Visually stunning in every way. Technically average...

Rating: 6/10 (23 April 2006)

I have just been to see this film with a group of friends. It's worth noting that I'm an nineteen year-old male, I've experienced (to some extent) the 'Silent Hill' trilogy of games.
Firstly, I need to say this - "Silent Hill' is GRAPHIC. There are four or five memorable scenes that will stay with you for some time. The nature of these scenes means that the graphic violence is to some extent necessary, but man! This happens to be the most graphically violent film I have ever seen. With some extremely disturbing and hard hitting scenes.
Moving on, the screenplay is average. The acting is sub-par, (except a stunning performance from Jodelle Ferland), the camera-work is nothing worth talking about. The story is extremely slow and never really gathers momentum, it's almost a struggle to piece it together.
I noticed that during the first 10 minutes of footage in and around the town of 'Silent Hill' you can see how Christophe Gans aimed to film using an overhead third person view of the protagonists. It's very well executed and gives a real feel of the games. It would of been interesting to see more of the film in this way.
Now for the strong points. The visuals of this film are incredible; Graphics that I never thought possible, and have never witnessed. Never in my life have I witnessed such stunning computer generated special effects. A scene I noted in a bathroom when the walls began to peel - it looked simply stunning and so, so real.
This is by far one of the most intense films I have ever seen. The character design is a thing of beauty. From the enemies, down to the what we could call the "goodies", all costume and set design was thought about in great detail, and it pays off very well. To tie in with this the musical score and sound effects are PERFECT.
I HIGHLY recommend you see this film at the cinema. It is not for playback at home. As I say I highly enjoyed watching this at my local cinema, just be prepared for an uncomfortable ride.