Dreamcatcher (Wide Screen)

Advantages: The first hour or so isn't too bad
Disadvantages: It turns out to be lacking in the second half

Stephen King books don't often translate terribly well to film. I suspect that part of the reason behind this is because he writes at such length and with so much imagination that creating accurate pictures from words alone isn't always easy. Some of his longest work is mauled so badly by the time it reaches the screen that it loses a lot of the magic. The books of his that translate best are often his shorter ones, with "The Shawshank Redemption" ...
...his shorter ones, nor one of his better ones, which made the film a lot less likely to be any good. I didn't bother seeing "Dreamcatcher" at the cinema, as I was sure in advance that it wouldn't be worth it. When the DVD came out, however, it contained a promise of something decent. One of the extras was listed as "Dream Writer - An Interview With Stephen King". For a fan of the author, this made it worth a look. Four friends gather at a log cabin ... Read review

Advantages: Visually entertaining
Disadvantages: Doesn't transfer from book to film particularly well

...four men caught in their dreamcatcher – and what does it all have to do with their childhood friend Duddits? Only time, and a set of razor sharp teeth will tell…… Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, Dreamcatcher opened in UK cinemas on Friday April 25th. The film, like much of King’s other work, is a bizarre concoction of many things and my advice to you would be to suspend all expectations, because the film ...
...mystery and some explosive action, Dreamcatcher is a very odd film indeed. Essentially created in two halves, it will certainly entertain, but whether it will fulfil if probably another question altogether. Dreamcatcher is a film made almost distinctly in three pieces. The best word to describe the first piece is bizarre – a wild mixture of childhood flashbacks, strange moments and creepy suspense. In the first piece of the film, the audience ... Read review

Advantages: Good acting, Creepy moments, Well shot
Disadvantages: Too many different plot threads

...Mile and The Shawshank Redemption. Dreamcatcher is one of King's most recent novels and one that seems to split opinion amongst his fans. Having never read the book I went into the big screen adaptation with an open mind. The film tells the story of four men who've been friends since childhood. They once came to the rescue of a retarded kid named Duddits and ever since then have been blessed with powers such as the ability to hear peoples thoughts ...
...actual story structure that brings Dreamcatcher down. I still found the film enjoyable and would watch it again, it's just that I wanted something more and something perhaps a little special. The best way to describe is to imagine if the film 'Signs' had actually shown you the CGI effects of alien invasion rather than keeping itself restrained. ... Read review

Advantages: Camera Angels and lighting create a bit of atmosphere. Tom Sizemore
Disadvantages: The rest of the cast, poor direction, weak plot

...very disappointed and unsatisfied with Dreamcatcher and feel that it could have been a much more impressive film. If you have a spare 2 hours to waste away I’d suggest that sleeping is more entertaining than this. Perhaps if you are a fan of King’s novels then you may find the film appealing, unfortunately I’m not. There are far better horror films about, although personally I feel this only just makes it into the horror genre. My end thoughts on ... Read review

Advantages: Well crafted first hour, main characters, effects
Disadvantages: The complete destruction of a decent set up

...around the place as the dreamcatcher (which gives the film it’s name) swings around on the ceiling. You’d think the men would follow the animals but this is cinema and of course they stick around to face whatever is coming. The next day a military helicopter flies just above the treetops and tells the men with a megaphone that the area has been quarantined and for them to stay inside the cabin (an order they of course fail to follow). ...
...cabin, mumbling of lights in the sky. They feel pity and give him shelter but they quickly doubt their judgement – the man has a bulging stomach and has a bad bout of flatulence. At this stage of the film, a scene has been set and a huge change is about to happen. The film has been beautiful and atmospheric to date. Interesting, charming and intriguing I was on the edge of my seat but I was about to be disappointed big style. The film suddenly ... Read review