The Hole

When their single mother (Teri Polo) uproots seventeen-year-old Dane (Chris Massoglia) and his ten-year-old brother Lucas (Nathan Gamble) from New York City to the sleepy town of Bensonville, the boys' summer fun grinds to a halt. With their mother always at work, the brothers spend their days bored and unattended. But the drudgery is disrupted when they find a seemingly bottomless hole under a locked trap door in the basement. As any curious kids would, they engage in a series of tests and experiments, only to learn that the dark pit seemingly goes on forever. Hoping for answers about the house's past, they share their discovery with Julie (Haley Bennett), the girl next door. Soon, strange shadows seem to be lurking around every corner and nightmares begin coming to life, forcing the trio to face their innermost fears in order to put an end to whatever is coming out of the hole.

Having done time in the Roger Corman school of exploitation (Piranha) and the Steven Spielberg institute of effects-laden thrill rides (Gremlins, Innerspace), and being a true fan of cinema of the fantastic (evident in Matinee, his tribute to gimmicks master director William Castle), Joe Dante understands how to make a 3-D film. A number of recent titles have successfully incorporated the newest breakthroughs in 3-D technology, as studios experiment with ways to get people back into the theatres by offering something that can't be experienced at home. Rather than simply relying on clichéd “coming right at ya” gags, Dante grabs the spectators and pulls them into the action by using the 3-D element for depth and perspective, crafting an immersive cinematic experience.

With the visual effects team responsible for Titanic and Terminator 2: Judgment Day and the 3-D effects technicians from the recent My Bloody Valentine 3D, Joe Dante is able to break the fourth wall as never before. Unlike the R-rated Valentine, The Hole is a family-oriented story with a wider appeal, relying more on suspenseful thrills than aggressive shocks to delve into the depths of our most basic fears.

Colin Geddes

Joe Dante attended the Philadelphia College of Art and worked as a film reviewer before starting an apprenticeship as a trailer editor for Roger Corman's New World Pictures. He made his directorial debut in 1976 with Hollywood Boulevard, which he co-directed with Allan Arkush. His extensive filmography includes Piranha (78, co-director), Gremlins (84), Innerspace (87, co-director), Matinee (93), Small Soldiers (98) and The Hole (09).