Silent Hill is a major step for video game to movie adaptations

Rating: 10/10 (23 April 2006)

As a long-time gamer, and fan of the Silent Hill video games. I have to say that this movie represents, in my opinion, a giant leap forward for video game to movie adaptations.
I say this for the following reasons. The plot line managed to be the same as the games, even though there were some minor changes made. The soundtracks from the games were used as the soundtrack for the movie. The creature designs were spot on from the games, with a few minor tweaks. Most importantly, the town itself and the fog were taken directly from the game as well.
I've always held out hope that they would finally get the formula for video game movies right. Silent Hill represents that formula, and serves as an example of just how good that adaptation can be.
A word to all the nay sayers of this film. Consider that in the game, the goal of finding your daughter is the same, but in order to do so, you have to explore the town, and deal with it's denizens. Part of the game was finding out what happened in this town. The movie does this perfectly.
I realize that many people expected a Saw, Hostel, or a Land of the Dead, and that's why they left disappointed. I would too if I was expecting that, but honestly, I feel that those movies represent the lower quality spectrum of horror movies.
It's great to expect quick scares, if that's what you are in the mood for. However, there is a market for cerebral horror films (i.e.: The Ring (1 not 2), The Grudge, Jacob's Ladder, etc.) as well, and Silent Hill is just such a movie. The key is that you have to think and ask questions as you watch the movie, in order to understand what you are watching.
Overall, I rate this movie a 10 because of the milestone in video game adaptations for the big screen. Also, I feel that the use of the soundtrack, characters, and imagery from the game is almost exact. Finally, the plot, while admittedly not Oscar worthy, is still understandable, and the effects and atmosphere serve it well. Do yourself a favor and see this movie and keep these things in mind when you do.