Review: THE HOLE 3D; Think Eerie Indiana crossed with Poltergeist
rating: 3.5
Joe Dante is back!! The Hole, directed by the genre veteran, is a story of two brothers who discover a hidden and locked bottomless hole in the basement of their new home. As the brothers (Chris Massoglia and Nathan Gamble) open and delve into the mysterious hole they soon discover their deepest fears are coming to life. This is a truly terrifying kids film that has the potential to be a cult classic. A welcome return from Joe Dante, who brought us quintessential 1980s movies such as 'Gremlins', 'The Burbs', 'Innerspace' and 'The Explorers'. Films full of wonder, black humour and innovative creation. It is a refreshing change to the wave of teen gross out comedies and torture horror to have recently graced the big screen, and in my opinion a more intelligent approach to the teen horror genre. Lucas (Gamble), the younger brother, really owns this movie with his witty one liners. His portrayal of childhood innocence really captures a sense of wonderment and curiosity which is apparent when he faces his one true fear, clowns. A hilarious, creepy, well thought out scene, which for me was the highlight of the film. Dane (Massoglia), the older of the two, faces a dark, hidden past in a Burtonesque house sequence that uses the 3D to its full effect. With over sized furniture, crooked walls, and a dark monster it is certainly a vista that complements the use of 3D in this film. Other than that, the 3D is subtle yet crisp and perhaps there to draw in the crowds. Visually, it is not that innovative but does pay homage to films such as 'The Ring', 'Edward Scissorhands' and 'The Sixth Sense'. The characters and dialogue are the driving force in this particular feat.
The brothers are joined by Julie (Haley Bennett) their new neighbour who doesn't live up to the stereotypical girl next door of many teen films. She is funny and integral to the story, with the hole manifesting a haunting image from her past into a frightening reality. A satisfying female role created by Mark L. Smith (screenwriter for the 'Vacancy' franchise) who wanted to write a horror movie his teenage daughter could watch. The classic horror movie score created by Javier Navarette adds a depth of atmosphere and a sense of unease to really get you jumping out of your seat. There are moments of great humour and horror created by the composer to accompany a chilling attack by a clown puppet, the appearance of an imposing evil father figure and sudden bursts of unexpected gore. With an appearance by Bruce Dern as creepy Carl and the classic cameo from Dick Miller, Dante really puts his own nostalgic stamp on this film with a direct nod to the genre of film that rarely gets made now; character driven, fast paced, witty and not patronising to its audience. Something different, ninety minutes that will entertain the whole family, think Eerie Indiana crossed with Poltergeist. The Hole 3-D is in U.K. cinema's from Friday.