The Hollars (2016)

Directed by: John Krasinski | 85 minutes | comedy, drama, romance | Actors: Margo Martindale, Sharlto Copley, Richard Jenkins, John Krasinski, Anna Kendrick, Randall Park, Ashley Dyke Isabela Costina, Didi Costine, Josh Groban, Charlie Day, Mary Kay Place, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

John Hollar (John Krasinksi from the American “The Office”), a poor artist living in New York, has to return to his native town in Central America in ‘The Hollars’ because of a bad news. Mother Sally (Margo Martindale) has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, fortunately still able to operate. John finds a dysfunctional family at home: his father Don’s (Richard Jenkins) company is on the brink of bankruptcy. His brother Ron (Sharlto Copley from ‘District 9’), just fired by his father, is a divorced father with two children.

To make things even more complex, he not only finds his old high school rival Jason (Charlie Day) a nurse at his mother’s bedside, he is also married to John’s ex-girlfriend, Gwen. Fortunately for John, his pregnant girlfriend Rebecca (Anna Kendrick) comes over to assist him. John struggles hard with his feelings for her, but after some nice advice from his mother, he finally sees things in the right perspective.

‘The Hollars’, the second film from director John Krasinski, is a wonderful film with a laugh and a tear. A cast to feast on, so everything falls beautifully into place. The film has some beautiful scenes: John shaving off his mother’s hair and the singing trio Don, Ron and John when mom is getting ready for surgery. And the humor is also good. The meeting with Jason in the hospital, John and Ron’s awkward conversation with the Asian surgeon and the emotional and highly original hilarious letters that messenger Jason brings to grieving Don.

The whole movie is perfectly balanced. It may have all been done before, but not so subtly striking. Krasinski allows ordinary everyday people, with their imperfections, to stand out. ‘The Hollars’ is a film that fits like a glove. Enjoying from head to tail with a big G. Family, friends, love, loss, humor and a little ‘off beat’. Exactly what the doctor will prescribe. Watch this movie. Let it work on you for 85 minutes and you will face life reborn.