After reading some poor reviews about this film I felt compelled to come to imdb and write a review. I watched this film last night and thought one thing throughout: brilliant. I will not go into too much detail but the way the story unravels is rather unique and the acting is very strong all around. I thoroughly enjoyed the screenplay and cannot remember when a film caught me this off guard. I laughed and even got choked up at parts of this film. It just pulls you in from the get go. It was a great change of pace from the rest of the garbage being released these days.
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Unocrew20 March 2018
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shil05009 March 2018If you are tired of all the blue screen, green screen super female hoopla. Watch this real movie that will give you a ride & make you have some conscious thoughts about life, love, happiness & tragedy. A well written & acted story from start to finish. No spoilers here. The editing was amazing as it would give you a piece that kept you wanting more faster. You have to watch, listen & give your attention to a deserving story movie! Relax, pause & reflect upon things to look forward to as you enjoy your 2 hours of escape into Sidney Hall's life. Enjoy
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nikashvili7 March 2018Even though Sidney Hall is not perfect, it's a compelling story with some nice writing, and in my opinion, superb acting by Lerman and Fanning. It has a weird way to tell the story, starts somewhere in the end and then jumps through timeline several times. But after all, it does make sense. In fact, I loved last 20 minutes of the movie. It gave all the answers, they made sense, and it was kinda sad.
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itenkroode13 November 2021I thought the first half was very slow and boring, but somehow still intriguing.
The ending completely stunned me though and completely changed my opinion of this film. -
rolbyh200213 November 2020This character story isn't quite the mystery that I was expecting from the title. Sidney Hall, famous writer, willingly disappears, and it's a character piece about why and how. It's slow at times with some great dramatic beats, but overall, I found the whole thing to be a bit too sad to be enjoyable. Thoughtful filmmaking though.
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hayashida-1934325 March 2018I was blessed with the beautiful opportunity of watching this movie at a festival. I was dazzled by the flow of the story, the subjects, the intertwined destiny of the characters. From my point of opinion I advice you: don't belive that bunch of smug critics. They don't know what they are saying. They are stuck in a era of superheroes, superstars, supershine movies. Make your own destiny. Watch this movie. Watch a movie no matter what the critics say. Do not trust them. Anymore.
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MrSpark10 March 2018Shawn Christensen's the Vanishing of Sidney Hall while certainly not a masterpiece of film-making manages to captivate, perplex and leave the viewer with a lot to think about. The non-linearity of Christensen's direction is nicely implemented and clearly translates the script to the screen. The cinematography, I believe, is beautiful and produces a pleasing effect. As for the acting, it is above average but not inspiring enough to make the viewer jump out of his seat. Finally the overall delivery of the story is what make's most critics negatively view this film. It somewhat feels rushed, the climax is supposed to enrich us with drama and inject us with emotions about the characters but in fact fails to do so. I believe it should have revealed more drama during the progress of the story and not the finale. Still, this film does not deserve a low rating, it is not as bad as critics say.
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aevaughn-773058 November 2020I love a good, deep, Indie film...and this one didnt disappoint! I was crying by the end. This movie had so many layers, that by the end, when all the layers were peeled back, you FELT the pain Sydney felt. I loved this movie.
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PaxtonMalloy25 March 2019When I found this movie on imdb I was astonished about how the imdb rating and the metascore could diverge so much. After watching it I have no clue why the critics are so harsh with it because despite one of the worst make up jobs for present bearded sidney hall this movie delivers on every level.
The actors are great. Logan Lermann basically plays his character from "perks of being a wallflower". It worked great there and so it does here. I really think that Elle Fanning is gonna be great star. Saw her recently in "Galveston" where she was outstanding and this movie is no different. Kyle Chandler does what he does best, he is playing Kyle Chandler.
The story never gets boring even though we are jumping between three different timelines and it all will come together. We feel for out protagonist and his deeply sad story. I can't praise this "small" movie enough and it is just sad that this will never work on a mass audience. -
ahmedghandour-5083411 April 2019The -VEs:
-Sidney's relationship with his parents weren't properly introduced for me to understand the quarrel scene with his mum, or her prying behavior constantly invading his privacy. How close was Sidney to his father? What was his father's disability? How did it affect the household? So why should I feel sad seeing him watching as Sidney drives away, with almost no mention of him trying to contact them ever again as he grew older.
