Chills you to the bone...

Rating: 9/10 (12 February 2012)

Every once and a while, a film comes out that leaves images, emotions, and dreams in my head for days on end after viewing it. "The Woman in Black" is one of those films. Not since "Drag Me to Hell" and "1408" has a horror film left such a print on me. Horror movies, in general, suffers greatly from terrible directors, cheap scares, and a slew of god awful young actors who end up taking off their shirt, making you forget how bad the movie actually is.
While this film has a few "cheap scares" (overly loud sound cues bursting out of silence - of course you're going to jump at these noises. They're unnaturally loud!), it holds on to a beautiful script with smart direction and an outstanding cast of actors all around.
Let's look at the flaws...
1.) "Cheap scares". I mentioned it above, and I cannot express how much I am tired of seeing these in every horror movie after horror movie. I don't mind the pop outs, someone standing behind you when you're looking in a mirror/window, etc. It's the bloody damn loud screech of the violin, or the unnaturally loud "caw" of a crow bursting out of extreme silence. It's not needed in every film. Every genre has this one thing though. In horror, its the loud unnatural noises bursting out of silence. In action, it's the super unnatural explosion. For romance it's the same old make/out sex scene. For comedy, it's...well, lately it's bad juvenile writing.
2.) Ah, who am I kidding, that's the only thing that comes to mind.
Let's look at what's good...
1.) Daniel Radcliffe! I thought it would be a hard transition from Harry Potter to anything else...but he pulls it off beautifully. A very sympathetic character, beautifully acted, and he just fits right in the tone and look of the film. IF he continues to make wise choices on the roles he takes on, then I am excited to see where his career takes him.
2.) The direction is outstanding. This feels like an old European hammer classic. There is a scene of dread that carries on through the whole film...and I mean that in a good way. While Daniel Radcliffe is slowly advancing down a dark mysterious hallway, while a the sound of something rocking at the end echoes through, he holds an axe in one hand a burning candle in the other! I loved it! Classic, clean, and beautiful!
3.) The cinematography/costumes/and set are amazing. Beautiful and rich with detail. This comes close to the look and feel I had with "The Wolfman" (2010). Tim Burton and Tod Browning would be proud.
9 out of 10 stars. If you liked this movie or you would like a better recommendation on a similar sort of film...check out "Nosferatu " 1922 or "Lady in White" 1988.
Over and dead,
Fox Rain Matthews