DREAM HOUSE

DREAM HOUSE

I belong to MyCokeRewards.com, using my every 485 or so points to collect AMC Theater Movie passes. Since there are two such theaters withing walking distance of me, I use the passes to see movies that have no advanced screening - pubic or press.

I will not waste real money on these movies, because they are usually bad. Jim Sheridan's "Dream House" is no exception. Morgan Creek films was wise to release this without warnings to the public. So here is the warning:

WATCH THE TRAILER ON CINEMATREK, THAT IS ALL YOU NEED TO SEE!

There were rumblings there was major dissatisfaction across the board after production which is why Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz refused to promote the film. In fact, you know its not good that there are even rumors that the director, Jim Sheridan, was locked out of most of the post-production. This would explain why you know all you need to know at the 40 minute mark.

Craig is Will Atenton, a stressed out family man looking to break away from the rigors of New York City and live a life of calm in Connecticut. Everything seems peachy keen for about three minutes before they find neighbors holding seances in their basement and vigils outside their door. The reason? Not long ago a family had been slaughtered in that very same house.

The prime suspect in the case, the father Peter Ward, was found not guilty because of insufficient evidence. Now question arise as to who Atenton is as he becomes confused about his own past.

Then we get the twist, which should have been saved till the end. Instead you have to suffer through another 46 minutes of stupidity and seemingly last minute twists to try to correct the reveal in the middle of the film. Get it?

Don't worry about it, it's literally not worth getting.

Clearly there are influences of "The Sixth Sense" and "The Shining" as well as a kernel of "The Amityville Horror" sprinkled through out.

Sadly, like a bad poker player, there was a reveal and the hand is shown before the fourth cards are dealt.

Why an all star lineup was cast is the probably the biggest mystery here. Sheridan could have gone to a decent acting school and gotten sufficient talent for this film. But to their credit, Craig, Watts and Weisz give valiant efforts to an inane project.

"Dream House" is one of the worse films of the year, salvaged only by the efforts of a cast working with crap. I wish I had my movie pass back! -- GEOFF BURTON

GEOFF BURTON

RETURN TO CINEMATREK HOME