Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

It's rare to stumble on a film that exceeds any preconceived expectations; a film that pushes the envelop to its limit, and yet delivers not one, but several messages with accuracy and poise. "12 and Holding" (2005) is this type of film. Director Michael Cuesta delivers an emotional masterpiece in redemption, conviction, and forgiveness.It all starts with a fire. A boy dies and lives are forever transformed. It's a domino effect. When change strikes it delivers forcing each character to take a journey into the unknown and face fear head on in a quest to find answers, satisfaction, and justification. All the facets that contemporary society clings to-hoping an eye for an eye won't make the whole world blind. Starving for male attention, one girl expresses her sexuality all too soon while one boy battles the opposition of being overweight, and the other comes to terms with his brother's death.This triangular approach to drama is breath-taking, eye awaking, and shocking. In a typical mainstream film, the audience is taken on a parallel journey. The protagonist (main character) guides the viewer down a path which ultimately leads to the antagonist whom is in opposition with the protagonist, and after a much needed war on conflict a resolution arises. Now, the resolution can satisfy the audience or disappoint. The point is that the end result is justified by action. "12 and Holding," an independent film, clearly defines dysfunction in a family dynamic in which case each family has its own hosts of problems to resolve in a twisted world."12 and Holding" maybe an independent film, but it's distinguished as a rare film to come by. The passion in which the story is told is lucid and frantic. It's a story of deliverance. Family dysfunction does not discriminate. It comes in all shapes, sizes, ethnicity, and religions. Family dysfunction is the cornerstone that binds families together, yet bridges the gap to despair. It sparks a need for change. A need for a reality check. And a need to break down barriers that leads to forgiveness and second chances.

**spoiler alert** This film transforms three otherwise normal, middle-class, suburban middle-school children into a murderer, a strumpet and a kidnapper engaged in dangerous false imprisonment.Violent accidental deaths occur in the US and other countries daily. Are we really being asked to believe that they can cause criminal transformations in 12-year old family members and friends ? Unbelievable. For kids to engage in these types of crimes, there must be evidence of a twisted and seriously dysfunctional upbringing.I give the film four stars because of the superb ensemble acting. What I dislike is the forcible sharpening of round pegs to fit into square holes.

'Twelve and Holding' was an amazingly refreshing, surprise and gem of an independent film. I had very little to go on prior to viewing, only knowing that one of my favorite up-coming actors, Renner, starred in it. And being ignorant prior completely paid in dividends with the delight on how well made this adolescent coming-of-dark-ages movie was made. Though not a horror movie (despite one character donning a "Jason Voorhees"-like hockey mask,) I could certainly see Stephen King's vision of best buddies growing up too fast with adult tragedies, such as in his novels 'IT' and 'The Body' (or the movie 'Stand By Me.') How well they captured King's take on young kids dealing with very bad things was like watching a brand new King novel on screen. In this small town, each of three kids has their own demons thrust upon them. One's heavy and criticized to the point he embarks on bettering his and his mother's life. One's in love with someone 2 (or 3) times older. And the final has probably the most to worry about: dealing with large birthmark on his face, a brother who died "by accident" as well as a replacement brother. I really don't want to give away too much – believe me when I tell you, I barely scratched the surface. Sufficient to say, you need to see this movie. Excellent performances all around – I can't believe no one was nominated for Oscars, let alone the screenplay, director, etc. I haven't seen such a movie since the string of adolescent-drama films produced in the 70s/80s, such as, again, 'Stand By Me.' 'Holding' is completely original, had great music, appropriately comedic moments, excellently cast, suspenseful, emotional, and extremely thought provoking. Best recommendation is to recommend this gem to everyone after watching it.

This movie touches on a series of issues troubling America today seen thru the eyes of it's youth. The film shows us that problems in areas such as violence, guns, race issues and obesity are no longer limited to adults but play an active part amongst young people as well. The film centers around a group of 12 year old friends and their families. All with different problems which reflect on their parents short comings. The script is very well written and the acting is quite extraordinary throughout the entire film. The only real problem is that the movie feels a little too short, but perhaps it's better to quit while ones ahead. I'd recommend this film to anyone with an interest in human nature and all it's flaws.