Asylum
Directed by: Andres Da La Hoz
Released: December 1999
Preview It is hard to find a good 3D movie maker horror film these days, so I always enjoy looking back at some of the older ones. To me, the one film that comes to mind when I think of 3dmm horror is Andres De La Hoz's "Asylum". Craig is a serial killer who has been sentenced to an Asylum located on the outskirts of the city due to alleged mental insanity. However, it's not long after Craig is at the Asylum when all-Hell begins to break loose... literally! Unfournatley, Craig and the people within the Asylum won't just have to worry about just saving their lives, but trying to maintain what's left of their sanity as Hell begins to merge with the Asylum. The story is different from your other typical nearly plot-less blood and guts 3dmm flicks; there is a lot of well plotted suspense and dynamics between the characters, and also is one of the few 3dmm films to have evil (in this case, the serial killer Craig) confront an unearthly evil. At times I wish alot more could've been done with the story, but even so, the story itself is pretty darn good. Since this is an old 3dmm film, there is alot of old animation and style techniques evident throughout the film. However, Asylum is one of the many 3dmm movies which used new techniques which at the time were considered a breakthrough in 3dmm creation. So even though the film is dated, it still has a bit of shine to it. The sound effects includes scary unearthly sounds and suspenseful music, which really add to the suspense factor in this film. Although the same can't really be said for the voices which I feel were a bit rugged considering the small amount of voice actors providing voices for the movie. All-in-all, "Asylum" is one of the few films which can truly be considered a true '3dmm horror'. Of course, since so much more could've been done with this film I felt something was missing to really consider this film a perfect one. That feeling still stays with me and may haunt me for a while. But who knows, maybe this film might leave you thinking differently. "Asylum" may have its flaws, but to me this is what 3dmm horror films ought to accomplish. Review by Jonny Anson.
Overall rating: 8/10 Download
Asylum [3.19 MB]
Lord of the Flies (unfinished)
Directed by: Andres Da La Hoz
Released: January 2003
Preview It speaks eloquently about Andres' undisputed talent that his unfinished attempt at William Golding's immortal Lord of the Flies would have easily worked as a self-contained featurette if he?d decided to wrap it up even earlier than he did, with the foreknowledge of what was to come looming in the minds of those who?ve read the book and the satisfaction of an enjoyable short in those who haven?t. It?s a pity, therefore, to have to consider it for what it could have been rather than what it is. As it is, the story takes us from Ralph and Piggy's first meeting on the deserted island through to the beginning of the leadership vote around the symbolic conch shell and its rock pool. As a film opening, the hook is omni-present and the speed of events is paced well enough to stop boredom sinking in, as is a danger with adapting any book, let alone such an untouchable one as this. Andres tells his story through picture and sound far more effectively than through the sketchy dialogue he's included. The overall sense is one of beautiful, yet claustrophobic remoteness, with the plot almost getting in the way. The little dialogue that's included in text boxes at the screen's bottom is far from polished and one can't help but feel that the film would work much better if it did without any at all. My fear is that had the dialogue actually been recorded, there would be very little that could be done to have it live up to the overall feeling of the feature, no matter how polished it may have eventually turned out. Luscious graphics are aplenty and animation is, as expected, smooth. The main joy of this film, however, lies in its soundscape, or it does until it unfortunately cuts out near the end. The untouched feeling of the island is conveyed through a cacophony of jungle noises, to eventually lead in to a captivating musical score. The sweaty overbearing atmosphere of the island is everywhere, enclosing the viewer in a stifling grip. Despite it's sad lack of ending, early or otherwise, this remains a great and hugely re-watchable little movie. Review by Kayl.
Overall rating: 9/10 Download
Lord of the Flies (unfinished) [1.62 MB]