By John Corrado

★★½ (out of 4)

When his mother (Margo Martindale) is diagnosed with a brain tumour, John Hollar (John Krasinski) returns to the hometown where his father (Richard Jenkins) and brother (Sharlto Copley) still live.  As he faces his mother’s potential mortality, John also has to help deal with various other family problems, and prepare for fatherhood with his very pregnant girlfriend (Anna Kendrick).

Directed by John Krasinski, The Hollars is a mildly enjoyable but somewhat inconsistent indie dramedy that doesn’t quite pull off its tricky balance between sitcom-style laughs and family pathos.  But the film is kept watchable thanks to to a decent soundtrack of indie folk songs and an easily likeable cast, including wonderful work by Margo Martindale.

The DVD also includes commentary with John Kransinski and Margo Martindale, as well as two featurettes and a Q&A with John Krasinski, Margo Martindale and Anna Kendrick from the Los Angeles Film Festival.

The Hollars is a Sony Pictures Classics release.  It’s 88 minutes and rated PG.