The Hole 3-D (2009)
Certified: 12
Duration: 98 minutes
Directed by: Joe Dante
Starring: Teri Polo, Chris Massoglia, Haley Bennett, Bruce Dern
KRS release
Joe Dante brings together a mix of Roger Corman’s B-Movies, Disney sensibilities and a sense of fresh adventure. This film is, in fact, quite entertaining and the 3-D medium here is put to really good use.
Mr Dante had worked under Mr Corman in the 1970s but he soon came to the forefront by shooting the likes of Gremlins (1984), Toy Soldiers (1998) and a personal favourite, Matinee (1993).
The Hole, which was shot in Canada, once again sees the director on top of his game. He directs the film with the minimum of fanfare and budget possible without lessening the effect.
At the same time the director seems to be in a nostalgic mood as the film features small town attitudes and sentimentality that is usually prevalent in Stephen King novels and 1950s movies.
The protagonists descend into a Gothic fable. The Hole stars Chris Massoglia and Nathan Gamble as 17-year-old Dane and his younger brother, 10-year-old Lucas, respectively. The two are not happy that their mum, single parent Susan (Teri Polo), made the decision to move from New York to the small town of Bensonville. Dane soon falls for Julie (Haley Bennett), the girl next door, but there is something lurking beneath her home. When they find a hole which lies under a locked trap door in the basement, then it is obvious that trouble is on the way.
Mark Smith, who had also written the excellent Vacancy (2007), wrote The Hole’s tale for his adolescent daughter.
Surprisingly enough for the genre, the script is quite strong, much in the manner of such 1980s films like The Goonies. The 3-D effects never get in the way of telling the story and are there to add to the atmosphere and the “boo” factor.
This film looks like a Twilight Zone episode and can serve well as a dessert for the seasoned cinema-goer and as a starter for the young adult into the genre.
The clown used in this feature reminded me of Stephen King’s It. The film is also set in summer, a theme frequently explored by the King of Horror. Mr Dante has also managed to bring together Disney-like sensibilities, thus keeping the film safe for young adults.
The young cast acquit themselves quite well and feel they are in control of the situation. Meanwhile, Teri Polo could have been given a more challenging role.
The film manages to mix together cute, nostalgic, scary and entertaining elements. Do not miss out on the fun!