Just a Dream

The trouble with Just a Dream is that it doesn't really know what message it is trying to send and so it doesn't end up sending any. It skirts around themes of family tensions, racial prejudice, unfaithful and distant fathers and more, without really focusing in on any of them. Either one could have been the central theme of this movie and we would have ended up with a more interesting movie, albeit a very unoriginal one. Instead this movie focuses on fulfilling dreams, but it doesn't really do that with any real conviction. You won't be moved, chastened or inspired at all.

Another problem is that the actors in this movie are just 'phoning it in'. None of them seem to have their heart in it at all. The exception is young Jeremy Sumpter who comes across as genuine and believable in his role. This is a movie crying out for gifted character actors. Instead we have a lot of people whose careers are well past their prime, acting in roles that require someone of far greater talent.

Just a Dream is not a bad film, just an ordinary one. There's nothing here to offend anyone, but there's nothing to excite either. Watch it then forget it.