User reviews

This movie is really mysterious and starts with great promise - people disappearing in the darkness - well, this is frightening. It is not too logical - some things do happen but somehow contradicts the story logic (ie. small girl with solar powered flashlight somehow survives even if there is mentioned that the Sun rises only for a few hours, hardly to recharge the flashlight).

All right. I'm willing to accept even less logical movies like Japanese horror movies which often do not respect time or actual causality. However these movies usually do try to explain what his happening and why it is happening (with several theories how to resolve the situation, often wrong).

But there is hardly any explanation here, only "signs" which may be interpreted in many ways. The ending is sudden, hardly explains anything and left me unsatisfied. Is the happening local or global? Is it transitory or final? Is it demonic or end of the world caused by God? The movie focuses on (not too successful) attempts to survive but provides way too few answers. The feeling is depressing, which is good, but I really lack the climax. The ending was somehow abrupt and unsatisfactory. I like it, but it is only "good", not "great".

Well this movie has a good cast and even a decent concept, but its missing something that would make it much,much better. A decent ending and 'some' explanation. While i'm sure the the writers wanted to leave an air of mystery at the end, there was just too little build up in between. The actors did a decent job with what they had, I mean it wasn't there fault. The problem was we really have no idea about anything going on in the movie all the way through. Even when we start start seeing it first hand there is still no explanation. Still, as it the movie itself was OK(I guess) and is deserving of its 6 rating. I'm just disappointed as it felt unfinished and rushed and I know it could've been so much better.

I definitely wouldn't advise paying for this movie, but if you come across it on cable and you have nothing to do, check it out.

Existentialist horror film from director Brad Anderson ("Session 9") and writer Anthony Jaswinski exploits the all too understandable human fear of the dark. It stars Hayden Christensen as Luke (a reporter), Thandie Newton as Rosemary (a physical therapist), John Leguizamo as Paul (a movie theatre employee), and newcomer Jacob Latimore as James (a 12 year old son of a barmaid). They're brought together in a bar when mysterious forces overwhelm the city of Detroit, turning daytime into the night time. Also, dark spirits seem to be everywhere, and the human population of the city has mostly disappeared (leaving only piles of clothes behind). These four people must ponder such questions as why this has happened and why it's the four of them that are left, in addition to struggling to survive.

Anderson creates such spooky atmosphere and tension that it's a shame that the film doesn't work better than it does. This viewer would agree with others that it does feel like an unfinished script, and it leaves people wanting to know what comes next. Obviously, Jaswinski and Anderson aren't about to really explain anything in this slim story, which in itself is not necessarily a bad thing, but then our four main characters are never fleshed out that much. Therefore, it's hard to maintain much rooting interest in them, despite the best efforts of this cast. Still, you do feel for Rosemary and James to some degree since they don't know the fates of their son and mother (respectively). The film is very well shot in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio by Uta Briesewitz, with the lighting never revealing more than it should, and the visual effects are generally well done. One of the main problems is that the set-up is just too familiar to be that engaging. For one thing, the piles of clothes left behind automatically calls to mind "Night of the Comet" from 26 years previous.

Look for Andersons' filmmaking peer Larry Fessenden as a bike messenger.

Six out of 10.

Why nut burn stuff for light. They had a entire city full of wooden objects to burn for light. Even if this was set in a rural area, they could've collected wood to burn at night.

While parts of the movie peaked my interest, overall, it was very disappointing. A vague plot, poor script, weak effects and actors trying their best to make it work. Too bad they failed. A movie with this premise has great potential, it can lead the viewer down a path and let the audience intellectually fill in the blanks. In order for that to occur, the movie itself must provide the plot points, the material that that allows, and draws the viewer to want to connect the dots and create, so to speak, their own movie within a movie. I just gave up, and so, apparently, did the filmmakers. I won't gave away anything, because there really isn't anything to tell.

An unexplained blackout plunges the city of Detroit into total darkness, and by the time the sun rises, only a few people remain-surrounded by heaps of empty clothing, abandoned cars and lengthening shadows. A small handful of strangers that have survived the night each find their way to a rundown bar, whose gasoline-powered generator and stockpile of food and drink make it the last refuge in a deserted city. With daylight beginning to disappear completely and whispering shadows surrounding the survivors, they soon discover that the enemy is the darkness itself, and only the few remaining light sources can keep them safe. As time begins to run out for them, darkness closes in and they must face the ultimate terror. -- (C) Magnolia

I hate to use something from RUBBER, a film I loathed, but it fits so well here: VANISHING uses the plot of "no reason," a plot that raises many questions but doesn't answer them by the time the credits roll. It is this very reason why the film is disliked by many. Yet, films like THE HAPPENING, KNOWING, and THE FORGOTTEN get bashed because of the explanations of their plots. Go figure. Yes, as human beings, we often want to make sense of events that occur, especially in films, yet we need to realize things in life just happen. VANISHING may be low on explanation, but it's high on suspense due to the use of a common fear: the dark.

