The Invisible [Blu-ray]

"The Invisible" was not a perfect film. I like its paranormal aspect in much the same way that I like the film The Covenant. David Goyer who directed "Zig Zag" in 2002 and "Blade: Trinity II" sits at the helm of this project. He keeps the pacing rolling. If you watch the deleted scenes on the DVD, it's interesting to see how many of the plot details could have been handled in several ways and the choices he made as director. Probably the greatest star of the film is its cinematographer Gabriel Beristain who has shot "The Ring Two," "S.W.A.T.," and "Blade II." While there are some paranormal plot aspects that seem questionable, this remake of the Swedish thriller "Den Osynlige" holds up pretty well for me.

Justin Chatwin who has had parts in the films "Taking Lives" and "War of the Worlds" does a good job as the good-looking Nick Powell who want to go to school in London to study writing while his mother wants him to become a lawyer. Chatwin may not have the greatest depth as an actor, but he comes across warm and likeable in the film, despite the fact that he's making money by selling term papers. Margarita Levieva who was in the TV show "The Vanished" plays Annie Newton, a hard-edged girl who brawls her way through a difficult home life and puts her in league with some rowdy friends. Levieva did a nice job in this major role, showing depth between the violent temper and her softer feminine side. Marcia Gay Harden who won Best Supporting Actress Oscar for "Pollock" in 2000 and was nominated in the same category for "Mystic River" in 2003 plays Diane Powell, Nick's widowed mother whose business sense predominates over being emotionally sensitive. There was a great variety in her performance from the very tightly controlled confident woman to the grieving mother who breaks down in sobs at the lost of her son. Nick's best buddy is Pete played by Chris Marquette. Marquette plays a weak character that has a hard time standing up for himself and is often a victim. One of the most interesting parts is played by Australian actor Alex O'Loughlin who is currently the good looking vampire on TV's "Moonlight" and is also in "August Rush." As Annie's ex-con boyfriend and betrayer Marcus Bohem, he looks rough and acts solely for his own benefit. Given this, O'Loughlin still manages to bring a nicely varied performance to the screen that is interesting to watch, even when we don't like the character. I found the sweet touches like Nick being a pal to Annie's little brother to leave a smile, despite the bittersweet violence and outcome of the film. Overall, I found the film to have some excellent nuances that enhanced from watching it originally in the theatre and then on DVD. Enjoy!

If you're going to watch this movie expecting some scary moments and hair raising suspense, then you'll be disappointed. This film has more depth than that and isn't really a horror film. I'd say that the film is more similar to Donnie Darko than Ghost.
I personally thought that this film was beautiful in the way it portrayed the detachment of the two characters (Nick and Annie) from their surroundings. Nick, who had lost his father and lives with an emotionally suppressed mother, lives in a grand house and is an honor roll student. His one and only friend ends up causing Nick's near death experience. In contrast, Annie lives with an uncaring family (with the exception to her little brother) in a low income home, and though she has a boyfriend and two followers, they have no loyalty towards her. Even when the two of them get in trouble, the schools simply dismisses one for being an honor student and the other for being a hopeless case. In effect, both Nick and Annie are invisible.
The setting and atmosphere supports the mood of the entire film: the lonliness and isolation of the characters. Through this agonizing lonliness, Nick and Annie are able to communicate subconsciously. Despite the fact that Annie has killed (or put in a coma) Nick, he empathizes with her and the two bond spiritually.
There is also a contrast of good and evil btwn Nick and Annie. Nick, despite his essay-selling little side business, is portrayed in general (esp. as a spirit) as a warm and understanding person while Annie is portrayed as a spiteful and evil girl. However, through Nick's soothing and sympathy, Annie begins to seek atonement for her actions.
Overall, the film really is about being invisible, not only as a spirit, but also as to how physically alive humans can feel invisible through ignorance, neglect, or just lack of interest or time.

This is one movie where you are going to find yourself liking the criminal as well as the victim. My whole family sat down to watch it and everyone was drawn into the movie and screaming at the intense scenes. In fact, everyone that I know that has watched the movie has loved it, so I am not understanding the negative reviews on it. I can't even think of a single complaint about it, I loved the entire movie and found it to be powerful emotionally. Watch it and judge for yourself, hopefully you will be as moved as I was.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 97 reviews  3.3 out of 5 stars