Silent Hill: Revelation

As with any movie attempting to bring a video game to life, I went into Silent Hill: Revelation with an open mind.  As a fan of the Silent Hill series, I sat down to watch it with no expectations of a blockbuster.  Let’s be honest, you don’t watch a Resident Evil or Silent Hill film thinking you’ll get a piece of cinematic genius.  I just wanted what I always hope to get from these types of movies - a decent representation of reference from the source material.  All in all, I would say that Revelations did a fair job.

Before the movie even premiered, I was personally excited just based on the casting.  I felt that Adelaine Clemens was a good choice for Heather, and it was proven by the end of the movie.  I was also pleased to see Sean Bean return for his role, with fellow Game of Thrones actor Kit Harrington no less.

For fans of the Silent Hill series, this is definitely filled with a solid amount of game reference.  Between it being loosely based on the plot for SH3, and including canon names and situations, I was pleased with their use of material from the game.  Also of specific mention are the monsters, which were presented very well as far as I’m concerned.

Visually, the film was well done in my opinion.  Scenes involving the switch from the real world to the “Otherworld” were done in a effective, creepy fashion once again.  Watching the environment deteriorate and surround the characters in the evil of Silent Hill brings you back to the game.  The only thing I can’t comment on unfortunately is how good the 3D aspect is, as I avoid watching 3D if at all possible.  You could definitely pick out scenes created for the gimmick, so it is likely effective.

As far as the story goes, it was a little weak, but held up by a lot of game references to please fans.  It seems as with many comic or video game adaptations that they tried to balance fan content with a story people unfamiliar could follow.  It left a little to be desired, and likely a good amount for non-fans.  Then again, you don’t expect wonders from this type of movie, fan or not..

One thing of note that I actually appreciated is that it was not overly graphic.  You might think it would be, especially if you don’t know the games, but that is not the case.  I feel it served the movie well though, as excessive gore was never really a theme for the Silent Hill games.  They’re meant to freak you out mentally, without needing to be super bloody.

So, is it worth watching?  I certainly think so.  This is of course a bit biased as a fan.  So is it worth watching if you don’t know Silent Hill?  Eh, it’s a maybe for you.  At least not in the theaters.

Submitted By: Brian Belanger