Greetings fellow movie goers from across the globe. Today’s “Flashback Review” focuses on a story about a horse trainer who bonds with his daughter & healing a horse after breaking its bone. As the story progresses, the father, daughter & horse are connected as one. The premise I’m referring to is from “Dreamer.”
Dreamer was released in 2005. (same year Batman Begins came out) It received mixed to positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Plus, it was a modest success at the box office.
The only reason I wanted to review this film, is because Kurt Russell & Dakota Fanning (one of my favorite actresses) are gonna reunite in Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming ninth film, “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.” It will come out three days after my birthday. One more thing, Dakota will reprise her role as Sara Howard in a follow up to TNT’s “The Alienist” titled, “The Angel Of Darkness.” And one more thing, Brian Robbins & Mike Tolin, who co-produced the movie, are gonna revive Nickelodeon’s “All That.” A sketch comedy like “SNL” & MadTV.” I used to watch All That back when I was a kid.
Today’s review doesn’t contain no spoilers whatsoever. If you haven’t got a chance to see this film? Feel free to read my non-spoiler article.
Positive & Negative Aspects
Positive: Kurt Russell & Dakota Fanning both did a great job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: After filming was over, Kurt bought Dakota a horse & she named it “Goldie.” Named after Kurt’s girlfriend & Kate Hudson’s real life mom, Goldie Hawn. Aw, how heartwarming. Naming your co-star’s gal as a sign to remember a good friend.
Screenwriter, John Gatins (Flight, Real Steel, Kong: Skull Island) did a good job directing his first film. So far, it’s his only movie he directed.
Brian Robbins & Mike Tolin (All That, Kenan & Kel, The Amanda Show co-produced the film.
Other Cast Members such as Kris Kristofferson, (Blade’s sidekick) Luis Guzmán, (one of Paul Thomas Anderson’s collaborators) Elizabeth Shue all did a good job for their respective performances.
Cinematography didn’t suffer from any technical difficulties present throughout.
Chemistry between Ben & Cale felt organic as father & daughter.
Cale bonding with a horse is kinda cute.
The film takes elements from an actual story about a horse who broke her bone. After a full recovery, the horse went on to partake in a few races & was selected as an eligible racer at “The 1995 Breeder’s Cup Distaff. Winning ninth place just like Ben Stiller’s character Greg Focker earning “ninth place ribbons” as displayed on a wall from “Meet The Fockers.”
Negative: Kurt’s character Ben Crane, is a workaholic. Why does every family movie have to show a workaholic protagonist? I’ll list the following films featuring workaholics: “Ghost Dad,” “Hook,” “The Santa Clause,” “Jingle All The Way,” “The Haunted Mansion,” “The Shaggy Dog,” “Evan Almighty” & “Jurassic World.”
The film never shows a “where are they now” montage. If you’re gonna make a movie based on true events, you have to add what the actual people are doing right now.
David Morse plays a sleazy businessman dressed in black. Who’s an obvious d-bag. It’s a cliche in nearly every family film, a greedy boss is the bad guy lacking redeeming qualities. Besides the workaholic trope, does a greedy businessman belong in “The Department Of Redundancy?”
The Final Verdict: B-
In my opinion, Dreamer is an average movie filled with sweet moments with an uplifting message for animal lovers who adore horses or any other type of creature. If you’re interested in watching this movie, go ahead and give it a watch that’ll entertain your kids, grandkids, nieces & nephews.
Does Dakota has what it takes to make a comeback? Quentin Tarantino resurrected careers of actors including John Travolta, (before Battlefield Earth happened) Pam Grier, David Carradine, Kurt Russell & Jennifer Jason Leigh. In my point of view, I think Dakota will be back on the map. She’s one of the most talented actresses right now. The Alienist hints that Dakota is slowly making progress, before Quentin’s ninth film might make her career relevant again.
Dakota if you’re reading this article. Good luck on your project with Quentin. He’s one of my favorite filmmakers. I’m counting on you.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 