A horror film that makes you think

Rating: 9/10 (1 May 2006)

I've been a fan of the Silent Hill games since the first one came out. They're practically one of the only few video games titles I ever play anymore. The thing I loved about the Silent Hill games was not just the amazing graphics, gameplay, concept, and strategy of the game, but the main thing I loved the most was the thought put into the story lines. When you look at this series, it's amazing how far video games have come. You're practically participating in a movie when you play these things. As a fan, I've always had the utmost respect and dedication to the Silent Hill games.
Having said that, I was very impressed with this film adaption of Silent Hill. Walking in, I'm one of the toughest critics of video-game based movies. I know, as everyone else does, that most of them have been so horrible. Something happens when the film crew tries to transfer what's on the game console to the silver screen. In fact, I considered Resident Evil to be the biggest disappointment of them all. So as you could see, although I was aware of the potential of a Silent Hill movie, I assumed it would be wasted like most other opportunities.
I was wrong.
I was very impressed with what Christopher Gans did with Silent Hill. Since he was such a fan of the series, I should've given him more credit walking in. I regard this as one of the best Horror/Scary movies ever produced (let alone best video game adaption). Because unlike most other horror movies, where 90% of them don't even have a plot, let alone are either too cliché, not really scary, or are just plain dumb, this one goes the extra mile to deliver you a frightening, mysterious, nightmare experience. It's a story that uncovers slowly as you progress, covered in mystery and amazing graphics that would make you scared half to death if you put yourself in that situation.
As a video game fan, I believe most other fans will be very satisfied when they see how close Christopher Gans brought the concept to life, as well as sticking close enough to the original story as possible (at least as close as you could ever expect for a video game adaption).
As a movie fan, this is one of the only horror films that has ever entertained me from beginning to end. Unlike most horror films, this one makes you think. It's not a bunch of cheap slashings with lame characters and stupid humor. It reads like a mystery novel that makes you afraid to turn the next page. And if you really like the movie, you should play the games to get the full effect.
My hat goes off to Christopher Gans on a job well done that did way more than exceed expectations.