Terribly Underrated, Unsettling Horror Feature

Rating: 10/10 (24 April 2006)

Everyone's talking about "Silent Hill" not making any sense; maybe they haven't realized that is exactly the intention of the movie makers! Frankly, is it so hard not to appreciate a film which makes you actually think about it? And just for the record, it does make sense if you're willing to take a good, hard and long look at the clues one's given during the movie. Admittedly, they are few; but it's still possible! So think about it, or maybe even go watch it again.
Now, in what regards the game to movie aspect, this is as good as it gets. Not only is the subject matter terribly unsettling (a town that shifts into different dimensions and hosts horrible monsters), but its execution is top-notch (and I mean not only in the video-game adaptation department but also in the film department). It's probably the best game adaptation ever, because obviously Gans knows what he's doing. Another good thing is that he actually admires and respects the games, which are, in themselves, works of art.
So let's break it down: Cinematography: brilliant. And I mean awe-inspiring. With it go the FX and set-design, which are all totally perfect. This is, without a doubt, one of the most visually stimulating films in the past years (take, for example, the first time the town shifts into an alternate dimension). Music: very good. It creates a truly unique atmosphere, completely faithful and reminiscent of the games. Acting: well, here, it could be better. The leads and supporting actors (actresses, more like it. The film has almost a solely feminine cast) all perform well, but sometimes the dialog was a bit cheesy. Anyway, it's not bad, but just could be a little better.
Anyway, after all this, Silent Hill left me pretty shaken up. It's a very emotional film; one can say "darkly beautiful". I suggest seeing it and, more importantly, thinking about it.
Just be wary of the gore, because this movie deserves the R rating it has. 9/10