The Woman in Black

Ever since "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", or "Philosipher's Stone" as it's called in the UK, Daniel Radcliffe has cemented himself as one of the best British actors working today. He's kept a good carreer going, and has evolved into a very talented actor. And, like Hugh Jackman, the guy can friggin sing! We've all come to love Radcliffe, and now that the Harry Potter series has ended, we take a look at his newest work, "The Woman in Black".

"The Woman in Black" tells the story of Arthur Kipps, a man whose wife died giving birth to his son. Four years later, he is sent from London to a town at the edge of England, to clean up the foundations of a house, which is said to be haunted. While in town, he meets up with a man named Sam Daily, who has dealt with the supernatural, ever since his son died. Reasoning being, the house was cursed many years ago, and now whoever sees 'the woman in black' a child is sent to die. Now Arthur and Sam must find some way to please the spirit, and end the nightmarish curse. Now, I've heard that this was an adaption of a book from the early 80's, and I can see that. It was also a remake of an old TV mini-series from about 15 years ago, that actually starred the guy who played James Potter in Deathly Hallows part 2. Coinsidence? I think not. Plus, this was Hammer Films Production's first film in over 30 years. They were the ones who made the British remakes of Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Mummy, all of which involved Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, two of the greatest horror icons of all time. This was by far their best film.

Radcliffe really did an amazing job with this role. He really knew how to get this performance as solid and majestic as he did. We can see the troubles he goes through, and that he wants to find out the secrets that happened in the house. Radcliffe has shown to many, he's a good actor, but never in my life have I seen him in such a better role. His performance that he gives in this is...dare I say, BETTER than his performance as Harry Potter. Ciaren Hinds, who recently played Abeforth Dumbledore in "Deathly Hallows part 2", plays Sam Daily. He's really believable in the role, and it really does show that british actors shouldn't be underrated. By the way, did you know that the kid who playes Arthur's son, Joseph, is actually Daniel Radcliffe's godson? Pretty neat, huh?

Now let me talk about the scares and suspense in this film, since it's a horror flick. Well, I got to say, I enjoyed it a lot. They weren't all jumpscares, and even some that were, I didn't flinch at. The suspense is what really draws you in, and it really stands as one of the best horror movies I've ever seen. My only problem with it, was probably the experience, since I found some people in the audience laughing, giggling, talking, etc., and it almost killed it for me. Thankfully, I was patient enough to enjoy this.

Overall, "The Woman in Black" is one of my favorite movies of the year, and will probably be far up in the top 5 by the end of it. I highly recommend it for any horror fan, Radcliffe fan, or movie goer in general. For it being a PG-13 horror flick, it did it right. It didn't need gore, it doesn't have any annoying characters, it doesn't need nudity, and it doesn't need constant cussing. It's simply a PERFECT ghost story. And that's what this movie is. Perfect.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

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