One of my close friends loves to say “man cannot survive on horror alone.” Although most of the time I am a genre nut who watches everything from the bottom of the barrel to the cream of the crop, I do occasionally enjoy other genres of film. I got the chance to check out Bryan Bockbrader’s new film, VANish, recently and I have to say, this man knows his action.
The three central characters of VANish have some truly unique and hilarious dialog that is reminiscent of a Kevin Smith or Quentin Tarantino film, which is probably what drew me in so quickly. I feel like each part is played eccentric and convincingly realistic. Max, Jack, and Shane kidnap the daughter of a drug kingpin (Danny Trejo). They then demand a ransom of five million dollars to be paid before they will release her from captivity. Each of them are buffoons, seemingly completely in over their heads, continuously questioned and outwitted by their own hostage.
Maiara Walsh eats up each scene as Emma, the captive who never really seems like she’s in much danger, with the exception of a few tense scenes later in the film. Bryan Bockbrader is an incredibly talented individual who wrote, directed, and acts in this insane film. Tony Todd is absolutely hilarious and as always brings every film he’s in to another level with ease. Danny Trejo brings multiple layers to the small part of Carlos in mere minutes of screen time, which also proves why he is such a veteran character actor.
This is a hyper violent, brilliant film that can not be missed! Do yourself a favor and check this one out, officially available on Blu-ray and DVD now from MPI and Dark Sky Films.
I personally give VANish 4 bloody registrations out of 5.