-Melody is a manic pixie dream girl. She is introduced as this shy socially awkward girl who would run away if Sidney came even close to her, but then she metamorph into this quirky spontaneous girl so full of confidence that she starts to "wear the pants in the relationship". Her only purpose in the movie is to put the thought of writing about the death of Nurbert in Sidney's mind, and later *Spoler* to serve as a tragic plotline, whether it's the divorce or her sudden death. None were properly explored, neither the divorce or the death are convincing I my opinion, written only to give the movie a tragic air that has the opposite effect, the tragedy comes off as really forced and unnatural, failing to have me sympathizing with the events.
-They picked the wrong actors that can play both the young and old versions of Sidney and Melody. Elle and Lerman look older than highschoolers yet too young to play 30 year olds. The movie has 3 different time periods, where the characters are at different stages of their lives, only distinguishable by their hairstyle. -
dothraqi20 November 2018I don't know, why would anyone rate it below 9. Its an Excellent film, I would definitely recommend it. this is those kind of movies in which the story doesn't make complete sense until the ending - when it unravels itself and leaves you speechless. See the whole film and then write a review giving it a 10/10 cuz it surely deserves it.
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lucdrouin8 December 2020The story is gripping, the acting is flawless, the humour is funny, the ending is worth the wait, but... the transitions between the main character's life periods are confusing, especially between adolescence and young adulthood, if you are not paying close attention. In addition, you are not sure what the main character is feeling and you remain a spectator throughout. A good film though, I am glad to have seen it.
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jroyals-0434111 May 2018I really wanted to like this but it just didn't work for me. Among the numerous problems for me are the following: 1. I'm supposed to believe that he didn't notice the angelic neighbor across the street. 2. His headcase mom played by Michelle Monaghan who I never cared for and this is no exception. 3. This writer is just amazing and blows everyone's mind which was too much of a leap for me given the information. 4. I kept comparing this movie to "The End of the Tour" which was far, far superior. 5. This relies too much on melodrama and extraordinary circumstances. The positives are the lead who is obviously talented and Kyle Chandler whose character was quite intriguing.
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wrlj219 December 2020What begins well and improves through the first three quarters of the film is worth your time... interesting characters, competent actors, engaging plot development, sporadic inspired writing, all point to a 7 or better rating... until the creative nose dive ruins it... you go from intrigued to disappointed to frustrated, to who cares... endings can be difficult, especially if beginnings are over promising... in truth, the 6 was charitable...
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dr-abeer7614 March 2018A slow heavy drama with confusing manner of jumping between events and tenses. Regarding the main character (Sidney), he has a cloudy personality. I felt that the film lasted 20 hours.
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aidanratesmovies3 August 2021Like the character Sidney Hall himself, there are few writers and directors as pure and honest as Shawn Christensen. Some familiar elements aside, this is easily one of the best films i've ever seen, and it does that so effortlessly by having a story to tell- and better yet- knowing how to tell it. I've been meaning to watch this film for a while now and I kept pushing it off, and I encourage anyone reading this to take me for the fool I am and do the opposite. The film was absolutely panned by critics and made little to nothing at the box office- grossing just a few dollars shy of $1 million. All of those signs often point to a film being a disaster, and to be honest, I haven't heard a single person mention this film even once. Almost as if it was fate, I found a copy at my local library and finally sat down to watch it- and it's honestly one of the best films i've ever seen. What critics don't get about many movies is a rawness of emotion. There are so many different elements to this film, but one consistent thing throughout its ability to delve into darker and more saddening themes. Some called it melodramatic, but there is a huge difference between this film and being melodramatic. SO MANY films i've watched recently have such a forced sense of emotion, and an even more forced take on it by the actors at hand. It may be saddening to watch, but the film itself is not over-emotional, in fact it's one of the most beautifully haunting stories i've ever seen in a film. What we lack in empathy for each other and for the mistakes we make I feel often tears us apart as a society, and this film just goes to show that many critics clearly have no idea what is truly real in the world of film. Everything about this film is magnificent, from the characters, the story, the actors, the cinematography, and the films fantastic score. Logan Lerman is the absolute perfect casting choice as out titular character, and his performance is surprisingly and brilliantly matched by actress Elle Fanning, and actors Kyle Chandler, Blake Jenner, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. It's so eloquently told without ever feeling overly pretentious or sentimental. Never has a film of this caliber been executed so well and been graced with a story so profound to tell. Shawn Christensen is a talent to look out for- and this film is his grand opum- and I hope both him and the film will finally earn the credit they deserve.
