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All Movie Info
Starring:
Morgan Freeman, Thomas Jane, Jason Lee, Damian Lewis, Timothy Olyphant, Tom Sizemore, Donnie Wahlberg, Eric Keenleyside, Rosemary Dunsmore, Michael O'Neill, Reece Thompson, Giacomo Baessato, Joel Palmer, Andrew Robb, Mikey Holekamp
Directed By:
Lawrence Kasdan
Written By:
Stephen King, William Goldman
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Dreamcatcher (2003)
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Movie Review by Seth C 
July 20th, 2006
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The first thing that drew me to "Dreamcatcher" was the phenomenal cast director Lawrence Kasdan somehow put together; personal favorites like Jason Lee and Donnie Wahlberg together with well-respected actors Tom Sizemore, Thomas Jane and "Band of Brothers'" Damian Lewis. Add a legend like Morgan Freeman into the mix, along with a story from Stephen King and you've got to have a pretty decent film at your fingertips, right?
Wrong.
"Dreamcatcher" makes an audience member more uneasy than scared, which is more than likely the reason they went into the film in the first places - for that scare. However, that scare never arrives and as for the entertainment value of the film, well, there is an awful lot to be desired. The only thing I can say "Dreamcatcher" has going for it is that throughout the flashback scenes we're shown of the four main players as children, we become quite aware this is a story from King as those scenes have a reminder of past King flicks "Stand By Me" and "It." It seems that only King can get those awkward years of being ten to look so true to form.
Of course, there's not much more of those scenes in the film and as for the rest of the picture with it's aliens/poop-weasels and it's agonizing dialogue that probably reads a lot better on paper than it sounds on screen, nothing is felt through this picture; that is nothing but the fear of ever having to go to the bathroom again. It's pretty sickening and distasteful the way the monster attacks in this film. It's something that's never been done before and I think there's good reason why that is; it's completely unnecessary.
Because "Dreamcatcher" is a film based on a book by the 'great' Stephen King, I suppose we hold our idea of what the quality of the film will be up pretty high. With scary tales and decent films like "Carrie," "The Shining," and "Cujo" in his resume, it would seem King is a sure bet. However must we not forget "Thinner." "Thinner" was a terrible film based on an amateur story written by King. How many of you remember enjoying "Thinner?" Or more importantly, how many of you even remember the film "Thinner?"
The high-class cast "Dreamcatcher" offers up isn't really solid either. Freeman is wasted as an insane, one dimensional bad guy, whereas Jason Lee once again proves that without Kevin Smith or Cameron Crowe at it's helm, his acting ability in a film is at a minimum. Donnie Wahlberg, who I think is one of the most underrated actors working today, is once again wasted in his bit role as Duddits, the gifted gift-giving friend. Won't someone please allow Wahlberg to just shine in film by giving him more than twenty minutes of screen time! Trust me, the dude has talent, just nobody is giving him the chance.
"Dreamcatcher" tries to give us some of the human drama other, more successful King adaptations like "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile" gave us and maybe "Catcher" worked have worked as a story about four friends, who experienced something major when they were younger. However, once the "poop-weasel" was introduced, all hope for this film was gone.
If you want a good human story from King with both great perfomances and a handful of suspense than please do yourself a favor and leave "Dreamcatcher" where it sits on the shelf in the video stores, worldwide. Instead, back up a few steps and rent the much better "Dolores Claiborne." Trust me, it will hold everything you're looking for in "Dreamcatcher," however once "Claiborne" is over, you won't wish for two hours of your life back.
- SCF
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 | Rodney
Jul 20, 2006 2:47 PM
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| or the greatest horror film known to man, The Shining. |
 | James
Jul 20, 2006 8:52 PM
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| ahahahaha sh*t weasels |
 | Jodie
Jul 21, 2006 4:55 PM
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| I liked Dreamcatcher...... I also love Stephen King anything. Although it was a little strange at times, it kept my attention. It wasn't that bad... |
 | AJ
Jul 21, 2006 11:25 PM
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| Have you ever read the book? I hate this movie with a passion, but the book is the greatest I have ever read. |
 | SHAYNE
Dec 28, 2006 4:55 PM
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A GOOD SCI-FI / HORROR MOVIE. INTERESTING STORY.
SHAYNE |
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Jul 20, 2006 5:18 PM