2. It's Not A Lone Wolf Story Anymore
The main problem with adapting the original Half-Life game directly into the cinematic medium is that for the majority of the game, it's just a lone wolf skulking around a science facility killing the monsters and baddies; again, it works for the video game medium, but not so much for films. The film will need to have more in common with Half-Life 2, and that's partly why I suggested incorporating elements from it; the resistance fighter narrative of the second game is far more cinematic, and Gordon's relationship with Alyx - or if Gordon's not in it, an equivalent relationship - would make an interesting focal point for the film. Basically, the mute, lone Gordon won't wash; we need a vocal character who has people around him, and we're sure J.J. can concoct a way to make that work within the second game's framework.