Silent but violent, this gory horror seems to be a little underrated by proper reviewers. That's not to say it isn't bad, and it is hugely lacking in many ways, but it has it's positive aspects too. I've never played any of the games of the same name, but Pyramid Head reminds me of Executioner Majini from the 'Resident Evil' franchise.
Many of the antagonists were beautifully designed, their disfigurements brought to life through jerky movements and shudder inducing crunch-and-scrape sound effects. I particularly liked the armless man, one of the first creatures encountered. As he walks fitfully out of the fog towards the unprepared police officer it gradually becomes apparent to everyone that something is very wrong - and then it's chest starts rupturing acid. Apparently dancers were hired for many of these creatures, and they do a great job, as the combination of their movements, the creature's muted keening, and the wet crunch of disjointed limbs, are used to sickening effect.
Many of the antagonists were beautifully designed, their disfigurements brought to life through jerky movements and shudder inducing crunch-and-scrape sound effects. I particularly liked the armless man, one of the first creatures encountered. As he walks fitfully out of the fog towards the unprepared police officer it gradually becomes apparent to everyone that something is very wrong - and then it's chest starts rupturing acid. Apparently dancers were hired for many of these creatures, and they do a great job, as the combination of their movements, the creature's muted keening, and the wet crunch of disjointed limbs, are used to sickening effect.
The sets were also fantastic, and the journey of dilapidation each room takes as darkness falls is fun to see. Paint peels, tiles crack, and biley blood type stuff starts seeping out of everything.
Sadly the movie is totally let down by it's boring characters, terrible writing, and stupid dialogue. The story itself would sound just about acceptable if described to me, but the way it was executed was poor. A lot of time is wasted on the father (a total waste of Sean Bean who is by far the best actor in this film - and he obviously isn't even trying very hard), and his plotline ultimately doesn't even go anywhere.
The twists towards the end are alright, though really pretty average for a film like this, and they are presented badly. When main characters die it just feels like the wrong time, and the impact is minimised. But yeah, a good movie if you enjoy flaying and fourth degree burns.
The twists towards the end are alright, though really pretty average for a film like this, and they are presented badly. When main characters die it just feels like the wrong time, and the impact is minimised. But yeah, a good movie if you enjoy flaying and fourth degree burns.
Silent Hill: 17.6