Dream House 2011

Once upon a time, there were two little girls who lived in a house.

6.1 / 10   1306 vote(s)
PG-13
Mystery Drama Thriller

Publisher Will Atenton quits a lucrative job in New York to relocate his wife, Libby, and their daughters to a quaint town in New England. However, as they settle into their home the Atentons discover that a woman and her children were murdered there, and the surviving husband is the town's prime suspect. With help from a neighbor who was close to the murdered family, Will pieces together a horrifying chain of events.

Release Date 2011-09-29
Runtime 1h 24m
Directors Jim Sheridan, Caleb Deschanel, Walter Gasparovic
Producers Daniel Bobker, Ehren Kruger, James G. Robinson, Mike Drake, Rick Nicita, David Robinson, Joseph Bell, Marc Kolbe, George Macri, Rebecca Ramsey, Mary Stuart
Writer David Loucka

Daniel Craig is good in the lead, while the premise is an intriguing one. However, it doesn't quite come together cohesively enough to be enjoyed on a major level.

I didn't dislike 'Dream House', I found it alright to be honest. Craig (Will), as alluded to, is enjoyable in the main role, with Rachel Weisz (Libby) and Naomi Watts (Ann) being solid supports. The casting is probably the best thing about this film. It's the execution of the plot that holds it back.

What's produced is watchable, but doesn't - at least for me - connect on any hearty level. The final act is a little clunky and messy, despite a nice reveal earlier on in the 84 minutes . It's definitely an interesting concept, but it's mostly a wasted one by the end. Reportedly, along with director John Sheridan, Craig and Weisz disagreed with the producer's final cut - no blame to them, if so.

Craig, the idea and the run time stops this leaving a negative memory. I likely won't revisit it, but it's an OK - if underwhelming - production.

r96sk