arise, communications falter, and the family nearly implodes when it is discovered that Sally has a brain tumor. Rebecca comes to the Hollar home to be supportive and encounters a dysfunctional family that is both frustrating and entirely lovable and the manner in which each of these disparate characters comes together is the beauty of the film.

Simple story, very well written, acted by a first class ensemble of characters (Margo Martindale shines!) and directed with sensitivity – and it all works well. Try leaving the film with a dry eye – 'it's okay.'

Predictable, cliché-ridden indie family dramedy with a great cast

[Movie_Muse_Reviews · 4/10 · 18 June 2017]

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

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A movie that deserves a bigger audience than it will get. One of the top ten movies of the year

[cosmo_tiger · 10/10 · 5 December 2016]

"You thought it was a weight thing?!" John Hollar (Krasinski) is getting ready to be a father when he learns that his mother (Martindale) is in the hospital with a brain tumor. He flies back home and joins his dysfunctional family. While trying to help and be there for his mother he also is dealing with the possible bankruptcy of his father's business, his angry brother and the unstable husband of his ex-girlfriend. This is a fantastic movie. The comedy is witty, quick and perfectly timed. The drama is heart wrenching and emotional without feeling cheesy or melodramatic. Everyone of the actors plays their part perfectly and that adds to the overall feel of the movie. This is a movie that flew under the radar, but those that find it will see one of the best movies of the year. Overall, a movie that deserves a bigger audience than it will get. One of the top ten movies of the year and one that I can not possibly recommend more. I easily give this an A+.

Pretty alright film

[Wisten_kriig · 5/10 · 24 March 2020]

Needed more Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Otherwise it was an ok film. Sad but funny