In 2006, director Christophe Gans terrified filmgoers across the country with Silent Hill, a horror film based on a series of videogames by the same name. Six years later, Michael J. Basset directed the sequel: “Silent Hill: Revelation 3D.”
There have been many sequels that have been considered masterpieces, even better than the original. “The Dark Knight”, “The Godfather: Part II”, and the list goes on. This film, however, was not such a sequel.
Following the now grown up Heather Mason, (Adelaide Clemens) “Silent Hill: Revelations” takes the viewer on Heather’s personal mission to return to the quaint town of Silent Hill to find out the origins of her past and to find her missing father (Sean Bean).
With falling ash, doomsday cults, people burnt at the stake and demonic hell monsters, “Silent Hill” proves to be a frightening experience for Heather.
Luckily, she has the film’s predictable masculine lead, Vincent (Kit Harington) to help her through town, but sadly not through the plot.
The overall storytelling of the film was rushed forward in a way that abridged the events of the last film. Thus, the ending was confusing, leaving many questions, but few answers.
The acting in the film was fairly rushed and somewhat forced. Adelaide Clemens plays the strong woman part well. Yet her performance leaves the viewer feeling oddly rubbed. This can be attributed more to the script than to any fault of her own.
The same can be said for Sean Bean. After giving excellent performances in works such as “GoldenEye”, “The Lord of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones”, it may be painful for some to view him in such an underpowered role.
The 3D for the movie was completely pointless and did nothing to enhance the cinematography, which was fine on its own.
Special effects, camera work and sounds offered a few good pop-up moments, which were good for a quick startle. Overall however, these elements were not scary.
This film had potential, but unfortunately didn’t live up to it. “Silent Hill: Revelation” had big shoes to fill after its predecessor. Sadly, this is just one of those movies where the original is just better than the sequel.
Grade: D+
