Movie Review: ‘Dream House’

“An incoherent amalgamation of unworkable moments from other films,” would be a more appropriate title for “Dream House,” but, the filmmakers weren’t so gracious in giving the film an appropriate title. 

With the only interesting plot twist being revealed in the trailer for the film, “Dream House” has little left to offer. It’s a nightmare, and not in a frightening manner. It’s anticlimactic and vapid. The film has a villain when it doesn’t need one. There’s an unwarranted explosion, a séance, several plot holes and, to top if off, a great cast, which makes the film even more baffling. Why did such high caliber actors sign on to such a mess?

Quitting his job as an editor, Will (Daniel Craig) opts to spend more time with his family as he tries to write a book. Archetypal family dynamics are present as Will kisses his wife Libby (Rachel Weisz) and hugs and chases their two daughters, Trish and Dee Dee (played by sisters Taylor Geare and Claire Geare).

Just as it all seems to be going swimmingly, the family learns of the brutal murders of the former inhabitants of their home. Several unexciting, expected scares ensue. But, Will assures Libby, “there’s joy in this house.”

The family discovers a man named Peter Ward allegedly killed his wife and two daughters in the house. Will seeks conclusive answers about the murders, but his neighbor, Ann Patterson (Naomi Watts), and local police officers are reluctant to help. Finally, Will goes to Green Haven, where Peter Ward was housed after the murders, to discover who Peter Ward really is.

And all of this is really irrelevant due to an absurd plot revelation. But, the real unexplainable twist in this film is why Will’s hairdo becomes unfortunate, and his garb tawdry. Who was on costume design?

Director Jim Sheridan (“Brothers” and “My Left Foot,”), who has won several awards, has dented his resume with this one. The film is a complete cast and crew riddle, and a piece of uninspired rubbish.

Grade: D+

Posted by Nick Widener on Oct 6 2011. Filed under Features, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.