Three stars:
With a promising concept, "The Invisible" sounds like classic ghost-thriller fiction. A teenage boy, after almost being beaten to death, finds himself a sort of living ghost, who, in order to return to his living body, must solve the mystery of his own beating. Spiritual, religious and creative visual implications can ensue.

Two stars:
David Goyer ("Batman Begins") is set to helm the project. A strong screenwriter, but an untested director. The heady material could go in an interestingly dark direction and there is hope for some cheap thrills.

Unfortunately, poor casting drags all potential thrills into mediocrity. Justin Chatwin ("War of the Worlds") is the lead ghost, Nick Powell. He's a good writer who is hated by many because of his intelligence. As a ghost, he's even more pompous.

Marcia Gay Harden ("Pollock") is Nick's vacant mother - parents just never understand in the movies. But, there is a nice surprise in Margerita Levieva, (TV's "Vanished") as Annie, Nick's killer. For all the teen hatred and anger that she emits, she's still attractive and engaging. You can't sympathize with her, though, but you'll be involved in her.

One Star:
And this is where this film lands. How did it get here? The acting is poor, the anger and drama is laughable and the direction is confused. When Nick dies, so does this movie.
Somewhere in the making of this film, someone, likely director and cast, became confused. Instead of trying to remedy the situation, though, they moved on and made the most confusing movie they could. Can Nick talk to the living? Do we all watch ourselves die when we're in ghost form? No, and like the title, this should no be seen.

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
The Invisible
At Showcase & Quality 16
Buena Vista