Absolutely brilliant

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

It's so nice to see a film, where the main characters are kids, but are NOT those horrible 'Hollywood' version, of cherubic, 'perfect,' innocent little plastic nightmares.TWELVE AND HOLDING tells the story of what happens to the survivors (and friends of) a child's accidental murder - by other kids, doing a foolish prank.They all go through this process differently. Amongst them, the mother of the slain boy wants 'justice' i.e.: revenge,in the for of suffering, for the two boys who took her sons life. For the boy's surviving twin, he comes to grips with this event slowly - 1st, going to the juvenile dentition, where the two guilty boys are being housed. He gloats. He dances, making fun of what THEY'RE going through now.There are others whose lives are followed, and, it gives what, in Hollywood, would've been a treacly, saccharine tale, with obvious 'morals,' a much more humane tableau, in which to explore these issues.I was taught there are two ways to face something serious: to laugh, or, to cry. but, TWELVE AND HOLDING shows there's a third way. To laugh AND cry.I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a well-done film, with a terrific cast (to be honest, I work in this (film) business, and, in Hollywood, it's VERY rare for a child to actually be able to 'ACT.' they're usually just used to be 'cute,' and, I can't stand that. The young cast members are not that type. They can hold a scene. They can make you believe).

'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.

I'd like to just briefly touch base on this film. I literally JUST finished watching this movie, and I have no idea what to think. I mean, I know that it was very well done and the story in and of itself was great, but WOW, I did not see that coming. I flipped it on by chance, and the synopsis that Directv gave was merely, (I'm paraphrasing) "when a boy's identical twin is killed, he and his friends try to cope." Umm... sure, but what about all the other incredible elements that make this movie worth watching. I liked the fact that each of these kids strives to find themselves or attain some goal, because it grabs hold of the reality of being a kid. I'm tired of seeing movies where childhood seems easy and uncomplicated.This film was great, and I will be recommending it to anyone I know.

One night, I was on the couch, looking through my "TMN on demand" movie selections, movies A-Z. Looking for good movies to watch on the movie network is tough, considering you don't know what ones are good/recommended and what ones you should entirely stay away from. I watched all of the ones that fit my taste, and one night, I decided to view the movie "Twelve and Holding", hardly knowing anything about it. I'm not really a fan of dramas at all, the "Family Channel" Disney, pretty much ruined them for me, with these lame drama-comedy's such as MVP and cheap independent cartoon type ones. I decided to give it a chance, because I wasn't really in the mood for any action or horror or Comedy's like I usually was. As soon as it passed the dramatic scenes about a brother tragically loosing his life to a Molotov cocktail, I was absorbed into the fascinating character study and couldn't wait to see what happened next in the tale. Many characters with completely different problems are examined in this story, and it ties together nicely with the main plot. Inspiring and heartbreaking moments with truly remarkable well-acted sequences. The actors often seemed way to real, to me, and instead of feeling like a total wordplay, the writing style was original and refreshing. There is a good amount of subplots in this coming-of-age story and they are studied with well-written dialog, awkward or funny moments and significant captivating motivational characters. This movie isn't nearly as highly acclaimed as I proposed it was going to be, only one nomination? No Oscar nominations? Nothing!? Surely it deserves more observation on a critical side. Consideration, understanding, the dealing of problems, and temptations are pretty much the four key aspects this movie is tackling and trying to make the viewer take into consideration, but people aren't giving it a fighting chance. Speaking of characters, five strong characters are highlighted in this film. Jeremy Renner, who plays Gus, a mislead need-no-sympathy pathetic man who tries to be a clean role model to a little girl, Zoe Weizenbaum who happens to be one of the other lead characters, playing Malee. Jesse Camacho playing Leonard, who has to deal with his overweight family, one of the more motivational and inspirational characters of the film. He is also overweight, but actually is the one who is trying to take action and loose weight. Conor Donovan, another powerful actor from the film, plays two characters, himself and his much more unapproachable and risk-taking brother. Two strong roles too fill, and he does the job. This film tops off with one of the most emotionally charged and satisfying endings I've seen in a drama since a long time. Highly recommended.3/4 Stars