Is Hold-up Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Hold-up is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 114 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Hold-up Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1985, Hold-up emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Dressed as a clown, the clever rascal Grimm holds up the most secure bank of Montreal and takes 30 hostages. Unlike standard genre fare, Hold-up attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hold-up features a noteworthy lineup led by Jean-Paul Belmondo . Supported by the likes of Guy Marchand and Kim Cattrall , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Hold-up (1985) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Hold-up Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Hold-up is a Comedy, Crime film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Hold-up Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Hold-up concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Hold-up reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Hold-up Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Hold-up incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a comedy, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Hold-up adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Hold-up?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Hold-up Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Hold-up Budget
The estimated production budget for Hold-up is $1.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Hold-up
- Jean-Paul Belmondo – Grimm
- Guy Marchand – Georges
- Kim Cattrall – Lise Lefèvre
- Jacques Villeret – Jeremie Blanchet, taxi driver
- Jean-Pierre Marielle – Simon Labrosse
Top Highlights
Jean-Paul BelmondoGrimm
Guy MarchandGeorges
Kim CattrallLise Lefèvre
Jacques VilleretJeremie Blanchet, taxi driver
Jean-Pierre MarielleSimon Labrosse
Jean-Claude de GorosInspector Fox
Tex KonigLasky
Raymond AquilonFrankie, guardian
Yvan PontonTremplin
Guy ProvostMayor
Where to Watch Hold-up Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Canal+
Moviecult Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Hold-up has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Comedy, Crime), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, Hold-up stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hold-up movie hit or flop?
Hold-up has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Hold-up worth watching?
Hold-up is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Hold-up online?
Hold-up is currently available for streaming on Canal+. You can also check for it on platforms like Canal+, Moviecult Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Hold-up
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
