Definitely Recommended

Rating: 8/10 (24 April 2006)

I saw this movie this afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed it. Granted, I don't play video games (my expertise in that arena ended with original NES), but I enjoy horror flicks, especially psychological thrillers. This fit the bill perfectly. Not once was I completely sure what was going on, and that only added to the appeal. It leaves so much to the imagination, allowing the viewer to make up his or her own mind about each scene and, ultimately, the ending. The film doesn't have many "jump" scares, but remains creepy and foreboding throughout. Beginning with the haunting opening scene, I was literally on the edge of my seat, wracking my brain and trying to figure out the twists and turns of it. My husband and I spent at least an hour afterwords discussing our own opinions as to the plot, subject matter and the like. Brilliant. For those gamer fans, perhaps this may be a let down. Even I know this is a popular series and I'm sure players have unusually high expectations about the film in relation to the games. For me, though, this is one rare occasion where I can say I was glad to spend the exorbitant amount required to get the "theater experience", and will likely purchase the movie on DVD when it is released. Recommendation: Free your mind of expectations, and go see this movie. If you can do that, it will undoubtedly entertain you for what it is - a first rate thriller - and will definitely provoke some interesting conversation.