Let's take a moment to talk about why so many people fear the darkness: It's not the darkness itself that people are afraid of, but rather, the fear of the unknown. Just what is lurking in the darkness? VANISHING uses this fear and capitalizes on it which generates many of the films' unnerving moments. In fact, its resistance on explaining everything is what makes the film scary. And no, the film doesn't use any "pop out" scares. It's better than that. The film builds up its scares with a chilling atmosphere. That, ladies and gentlemen, is called suspense, and don't be surprised. Director Brad Anderson is in the chair. With films like TRANSIBBERIAN and THE MACHINEST already under his belt, Anderson knows how to make films that are thrilling.

The cast is good as well, but that's probably because I have a soft side for them. Haters of Hayden Christensen will find themselves unconvinced, but I thought he pulled off a good performance. Although their characters don't ask for much, John Leguizamo and the beautiful Thandie Newton do a great job providing sympathy to their roles. Jacob Latimore, the kid actor, plays quite an annoying character at first, which shouldn't be a surprise, but I got to eventually warm up to him in the middle point of the film.

Overall, VANISHING impressed me. While there may be some inconsistency in its high-concept premise, it really makes up for it on the scares. The actors are good as well and the production values are great for a small film like this. Give this film a chance.

OK - let me start by saying this isn't a BAD film. Its just that there's no pay-off at the end. You're left with a "So what WAS going on?" feeling. All successful stories have a start, a middle and an end. Vanishing on 7th Street is missing the 'end'.

The acting, direction and camera work all make the grade - but thats all. Its almost as if they've JUST managed to do enough to warrant getting paid. While there are a few nice touches during the film, there isn't anything here that you wont have seen before. Although I was surprised by one event close to the end which I wont ruin by revealing here.

Unless you have some reason to watch this film I wouldn't waste the time. There are 100s of 'fair/mediocre' films out there so choose one that at least has a proper 'end'.

5/10

The movie is creepy and dark and functions well without shock moments and the spilling of blood. There is some solid acting and the characters are not totally unbelievable, though they appear a little like the usual all-American suspects. I definitely don't agree with the frequent criticism that the movie lacks an explanation. The lack of an explanation is the actual concept of the movie. If the movie provided one, it would be as much fun as looking at a filled-in sudoku. The viewer is given food for thought by the different explanatory approaches done by the movie characters. I liked the reference to the "lost colony"-case, a historical oddity concerning the unresolved vanishing of a group of early settlers in America. I agree that the ending can be understood in a way that makes it seem cheesy - I interpreted it differently and so for me it was satisfying. I don't want to give anything away so let me just say as much: In my opinion no one survives at the end, but that certainly is disputable. My rating is a solid 6, although I was tempted to give more just to lift the overall rating since imo it is undeserved.

Everyone is droning on about the lack of an explanation. The movie does not answer "Why" but enough is given to allow viewers their own interpretation. Personally i don't see this as poor writing, but intentional. They tell you that it's all random, if you accept that then you'll enjoy yourself. Where this movie shines is in its shadows. The atmosphere is captivating and suspenseful, the viewer is immersed in the characters desperate need for light and the will to survive. The shadow effects/creatures are amazingly well done and unique. If you are a fan of "The Light versus Shadows" genre, such as Pitch Black and Darkness Falls, this is a good addition.

'VANISHING ON 7TH STREET': Two and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Brad Anderson directs this apocalyptic horror film about an unknown darkness falling on mankind and devouring everything in it's path. Hayden Christensen, Thandie Newton, John Lequizamo and newcomer Jacob Latimore star as a small group of survivors who band together. The film was written by Anthony Jaswinski (who's written a few other low rent horror films no one's heard of, mainly of the made for TV variety). Anderson has shown some skill in past projects (he directed the impressive 2004 thriller 'THE MACHINIST', featuring a 110 pound Christian Bale) but here he sinks to pure mediocrity directing a pretty forgettable routine thriller.

One random day there's a severe power outage and most of the world's population vanishes into thin air, leaving nothing behind but their clothes. The remaining survivors are quickly gobbled up by the ever growing darkness as well and the only way to escape it is to stay in the light, which becomes more and more scarce as electricity continues to fail and the days grow shorter and shorter. The film focuses on four surviving strangers who find each other in a bar on 7th Street in Detroit Michigan. Christensen stars as a TV anchorman named Luke, Leguizamo co-stars as a movie theater projectionist named Paul, Newton also co-stars as a mother desperately looking for her lost child and Latimore plays a young boy first camped out in the bar hopelessly waiting for his mom to return.

The film is interesting at first but none of it's puzzling questions are really answered. It's suspenseful and effectively eerie at times but nothing builds to a very satisfying conclusion. The point of the movie is never clearly known. Some will enjoy it's open-endedness but others will be frustrated by what some will call it's creative laziness. The performances are all adequate at best, the screenplay somewhat boring and the directing ho-hum. Not a complete waste of time for horror and suspense thriller fans but ultimately forgettable.

Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aotBOLCP-Yg

How can you run from the dark? After waking up to an empty city Luke (Christensen) and a small group of survivors try to find a way to escape. When they realize the darkness is what is causing the vanishings can they find enough light to survive? Based on the previews I had pretty high expectations for this movie, it was very slow moving. The idea was pretty creepy, and it is tons better then "The Happening", although the story line was pretty similar. This movie seems like a really good "Twilight Zone" episode, but it doesn't really work as a full length movie. It gets repetitive pretty quick. It begins as a pretty scary movie, but runs out of steam quick and begins to drag. This is not a bad movie at all, but after the "last man on earth" type movies like "I Am Legend" this one doesn't really compare. Much, much better then "The Happening", but not one to rush out and see. I give it a C.

Would I watch again? - Probably not.

*Also try - Skyline & The Happening

Quite frankly when I sit down to watch a film like this I'm not expecting fireworks, but I do like to be entertained. That being said, this film lacks everything, apart from production value. Honestly, that's it. There is nothing I hate more than a movie that does not deliver on, plot, character development and sense. Yes, sense. Strangely these, things, can turn off any light they want apart from when it deviates from the ridiculous storyline (what there was of it), and the addition of momentary dogma from one character, which was quickly forgotten, is a tragic if not rife Hollywood device which never goes anywhere. It is in all it's tragic glory a sad reminder of the tripe that passes as screen-writing these days. I could go on longer, or indeed put this in paragraphs, but just like the film-makers, I just can't be arsed.

I rated this one with 3 out of 10 to pay my respects to the acting crew. Other than that, this movie is simply horrible. There's nothing new in the story. We've seen it a million times before. It's the same old story, only put out in a different way. And talking about clichés? Just wait for the ending. The whole concept of the movie reminds me of those "end of the world", and "the new virus has spread across the universe, and only a small group of people have survived" movies, except things that are causing troubles here, are a bit... different and pretty dull. I couldn't really see any point that was supposed to be made. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think this world would have been a better place if this movie had never been made.

The comparison has been made: this movie is like The Mist! And, I agree.

I loved The Mist and I love this. The Mist was a significantly more expensive movie but the special effects were great and there was a lot of character interaction. This movie is very small but there are still great dynamics between the main characters.

One of the major differences in the story, though, is the relative lack of exposition. Didn't you want to know what the messages were about, whether these are real mysteries instead of pure fiction? I did. But, I didn't get a chance to write down the name of the thing allegedly leaving the message, and so haven't followed up on it yet.

The feeling I had watching the movie was that I was watching one of the writers of The Outer Limits' short stories put into a feature-length film. Sadly, the DVD I purchased didn't have more in the extras to help us out.

Horror/Sci-Fi stories revolving on a small handful of survivors of the apocalypse usually result in very tense, atmospheric and compelling movies. There are the obvious adaptations of Richard Matheson's classic novel, more specifically "The Omega Man" and "I Am Legend", but also several more obscure but very worthwhile hidden gems, such as "Night of the Comet", "The Quiet Earth", "The Flesh, The World and the Devil" and "Where have all the people gone?" I was really hoping that this modestly budgeted and seemingly unsettling (judging by the DVD cover, at least) new flick could be another apocalyptic gem. My hope even increased upon noticing the name of director Brad Anderson (whose "Session 9" and "The Machinist" are vastly underrated genre highlights) and a few people in the cast, like John Leguizano and Thandie Newton. Unfortunately, however, this turned out to be an enormously disappointing and almost frustratingly bad movie with absolutely nothing to recommend; not even for die-hard Sci-Fi movies. The script of "Vanishing on 7th Street" pretty much contains every irritating rookie mistake you can think of. Yes, as a writer you need to remain vague about the cause of the apocalypse and the nature of the evil purchasing the last remaining survivors… But eventually you do have to reveal something at least! Who or what are the silhouettes prowling in the dark shadows? Why did exactly these four people escape from the first death rush that caused everyone to vaporize in the clothes? Is there anywhere left to run to outside of Chicago? The characters are asking themselves these very same questions and they don't find an answer, neither, so don't expect that the film will make any sense to us. Apart from a relatively absorbing first fifteen minutes, in which the survivors are confronted with their desolate situation, "Vanishing on 7th Street" is an extremely boring and void experience. Four people, three adults and a twelve-year-old kid, entrench themselves in a trashy bar with all the neon lights, jukeboxes and flickering pinball machines working at maximum power. This is necessary because, whenever it gets dark, whiny and badly computer engineered black silhouettes try to devour them. Further onwards in the film, the survivors go completely berserk – I presume – and start hallucinating as well as undertaking all sorts of idiotic rescue attempts. You don't feel sympathy for any of the characters and, quite frankly, I didn't get the impression that they really wanted to survive their ordeal. The performances are alike, meaning mundane and careless, and Anderson only manages to generate a few noteworthy atmospheric moments near the beginning. I believe another reviewer said it best when he wrote: if "Vanishing on 7th Street" would have been another tad bit slower and more boring, it would have been an over-hyped M. Night Shyamalan dud.