Dreamcatcher

December 10, 2004

Rated: R Runtime: 136 min Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Dreamcatcher is one of those films that is exceedingly tough to review without giving something away. Unlike many reviewers and critics we have a strict no spoiler policy, and it pains us to see that many other reviews on the net ruin many of the best surprises. This is a movie that is best seen when you know absolutely nothing about it.

Dreamcatcher

Here’s what I can tell you about the storyline. Based on a Stephen King novel, the plot revolves around 4 lifelong friends who share some unusual gifts. The four of them take a hunting trip and are hit by a blizzard, but the snow turns out to be the least of their problems out in the woods. Ok, so that doesn’t really do the story justice, but that’s really all you want to know going into the movie. Trust me on this one.

Morgan Freeman is the biggest star in Dreamcatcher. It’s a bit tough to accept him in the role he plays even with the humongous eyebrow toupee they put on him to try to make him look meaner. The remaining characters are well cast. Jason Lee in particular steals a number of scenes as the foul mouthed “Beaver”.

This movie is not for everyone. If your blonde bimbo girlfriend is still trying to figure out The Sixth Sense, leave her at home. However, if you’re a fan of Stephen King, you’ll probably enjoy Dreamcatcher. I say “probably” because although there are classic King elements in the story, it goes in some directions we do not normally expect from him.

We really wrestled with how to rate this movie. The movie has some very original and unusual elements. But more importantly we did enjoy the film, and it is very worthy of being seen on the big screen. So we’re giving it 4 stars, but just barely. The reason for our dilemna is that the movie almost goes a bit too far at points, some of the things you’re going to see are really out there. But if you’re in the mood for something truly different and enjoy horror and thrillers, go see it.

Posted by Billy Bob | Filed Under 4 Stars, Damian Lewis, Horror, Jason Lee, Morgan Freeman, R, Theatrical, Thomas Jane, Timothy Olyphant