Hostile Dimensions

Maybe not since Cecil B. De Mille have I heard the word smite in a movie, but it's here towards the end of this "Blair Witch" meets "Solo Levelling" low budget bobbins. I know I ought to be more supportive of my native independent sector, but this is just a mess of a film that Graham Jones must have thought looked good on the storyboard but that is where it ought to have stayed. It's all about a video that teases documentary film makers "Sam" (Annabelle Logan) and "Ash" (Joma West) with a conundrum. It shows us a couple of budding Banksy's exploring what looks like some derelict tunnels when they discover a stand-alone door frame with the door firmly shut. They can clearly observe both sides of this solitary object but still they open it and.... What happens next? Well our intrepid duo soon find themselves playing inter-dimensional "It's a knockout" as they unite with "Brian" (Hughes) to get to the bottom of the mystery. I did actually quite like the mischief in the premise and at times there are glimmers from the writing that bely the fact that this can't have much cash or time to accomplish it's goal, but seriously - it comes across as a student project. Constant swearing doesn't constitute comedy writing, slapstick is actually a precision art (probably why I don't much care for it at the best of times) not something that becomes funny because Harold Lloyd used to do it. Acting isn't just about being yourself amongst friends having a lark, you have to attempt to create characters that we can engage with. We don't have to like them, but we have to have some sort of hook else why would we care where this door does, or doesn't, lead. There's nowhere near enough focus on what we are supposed to be looking at or for and even the presence of a talking "Toto" couldn't make the story anywhere near cohesive enough to get into. Logan is certainly the most natural of the talent on display here but otherwise, this is a later night television project after a few pints that you might get a giggle from, but that's only a "might"!

This is a found footage film, I don't particulary like the genre. However I had fun with it. As other reviewers have put it perfectly: they seemed to have fun with it. The fun shines through, however it is useless to look for a deeper narrative or a "science" part in the science fiction. Also the characters are not real, they do not react normal (you find a portal to another dimension and do not try to a) go to some authority b) make money of it. Ok, but after you use the portal and get to a hostile place you also do not equip yourself with some kind of real weapon / armor etc.).

The upside is that it is quite entertaining you want to know how it ends. But its a one time watch, perfect for an otherwise lazy afternoon or night.

It's hard to say if it's the script or the actors or both... budget isn't an issue to making a good horror film, let alone good enough to show at Frightfest. I think it's both, seem better shorts made by students than this. It's played almost with a nod to the camera that really doesn't work when you are shooting a supposed documentary. Can't believe anyone involved has attended a film class or learned about the need to not provide exposition through every scene.

Want a found footage film go watch the Blair Witch. Want a scary alternate dimension, go watch The Void (low budget genre flick which shows how it's done)

Firstly, Hostile Dimensions is much more a sci-fi thriller than it is a horror. The film cares a lot about it's story and has a driving momentum towards solving it's central mystery, much more so than typical found footage horror. This certainly works to the film's credit and it left me impressed with the scope and inventiveness of its ideas.

A couple of documentry makers obtain a mysterious door which appears to be a gateway to other dimensions. Malevolent forces reveal themselves and what started as professional interest turns into a personal quest for the film makers.

The idea is intriguing and the film contains plenty of interesting details to help it feel fresh while keeping the audience interested. On the other hand the writing felt a little patchy and inconsistent. Many ideas that ended up being key to understanding character motivations were under developed leaving me confused by some of the behaviour and choices being made.

The acting was endearing and the cast seemed to be having fun but it was unclear to me whether I was supposed to be taking the film seriously or whether it was striving for a more tongue in cheek tone.

Overall there was much to enjoy about Hostile Dimensions, which was able to accomplish a great deal on screen with a tiny budget.

What if there was a door which could take you literally to other worlds, guided by your imagination?

This is the very fun concept explored by HOSTILE DIMENSIONS, a found footage movie in which all the action is seen either via cameras held by the characters or placed elsewhere.

Found footage is a niche genre, and unfortunately there are many such movies which are just not good, probably because they look like anybody and their brother could make one. Consequently, many untalented people attempt to, filling this subgenre with a lot of drivel, Also, there are certain story lines which are used over and over (example: film crew explores abandoned house/hotel/asylum/prison or what have you, and then experiences misfortune), making a lot of these movies quite predictable.

I have seen many found footage films and find it really refreshing to see one that explores a story this potentially mind-bending. It is also quite clear that this is one of those movies where the vision far exceeded the budget. Though the special effects are not top notch, they are adequate to convey that vision, and other nice cinematographic touches, like the colored doors on the beach, effectively contribute to a strange but fun feel for this movie.

The biggest drawback I find is the screenplay, which draws characters who seem unconvincing in their motivations (might be partially also be due to wooden acting in some cases), has some plot holes, could be better on the dialogue and does not quite explain certain things, including the ending. On the plus side, there is a plot twist I did not see coming somewhat around midway. I feel a couple rewrites would have helped a lot here.

So, while this is a flawed film, it is still better (and especially more fun) than the majority of found footage movies and that is how I rated it. Now this concept I would love to see milked more often.