My Rating: 10/10. -
I was able to see this movie on Amazon Prime streaming. As soon as I finished it I decided to wait a week and see it again.
The movie has a lot going on, focusing on young Sidney Hall (Logan Lerman, about 24 during filming), starting in high school, on to his first novel, his marriage to a childhood sweetheart, to his seeking to get away from it all.
The movie's editing style has the story cutting from one period to another, then back, throughout the movie, but it is always clear which stage of Sidney's life we are seeing.
Michelle Monaghan is really good as his mom, too overbearing and part of the reason Sidney vanished. Elle Fanning, who was about 18 during filming, is Melody, his neighbor, girlfriend, and eventually his wife. Kyle Chandler is very good as "The Searcher", looking for Sidney and wanting to write a book about him.
I can see where this type of story and movie-making style may not be for everyone but I really like it a lot, it has a certain grit to it that rings true within a fictional story. -
This is a Spielberg movie (100% manipulative with the editing, score, acting). well maybe a bit darker, and better because of the way the story is told (non linear).
But the critics are hating on this movie, probably because the protagonist is a white male and nobody else in the movie matters that much and all of them just help to complete his story... They might be offended by that? Maybe? I don't get it.
It has all the cliché bits that you can expect if you see the trailer, but at the same time, a few great surprises. I really liked the acting too. -
aditt-1262010 March 2020Don't believe the critics.Infact this is one of the best movies I've ever seen.Even after the movie is over,it stays with you for a long time.U actually feel for the character and marvel the writing.I was shocked after reading the reviews on some sites.Totally deserves 9 stars.With amazing cast, plot twists, layered emotions and dialogues...it deserves more than 90% liking.If these things don't satisfy you...I honestly dont know what will...
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The movie touched my heart and eventually the song took my heart away Melody really is a so much beatifull girl and she is the only true love for him After her death he couldn't live again he's totally lost and he's completely right Come on Who live with this beatifull melody and suddenly lose her and easily he will move on No way she owned his heart from the first time, Oh my poor Mr sidney But as a good luck, he either passes away searhing for her , a most beatifull woman he has ever seen will be standing a long time looking through her window waiting for him And then they will gather themselves and live another life a fresh start away from pains or cheating
What a great story a true love story I loved it and went with it and i wish to my self finding my own true love
Excellent work :) -
mjasoncarswell13 March 2018Empty hero worship of a character that achieves nothing on screen but is allegedly a supreme poet and deep author who shows no indication of any exceptional linguistics, vocabulary, interesting ideas, goals, or superlative life interests beyond generic teen dreams and "travel". Boring. A stereotypical flash in the pan tortured artist gone mad story.
The casting is very good but their performances of two dimensional archetypes are not particularly notable, certainly not enough to support nor carry the film.
The cinematography is generally unimaginative with a few exceptions that still fall flat, especially within the greater context. Some of the music is good and some not. The non-linear narrative tries to make a bad movie better but the editing can't save it.
Attempting to cultivate precious moments and sentimental mystique they try too hard with tired Hollywood stereotypes that wish they were half as creative or clever as their main character is supposed to be. It's as if square old advertising executives tried to write a quirky script to sell you on the fun of artsy teens suffering existential angst, forgetting to add anything quirky, artsy, or authentic.
I went in knowing nothing about it. I don't usually do reviews but felt compelled before even finishing. I regret watching this movie and was tricked by its undeservedly high rating and the "Drama" and "Mystery" labels. Drama requires conflict, especially between characters. The main character is conflicted with everything internal and external for undefined reasons generating no sympathy nor does it drive the choppy story. Mystery is missing in the obvious story telling
The only real mystery is how this got funded and produced. Like a high quality student film that desperately tries to be professional this movie is not worth watching as nothing stands out, even for a precious poetic moment.
