In the end, a decent cinematic effort is more than current video game adaptations can strive for...

Rating: 7/10 (29 July 2006)

I tried to watch 'Silent Hill' with my mind free of any preconceptions I've had for / against the movie. My conclusion is the following: definitely, there's a certain degree of hope for video game-licensed films. 'Silent Hill' has something going for it, really. The story kicks off very well, the settings are a joy to look at (well, not exactly, but you know what I mean), monsters are in most cases straight from the game and look freaking real, there are some surprisingly gory scenes, and the general idea for the plot isn't actually bad. Visually, 'Silent Hill' is simply a master work: the CG effects are spectacular yet not really overdone, the photography is some of the best I've seen in modern horror films, and the scenery retains the disturbing quality of the games. The music, as well, is really good. The soundtrack is comprised of several themes taken from all four games, as well as some additional tracks composed by Jeff Danna, and they are good. My only gripe with the soundtrack is that some themes are already so attached to certain scenes in a certain game that they sound a bit unnatural, and also the absence of Akira Yamaoka in the credits, since after all he composed almost all of the music and was mentioned all over the creative process. So, what's wrong with the movie? First comes the pacing / tone balance: Christophe Gans decided not to make an all-out action approach like 'Resident Evil', resulting in some really slow and reflective scenes of Rose running around town and stuff like that. That isn't necessarily bad, but Avary's script lacks the level of sub-reading that is to be found in the games (that, coincidentally, are also slow and reflective), what results in too many slow scenes without any real purpose. The story itself isn't bad, but some of the scenes that give most plot development are simply ludicrous in terms of script: a personal favourite of mine was when Rose enters the church to save Sharon before they try to burn her. Rose talking prophetically while receiving some painful-looking punches to her poor cute face is pure (ridiculous) gold, and brings to my mind 'Pong: the Movie' rather than 'Silent Hill'. Finally, most of the movie fails to instill any real sense of terror. Monsters are way too visible; it seems we still have a lot to learn from 'Alien'. Still, while far from perfect, 'Silent Hill' is a solid cinematic offering with a visible production effort backing it, and simply for the inspiring visual experience, it deserves to be seen. It also gives great hopes for a sequel.