Synopsis
Aspiring New York City artist, John Hollar returns to his Middle America hometown on the eve of his mother’s brain surgery. Joined by his girlfriend, eight months pregnant with their first child, John is forced to navigate the crazy world he left behind.
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Cast
- John KrasinskiJohn Hollar
- Margo MartindaleSally Hollar
- Richard JenkinsDon Hollar
- Sharlto CopleyRon Hollar
- Anna KendrickRebecca
- Charlie DayJason
- Mary Elizabeth WinsteadGwen
- Randall ParkDr. Fong
- Josh GrobanReverend Dan
- Mary Kay PlacePam
Recommendations
- 75
The Film Stage
Krasinski appears to know exactly the kind of movie he’s making, elevating familiar material to a level that feels real and bittersweet. - 75
Rolling Stone
John Krasinski, as actor and director, tackles the most clichéd genre in the movie business — the dysfunctional family dramedy. The big difference is he pulls it off with uncommon humor and compassion. - 70
Los Angeles Times
Strouse’s deft script and Krasinki’s game direction upend a host of familiar moments in ways that are fresh and unexpected — if sometimes overly broad. The terrific cast doesn’t hurt. - 60
The Hollywood Reporter
This one is straight out of the old-school Sundance manual. Still, there's enough warmth, humor and heart in the very slick package, not to mention a gaggle of accomplished and well-cast actors. - 60
Variety
Krasinki’s film remains resolutely resistant to surprise in style or story terms. - 60
Screen Daily
It’s not that [Krasinski] fails, or that his film isn’t desperately charming as it goes about its business, but this is very familiar American indie territory, and The Hollars stops well short of innovation. - 60
The New York Times
Too much happens too quickly in The Hollars for the story to be credible, but the film has some likable qualities, among them the fun of seeing actors in unexpected roles. - 50
The A.V. Club
John Krasinski’s second feature has such a milquetoast, melancholy-indie sound that its most arresting and dynamic musical moment comes when three characters unexpectedly break into “Closer To Fine” by the Indigo Girls.
