Dreamcatcher (DVD, 2003, Widescreen)

This is a pretty decent sci-fi movie adapted from Stephen King's book. In general I'm not a big fan of sci-fi movies because I think that MOST OF THE TIME the plots are too far fetched to be TRULY scary, but this one, although very far fetched, manages to pull it off and has a huge creepy factor. While a lot King's books/movies start off VERY slow, this was an exception. The action takes off right in the first few scenes. It is also a reasonable length to watch in one sitting (under 2 hours, while Rose Red, Storm of the Century and some of the other "newer" King films are 3 plus hours). Be forewarned- there is A LOT of blood and gore. Also, I was not impressed with the ACTING, I believe it was very mediocre (and borderline cheesy in spots), which took away from the believability of the characters. You will also want to pay close attention to what's going on- there are a lot of flash backs, flash forwards and scenes inside one of the character's minds.

Okay--- this movie is about 4 friends who are connected by special psychic powers which were imparted on them as children by a mentally challenged boy they befriended, named Duddits. Every year they visit the same cabin in the woods to drink, hunt and celebrate thier friendships and mutual connection with Duddits. This year however, things don't go as planned as a huge snowstorm is heading in and the friends find 2 mysterious hunters who were lost in the woods. One is found wondering outside thier cabin and the other is sitting half frozen in the middle of a deserted road. There is something very clearly wrong with both of them... bloated stomachs, blood red splotches on thier faces... and it seems to be spreading...

I love Stephen King, mostly his books and some of the films adapted from them. But some just do not translate well and some are not very good either in print or on film. This is the latter. Not a very good book and an even less effective movie.

I love the actors in it - Damian Lewis, Jason Lee, Timothy Olyphant, Thomas Jane and Donnie Wahlberg - they did a great job. The art direction was also fantastic, the special effects nice and gory. But something did not work. I think it goes all the way back to the book. The basic story is scary but once fleshed out it gets a little silly and predictable. Alien virus that the gov wants to capture and everyone is expendable (been there, done that). 4 friends with a bit of psychic powers all connected to a mentally challenged school friend (that's where they lost me) stuck in the woods.

Who will make it out alive? How will they get out? Will they defeat the virus and the gov? One good thing about Stephen King stories - everyone is fair game. You have to watch the whole thing to see who will survive.

Not recommended as a purchase, but yes as a rental.

Dreamcatcher is a strange, far-fetched movie that will leave you guessing until the end. It's a sci-fi, action, horror all in one. It's entertaining, but people I know who haven't read the book, really don't like this movie too much. I've read the book and I think the movie is decent, but I understand what others are going through. Things are happening for a reason, and those reasons are laid out in the novel. But when you watch the movie and don't understand why Beaver just has to have that stupid toothpick on the floor in the bathroom, it's understandable to think that this movie is kind of dumb. But in the book, you learn that Beaver has a toothpick thing. He has to have a toothpick in his mouth at all times, it's like his drug. Another thing that makes more sense after reading the book is when Jonesy is inside looking out of his body, but Mr. Grey is in control. When Jonesy takes all the paperwork about Duddits and puts it into storage, he's hiding it from Mr. Grey. It makes more sense when you read the book, but I can see where it's confusing if you haven't.

All in all, Dreamcatcher is a decent movie. I thought it was close to the book, but I recommend reading the book as well. It won't be confusing at all if you've read the book, but that's part of the fun of watching the movie. Not knowing what is going to happen makes it more fun to watch. This movie is a little bizarre with people crapping out aliens (I'd never seen that before in any movie, odd but original), but that strangeness is part of the story that was invented by Stephen King. He truly has a strange imagination. I wish I had the imagination he does. And the bank account that goes with it.

What a movie! Great start lineup, including Jason Lee, from the Kevin Smith movies, Morgan Freeman, and Thomas Jane. This one has it all...monsters, aliens, psychic powers, and even a "superhero," named Duddits. Yes, Duddits. It is a great movie for horror fans, or fans of mystery, suspense, aliens, ect. It has something for everyone.

I also want to add that as the movie has been out a while, you can find copies for $5 with S&H. As always, Happy Hunting! See my other reviews. clemsonpsych.

I was very disappointed with this Stephen King Movie. In some spots it was very hard to follow and others were just dull. A lot of points I said, "WHAT THE H**" I would not recommend this when you can't give it your full attention. You miss 2 or 3 minutes, and you will be wondering what's going on for the next 10. This movie is VERY science fictiony and I really don't care for those type of movies. Dreamcatcher is about a virus that spreads through a town like wildfire, killing hundreds, and an alien who takes the possession of people's bodies. There are celebrities in it like Jason Lee, Morgan Freeman, and a few others. If you don't care for a lot of science fiction, you would be wasting your time watching this movie.