The Good Bits Were Good. But As A Whole, It Doesn't Keep Up With The Good Bits.

Rating: 7/10 (20 July 2008)

Halfway through watching this for the second time (late at night on cable, having seen it a couple of years ago in the cinema when it first came out). I found myself thinking 'I remember this being a lot better'. It definitely picks up later on in the film, with some VERY well shot scenes of creepy goodness. As well as the story coming together in an acceptable way.
Parts that stand out, being the scene in the toilets when 'the darkness' comes, and the paint/reality peels away, and the wired up guy crawls out. The dude with the big sword...the dragging sound was supringly effective. And of course the hot dead nurses.
The bad... The fact that Radah Mitchelles character doesn't seem overly concerned that she's lost her daughter in this demon world. I know I'd be running around in hysterics if I was in that situation. This is especially cringe worthy as it is after all, a film based on a video game, and it really should try at ALL costs to maintain it's credibility.
I also didn't quite dig the characterisation of the cop. When she cuffs Radah's character, and then doesn't take them off AS SOON as she realises that not everything is quite right. (The road that she drove into silent hill on no longer being there). Your meant to like her, and this makes you dislike her, especially if you have a disdain for cops in the real world as it is already.
Overall, it's decent with some great scenes, but the film falls far from greatness all together. Will probably buy it one day when I see it for $10-$15.
P.S. Radah Mitchell's Aussie accent was really obvious, when she was screaming 'Sharon, Sharon!'. Perhaps not the best word for an Aussie trying to maintain an American accent to say repeatedly. And I think I should mention the very opening shot, just of Mitchell, calling out for her daughter, it kind of jolts you into the film in a not-so-blatant way, but extremely effective. (I think her accent was good in that part too, it's more so when she first gets to Silent Hill that it falls apart)
7/10
(reviewed after second viewing)