Disney’s “Holes” Now Streaming on Tubi, Free

Stanley Yelnats IV (Shia LaBeouf) is walking under a bridge, when running shoes plummet down onto his head. His father (Henry Winkler) is researching a cure to foot odor, so he takes them with him. As they’re the cleats of a star player during a World Series game, police blame him for the robbery. He’s sent to a work camp, run by the intimidating Mister Sir (Jon Voight).

“You’re not lookin’ for anything, you’re building character. You take a bad boy, make him dig holes all day long, in the hot sun, it turns him into a good boy, that’s our philosophy here at Camp Green Lake,” Mister Sir explains.

The Disney-distributed film is now streaming free on Tubi, both in the United States and Canada.

Despite the fact I was still growing up when the film was released, I’ve never seen then the film before tonight. It was a strong film, it felt like something made a generation before in the ’80s, the story driven by character interaction as opposed to splashy effects.

I would have loved a spin-off film set exclusively during the flashbacks. Eartha Kitt, Patricia Arquette, Dulé Hill, they all steal the show.

I’m delighted to see that Khleo Thomas seems to still thriving, still acting, and running a lifestyle brand. That can’t be said for all child actors of his generation.

I was also surprised to see this film was from Walden Media, given so many of their early films — Around the World in 80 Days, The Chronicles of Narnia films, Bridge to Terabithia — were so effects-heavy.

All and all, worth a watch.