Winter Views...

The Woman In Black - 3 stars ***

I went to see this as I saw the stage production of it whilst on holiday in Edinburgh with my boyfriend, and it was so creepy! I was interested to see if the chill-factor translated as well when it was adapted for the silver screen. 

When I heard that Daniel Radcliffe was playing the lead, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. Having not seen him in anything since Harry Potter (and not being particularly enamoured of him in that) I didn't think he would do the role justice, and also thought it very odd that he was cast in a role that requires him to have a 4 year old son, when he looks little over 18, despite the addition of facial hair! Even so, I was willing to give it, and him, a try.

Basically the story is about a young widowed solicitor, who moves to a remote area to go through some papers left by a lady who has died. Whilst he is staying there he starts to see a mysterious lady, and young children begin to die in freakish accidents. The longer he stays, the more time he has to delve into the history of the area, where he learns that similar accidents have occurred whenever newcomers move into the house. He vows to solve the mystery, to no avail.

I think the main problem with this film, aside from Radcliffe, who didn't do anything to change my former opinion of him, is that it has had unnecessary parts added to it to make the audience jump (look away when he touches the window!). I personally feel that the plot is scary enough, especially with the twist at the end, so no extra bumps in the night were needed. But that's Hollywood I guess.

It is worth watching if you want a cheap thrill with a very good story behind it. But personally I would recommend seeing it at the theatre, for a much more spine-tingling experience.