the woman in black2

Rating: 6/10 (17 May 2012)

I have been waiting for this film for some time. Which I think goes to show that there is an appreciative audience and a great deal of planning and work involved in such a production. I also had a little apprehension at another 'version' of a very well known film.I suppose there must be some kind of insecurity abound when they decide to go along with a re-make, rather than write a new story. I would think that the first film could easily have inspired a different idea but perhaps that is a symptomatic of a general decline in innovation these days. Having said that, I did enjoy the film; the acting is good, plenty of suspense, atmosphere, visually good and a few shocks. A good evenings viewing. That is where I see a problem. I can't help feeling of condescension. The action element, reference to tried effect from other films and above all added 'plot', all place the film as good entertainment rather than memorable film.The added plot, presumably to attract a larger audience, becomes more apparent as the film progresses, and as a film often leads towards a lingering sense of thought, in this case it culminates in an easy, Dysney type conclusion. I can't help thinking of the way children would explain the story to each other, pointing out the signs along the way. I would recommend 'The Woman in black' as a good ghost film but not what it could have easily been. Which goes to show that although there is a tremendous talent in Britain for filmmaking, Innovation is suppressed in favour of the box office.