Paul Lê Bloody Disgusting Jan 24, 2024 2.5/5

All the initial criticisms remain spot on: the undercooked script, the paper-thin characters, and a shortage of scares. Pushing past that, however, there is still the chance for some meager fun in this insubstantial but attractive ghost story.

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Matthew Rozsa matthewrozsa.com Jun 18, 2021 2/4

It is hard to imagine that Liebesman is at fault: His "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" prequel is one of the best horror films of the 21st century. Yet here he whiffs.

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Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens Nov 7, 2019

Obviously funding for this film was supplied by energy providers like Edison, DWP and PECO who must have known that one look at Darkness Falls will make everyone flick on the light switch - and it won't be to ward off the Tooth Fairy.

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Alexander Walker London Evening Standard Jan 10, 2018

The title refers to a town as well as a state of mind. Neither is worth a detour.

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Steve Newton Georgia Straight Feb 8, 2014 1/5

It's only slightly more enjoyable than having army ants gnaw at your privates.

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Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Sep 7, 2011 D

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 22, 2010 1/5

So bad it's almost painful. Skip it.

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Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Apr 29, 2009

A very flawed but entertaining and cheesy monster flick that would be fun to watch around a crowd with some popcorn.

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Urban Cinefile Critics Urban Cinefile Oct 18, 2008

Film lovers beware! The evil spirits of boredom will befall should you enter a darkened cinema and endure Darkness Falls.

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J. R. Jones Chicago Reader Feb 26, 2007

It begins with not one but two prologues; one character turns up out of nowhere, his introduction no doubt left on the cutting-room floor; and the paltry 85-minute running time includes 15 minutes of end credits.

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Philip French Guardian Feb 26, 2007

A mish mash of horror-movie clichs.

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Adam Smith Empire Magazine Dec 30, 2006 1/5

The kind of movie that gets laughs entirely unintentionally.

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Scott Nash Three Movie Buffs Sep 30, 2005 3.5/4

Exactly what a horror movie should be; fun, scary, fast paced, and with 'jump' moments galore.

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Ann Hornaday Washington Post Sep 26, 2005

Oy, how it falls.

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Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com Feb 8, 2005 1/4

This is, quite simply, horror porn, with barely any connective tissue linking each set piece.

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Andrew Wright Portland Mercury Jan 21, 2005

Provides for more than acceptable campfire fare (although at under 80 minutes, it lasts less than most Duralogs), with occasional moments of genuine visceral fright.

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Daniel M. Kimmel Worcester Telegram & Gazette Jan 4, 2004 2/5

The problem is that both the plot and the characters are so thin that it's hard to care about anything that's happening on screen.

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Josh Bell Las Vegas Weekly Sep 6, 2003 1.5/5

There are a few cheap scares, but overall the film is, well, toothless.

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Shannon J. Harvey Sunday Times (Australia) Sep 1, 2003 1/5

You will find more frights in Finding Nemo. And you might just have more fun playing with your lollie wrappers, performing shadow puppets on the screen - or even picking your nose - than enduring this dimly lit horror movie.

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