Visually stunning. Lackluster storytelling

Rating: 6/10 (6 September 2010)

I haven't played the video game Silent Hill franchise very much in depth, however i've always been a fan of its visuals. The tone, composition and lighting are breathtaking in all the games. The transition to film doesn't necessarily lose any shine but the stunted storytelling becomes more obvious.
The acting is fairly passable. It doesn't distract the viewer any more than the mediocre writing does. Radha Mitchell is head and shoulders above all other performers in the film. She conveys the fear and determination of a mother, searching for her lost and only daughter with poise and realism. Sean Bean is wasted with few lines and a pointless character that only serves to slow down the progression of the movie. Perhaps for the best, his character is poorly written and Sean Bean is directed for the role very well.
The sounds and music didn't quite pull me in. They fill their role but don't immerse the viewer into the films universe as well as they could have. The sounds are equally as important as the visuals, so in a film like this with strong visuals, the sound should amplify the experience. Sadly it didn't amplify at all.
Now as for those visuals, they were pretty astounding. The CG affects blended extremely well, i couldn't tell at times what was CG and what was a practical effect. The shot composition showed off the effects well and heightened the creepy factor. The monster design didn't meet par with the games but still impressed with deranged forms and creatures.
Silent Hill's story telling was weak in the film. All the interesting visuals in the world can't save a movie that gets as convoluted as this does. The climax doesn't make sense and cops out in the most unsatisfying way. Loose ends are not tied up and things just peter out in the end.
I would recommend Silent Hill only as an art gallery. Find clips of the movie to admire the visuals but don't sit down and watch the whole movie expecting it to form or complete any kind of story arc.