Great Film

Rating: Null/10 (31 August 2006)

Like the games unless you really pay attention you might miss important details. But then again, even if you do pay attention you might not be sure if you know what happened. But that's quite okay by me - I like having too think a bit.
Some of the acting (very little)was sub-par but not a problem. The sets, the look of the film and all of that was unlike anything we've seen to date. And, Pryamid Head has got to be the evilest, cruelest, baddest thing ever to hit a movie screen - he puts the Freddy Kruger and Jason-types to shame. The only thing this movie lacked was enough PH. But that too is okay as I expect the movie makers to make it up to me in the sequel which I really hope is coming.
I was really pleased the movie remained so true to the look and feel of the games. And like the game it takes a couple of viewings to get a good feel for the story and characters - at least for me. It's a good excuse to buy the DVD which I did and have viewed it several times. But that's coming from a guy who has played the games dozens of times and still enjoy them.
I thought the main character R. Mitchell did a great job as did most of the actors. I'm not sure why but Cybil's part seemed forced at times - but that's okay since she's a babe.
I really enjoyed the scenes that came right out of the games - unlike many video game movies that you're not sure the movie should have the same title because they are so different.
Like most of the films I enjoy it got horrible reviews and as far as I know didn't do so well at the box office. I suspect it will do very well over seas and in video sales. It's pretty much a given that if the critics hate it I will love it.
But I digress.
My one criticism, all be it a minor one, is like the Tomb Raider series, I would have liked to see the main characters do a bit more exploring in creepy/dark environments with unseen monsters lurking in the shadows: Laura with her trusty flares and Silent Hill with a flashlight and radio in the school/dark streets environments. I guess because it's what characters of the games do most of the time. But it's easy to second guess.
Over all I thought this was a great film and well done.
Michael