The title of the new science fiction thriller Dreamcatcher seems appropriate because it may leave audience members slumbering in their seats.
The film begins following a small group of friends who all seem to have a special gift: telepathy. It is not learned until later in the movie that the common link between the men is a childhood friend named Duddits.
Duddits was a small mentally challenged boy whom the group saved from a couple of neighborhood bullies. Once a part of the circle of friends, Duddits reveals his own gifts that he passes on to the group.
Fast forward to present day, Beaver, Jonesy, Pete and Henry have all gathered back together at a cabin near their childhood home. The timing for their reunion is unfavorable due to the crash landing of an alien ship nearby.
The aliens prove to be malicious in nature and do their best to take over the world, while the small group of friends use their talents to spoil the unwanted visitors’ plans.
If the plot for the latest creation from director Lawrence Kasden seems absurd and confusing, don’t feel bad it is. The story is taken from the book of the same name by Stephen King, who is known for his skillful science fiction writing.
The problem with the theatrical realization of King’s book is that it doesn’t capture the humanity and essence of his characters. Without reading the book, the movie is delivered as nothing more than a highlight reel of the key moments. Without those other scenes between the peaks, the movie becomes confusing and scattered.
The other folly in the movie’s presentation is casting. Actors should seek diversity, but some just aren’t good at certain roles. Morgan Freeman and Tom Sizemore play military personnel responsible for eradicating the alien presence but choose different characters than their usual roles.
Freeman plays a crazed military commander, hell-bent on destroying everything the aliens touch, while Sizemore settles for the calm, more logical sub-commander. Sizemore is known for playing the reckless type, while Freeman commonly plays the old, wise figure. The change in this film comes off as unbelievable and uncomfortable for both actors.
For all its mistakes, Dreamcatcher does do something few films can claim: brings to life one of Stephen King’s more intricate characters. Few movies or directors have successfully taken King’s vision for evil, monstrous creatures and made them so memorable.
Lovers of King’s work should enjoy that aspect of the film.
Beyond the confusion and lack of foundation, Dreamcatcher should be applauded for its daunting task of changing mediums for King’s work but shouldn’t be seen until it comes out on video.
Rating: D+ (Readers of the book that understand what is going on: C+)
