Intense, Confusing at first, Awesome

Rating: 8/10 (21 April 2006)

I give this movie an eight only due to the somewhat stupid actions of the main character, Rose, at some points (notably the whole let's-outrun-a-cop-for-no-real-reason part) but it wasn't nearly as bad as SOME horror movies...Also some noticeably poor transitions.
The cinematography and design was superb, the characters were well-cast, and the story was quite thought-provoking, though I had to take awhile after seeing it to digest what I'd just seen.
I'm a huge fan of the game series (I own the second and fourth and have played the first) and this movie was a treat for me. The camera angles, the mood, the atmosphere, even the music was completely true to the games and I was completely satisfied.
This movie, however, is not for the faint of heart. Then again, it's Silent Hill (and those who've played know what I mean). There's blood, there's guts, there's super freak-out times where it's not jumpy, it's just really really freaky. But that's what did it in for me. I loved the game for it and I love the movie.
All in all, I give it a rating of super-freakin-awesome, but if you're even a little familiar with the game, it enhances the experience 10 fold.
I don't think that the movie will do so well with a general audience, however, because the general audience isn't familiar with the game and subsequently will think that it's too much, or too weird/confusing and it won't go over so well. Ah well...better for me when the DVD comes out: cheaper prices!