The chicken said, "I crossed the street." I said, "Big deal." -
yusufpiskin9 March 2020So, if you're planning on watching this:
1. DON'T WATCH THE TRAILER. go in completely blind 2. be prepared cause it's a heavier watch than it seems (A24 needs to come up with less soul crushing stuff) 3. it's gonna get a lot of hate, probably will be called bad/predictable/mediocre at best by so many (didn't expect to adore it myself) but i loved it. lerman put some serious effort i didn't think he really had in him, and i liked the non linearity. maybe it's really just me being overly impressed but still please give this a chance. -
stretchfoofight11 April 2020This film is an almost film. Based on a young writer who encounters a series of events that shape his life. We are taken through Sidneys life jumping around his timeline unravelling a story with some twists and plot changes. Funny in places, slightly touching in others. The film could have been condensed into an hour and a half, some purists may say the time is needed to build the empathy in the story, but it's not for everyone.
Worth a watch, as it is fun to see the story unfold, If you can take the time. -
dokrauss2 March 2018This is a great movie ruined by its focus, its editing and its hubristic self-regard. Its focus is on the title character Sidney Hall, a 17-year-old writer of such power and greatness that merely glancing at one of his sentences induces orgasms. Or so we are led to believe. Sidney, who is a David Foster Wallace/JD Salinger amalgam gets a novel published through the machinations of his English teacher (yeah, that's how it happens) and world peace and love breaks out until A Tragedy causes the wounded Sidney to become a hobo rail-hopping across the country and burning copies of his books in libraries and book stores...a hobo who owns a billion dollar exclusively-designed desert house, by the way. The Tragedy is what this movie should have been about, not the self-absorbed Sidney's angst-ridden reaction to it. What dreck. What crap. This movie is full of contrived and artificially induced plot points, such as the stunningly beautiful girl across the street (Elle Fanning) who Sidney doesn't even notice until months later. Right. Turns out she's as insightful and brilliant and wonderful as he is, and she's also a creative type, a photographer. Because everyone in La La Land is a brilliant writer or photographer, doncha know. There are no trash truck drivers or plumbers. And, of course, she is the subject of More Tragedy. Really, Sidney is a walking curse that society should jail for its own safety. Oh, yes, there's ANOTHER brilliant writer involved in this, one whose words makes even Sidney Hall orgasm. La La Land has no dearth of brilliant writers, doncha know, all angst ridden and self-regarding except when they are regarding other brilliant writers. Really, we should all turn our lives over to them to manage. The eeeevil people are the parents, of course, and some vaguely right-wing politicians with a contrived censorship activity through which Sidney heroically suffers, because, you know, writers are Class Heroes Bringing The Truth (Christmas, does anybody involved with this movie actually live outside of a bubble?). One of those eeevil parents is the only intriguing character in this whole godawful mess: Sidney's Dad who, in his silence, speaks volumes. I wish the movie had been about him. Nathan Lane is in this movie being Nathan Lane and has the best line in the entire movie: "It's like throwing a party for Sylvia Plath." Indeed, it was. I would not watch this movie again at gunpoint.
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erikacunanan2912 July 2018MORE REVIEWS AT booksequalhappiness.blogspot.com
REVIEW:- I liked the story. It was interesting and kind of mysterious. It will make you want to know what happened to Sidney to make him run away and hide.
- I really liked the story because it will show you that there's only so much a person could take.
- Majority of the scenes in the first part wasn't really explained much up until the latter half of the movie which made it feel too long.
- The thing that probably messed things up was the incredibly confusing timeline. It was kind of hard to differentiate which timeline was currently being shown (since there were three and Logan Lerman looked kind of the same for two of them).
- The cinematography was beautiful. There were beautiful shots here and there especially of Elle Fanning and Logan Lerman.
SHOULD YOU WATCH IT: Yes, if you want something interesting and heartbreaking (has a bit of a slow pacing). WOULD I WATCH IT AGAIN: Maybe someday.