The Woman in Black.

Or...


Harry Potters next film.


Well the good news is that this is a fine film.  Well acted, shot and directed etc.  The look of the film is instantly spooky and traditional.  Think Basil Rathbones Hounds crossed with The Others and you will get the picture.


The story, which has been well adapted to the big screen by Jane Goldman (who is on a roll at the moment and looks to eclipse her husbands success!).  Is about Daniel Radcliffes character having to go on a work business to a spooky house.  This has similarities with Jonathons character in Brom Stokers Dracula.


Mix this up with dead children, spooky village suspicions and a ghostly house on an isolated misty island and Bobs your uncle.  Things do go bump in the night.


There is nothing that original about the type of scares on offer here.  However, like Insidious from 2011 its the execution that elevates the films to a higher level.  Im not ashamed to say that i jumped many times (along with the a times screaming audience) throughout the film.


Whats interesting about this film is that for the most part Daniel Radcliffe is the sole actor on the screen.  Although his character isn't a million miles away from a grown up, non magical Harry Potter.  He stall manages to get you on side and really get inside his head.  I assume that all his hard work on Broadway and the West End has honed his acting skills.


I would recommend this film to anyone who likes a traditional horror film.  If you liked The Others and the first 3/4s of Insidious then you will love it.


I was pleased to see a full cinema for this film.  It has also done very well in America.  A lot of the audience will just have gone because the Harry Potter connection.  I hope that this film will make them see the Harry Potter stars as fine actors in their own right.


The anticipation now is on when will we see Rupert Grint (Ronald Weasley) in his first post Potter role.  We've recently had Emma Watson on fine form in My Week With Maralyn (also worth checking out - 8 out of 10).  Come on Rupert your slipping behind.


Anyway now to the points out of 10.


Acting  
8 out of 10.  Daniel pretty much did most of the acting solo.


Costume / set design.
9 out of 10.


Spook factor.
8.5 out of 10.  Not as jumpy as Insidious.  But not far behind.


Overall.
8 out of 10.  Fine job all around.