Plot Summary
In one instant, millions around the globe disappear, leaving everyone else to wonder what just happened. Four friends find that all they have in the world is each other as they embark into the wilderness to search for one of their own. As they journey into the new landscape, they are forced to take refuge at a survivalist compound that seem safe on the outside, but is it really all it appears to be? In this new world, can anyone be trusted?
Production Quality (2 points)
EchoLight has always had a commitment to quality productions, but in Vanished, the quality slips slightly. Video quality, audio quality, and camera work are all professional except for some dizzying action shots. The soundtrack is pretty good but is sometimes used to fill time. Sets and locations are on par. However, there are some cheap-looking special effects, as well as weird ‘dramatic’ sound effects. There are also too many bouts of silence and too much slow-mo. Finally, there is tons of wasted time as this film is designed to set up for the inevitable next one. In short, EchoLight knows how to make an above-average production, but with Vanished, one has to wonder if it was worth it.
Plot and Storyline Quality (0 points)
After an opening sequence that dumps all kinds of information on the audience, things start happening at a rapid pace for the first twenty minutes before you can even catch your breath. After throwing a bunch of random characters together and trying to force you to get to know them too quickly, the plot soars off on a predictable apocalyptic progression that’s been done before and tries to hurriedly construct an isolating dystopian premise. Then when everything is set, things slow way down to let you be immersed in a half-hearted teenage love triangle. As previously mentioned, there’s not enough dialogue as one-dimensional characters wander around and make apocalyptic references and things happen because they need to. The entire storyline is based on coincidences and trumped up conflict as time progresses vaguely towards a cheesy climax and uninspiring end that is supposed to make you want another movie, but fails epicly. In short, there is little justification for this movie being made.
Acting Quality (2 points)
While it’s clear that this film was professionally cast and the cast members therein know what they’re doing, there’s still a handful of problems. Some emotions are too forceful and some line delivery is half-hearted. It also goes without saying that there is little chance the mainstream actors and actresses used in Vanished will come back for a supposed sequel.
Conclusion
Do we really need to re-hash this same old apocalyptic plot sequence over and over again? How many more times do we need to repackage and reboot the same worn out Left Behind concepts and characters? This time, it’s clear the creators were pandering to young adult audiences. Maybe it’s time to stop constantly trying to redo Left Behind, because this movie would have been better if it had just created its own dystopian premise and abandoned Left Behind altogether. Had the survivalist concept been expanded and the apocalyptic landscape been made a little more creative and mysterious and less copied, we could be looking at the start of a truly great saga. But instead we are left wondering what could have been.
Final Rating: 4 out of 10 points
Box Office Revolution 
I think the gospel message was watered down, but to be fair, if this was based on Left Behind: The Kids, more will be divulged as the series progresses. I say “series” as it seemed obvious to me the movie is set up for a sequel. Hopefully the same cast will appear in any sequel. I think they all did a superb job.
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Thanks for sharing!
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The dramatic climax scene in this movie is one of the worst I have ever seen. The writers force it to be all about the dumb love triangle in a very unsubtle way. The villain is very cheesy and poorly acted and the whole ends with a ridiculous bit of unintentional comedy. To make things worse the audience won’t care what happens to these characters because we don’t really get to know them and over all the stakes are very low.
It’s been a while since I have seen a plot as forced as this one. We don’t need anymore of these type of stories that just fill a spot in a franchise. It is clear when a writer is actually passionate about their original idea and this movie does not fit that bill.
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I totally agree with you, it is very clear when a writer is passionate about a film. As for the creators of this film, and every other creator of a sensational apocalyptic nothing, I have one thing to say to you: If you insist upon making films about the end of the world, please, do it right next time. Or don’t do it at all. Spend your time, money, and talents on making something worthwhile. Don’t make a movie until you are certain that it has God’s blessing. As this is the only kind of film that will ever make an impact.
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