Slightly disappointing yet strangely satisfying.

Rating: 8/10 (22 April 2006)

For me the film didn't quite live up to my expectations, however I agree with a previous poster that people should see it more than once. You notice things that you didn't before and the film ultimately makes more sense. I enjoyed it more the second time.
I have a few gripes about this film. The acting and diolague made me cringe at certain points just because of sheer stupidity and predictability. We didn't see enough of the creatures and the dark world. Sean Beans scenes were not necessary, it only made the film drag on. The funny thing about those senes is that they were added into the script because the studios wanted male characters. For me I think the movie could have been much better had they stuck with the original draft without the men. It would also have been closer to the game because Harry Mason was a widower. Gans did a great job, however I think that he needed more time. I think the film wasn't even finished until about two weeks before opening day. He should have managed his time better or at least petitioned for a later release date.
On the positive side: The visuals were great, the Grey children scared the crap out of me (which is very hard to do). The sound design for this film was AMAZING! The direction was fantastic as well. It proves that Gans can tell a great story visually, but he and Avary should have worked a bit harder on the script. Oh, and Major props to the cinematographer too!
Overall, I think that people need to open themselves up and let the aura of the film overtake them. As a fan of the games I think the film stays true to the story structure of the games, yet it can still be coherent for those who have not played them. Like I said see it more than once and it will make more sense.