Excellent film, meets and surpasses standards in every way.

Rating: 10/10 (21 April 2006)

Silent Hill came in with big expectations from video game fans, and horror fans alike. Knowing what I do about "game based films" usually tending to be sub-par, I was very impressed when Silent Hill not only met my standards for a great horror film, but also surpassed them.
Ignoring the typical teen horror movie "boo factor" Silent Hill scares by the creepiness of the backdrops, creating hellish environments out of otherwise peaceful (but slightly haunting) areas. The plot describes the town of Silent Hill that Rose finds herself trapped in as a "nightmare world", and that is exactly what Christophe Gans does with the film. Buildings actually transform into a caged inferno when "the darkness" comes. The creatures that come with this darkness, the pyramid head, the patient demons, and the nurse demons all instill a sense of innate fear.
But perhaps the best part was the fact that none of the evils of the world are overused. That is what truly separates this film from a zombie movie. The demons, with the exception of the pyramid head, aren't the true evil of the film, but rather work to install a profound sense of fear while they are on screen. Gans was not afraid to get gory in the film either, having several scenes with deformed and tortured bodies, as well as one where the pyramid head flays a human being with his bare hands. These scenes are also used extremely effectively, and nearly always add to the intensity of the movie.
The music and sound, much like in the game, is nearly perfect, avoiding the overused and ineffective "heavy metal horror" approach.
The acting, was the only part I could find some fault in. Radha Mitchell does a very good job with her part in most scenes, but there's a few where she is just way too "cool under fire" to be realistic. Sean Bean is not very emotional when he is "emotional" either. Other characters such as Laurie Holden playing Officer Bennett do an amazing job, and truly pull you into the plot though, so I can't discredit the casting too much.
In the end I truly believe this film is the best "video game movie" I have ever seen. It sticks true to the tales of silent hill, and leaves many allusions to the games, while not watering down the sheer sense of both mystery and fear that the games instill in its fans. As a horror movie this one also stands out above the rest, keeping the audience entertained, scared, and guessing throughout much of the film.
I give it a 10 out of 10, and I look forward to a sequel. I also recommend that any of you who liked the movie try the game, they compliment each other perfectly.