Silent Hill: Revelation 3D (2012)

After entering the world of Silent Hill, the daughters were amazed at the dark atmosphere in the original. As Halloween draws closer, it is becoming easier to create some scares and I decided to help force some small fears by pushing the heavy atmosphere and continuing a winding road into Silent Hill. After the original, it was time for Silent Hill: Revelation 3D (2012).

Plot/ When her father disappears, Heather Mason is drawn into a strange and terrifying alternate reality that holds answers to the horrific nightmares that have plagued her since childhood.

Sequels are always difficult to judge, as they can almost never live up to the expectations set by the original. That is definitely the case here, as even though there are some positives with it, it in no way lives up to the original. There was a lot to like; the acting was decent, the creatures interesting, and the storyline stayed true to the original ideas. Sure, the pacing was off, there were too many jump scares and the characterization was non-existent, but still it is nowhere near enough to totally sink this. In the end, this one could not generate the same atmosphere that made the original film and the video game awesome and it almost felt rushed. Sure, this one is not for everyone, as it does have some violence and gore, but it is entertaining. If you have not seen it, this one is not the original Silent Hill, but it is decent attempt at a sequel.

Silent Hill (2006)

Now that Hamlet is in the rearview, it was nice to be able to watch some decent horror flicks last night with the daughters. What did we decide on? Well, since the Paranormal Activity franchise has because laughable even to them, I decided to let them venture into another franchise, one that may be a little darker, the realm of Silent Hill.

Plot/ Based on the video game, a woman goes in search for her daughter, within the confines of a strange, desolate town called Silent Hill.

Inspiration for movies can come from anywhere, and Silent Hill proved that the transition from video game to cinematic experience can be accomplished in a well done manner. Yes, it is not a perfect flick, but it is dark and atmospheric, everything that one would expect. The storyline is interesting, the gore and effects work, and the performances are on the money. More importantly, for the gamers, there are a lot of similarities in scenery and creatures between the movie and game. Of course, there are some head scratching moments and some minor pacing issues, but that is not a huge hold-up with the movie. In the end, this is a creepy flick that is perfect for the dreary wintery nights that are on the horizon. If you have not watched it, check it out.