I hope everyone who celebrates Christmas had a wonderful holiday. I sure did. As we inch closer to the year's end, our thoughts usually turn to end-of-year reflections. Did we achieve the goals we made in 2023? Did we fulfill any dreams? I can happily say yes, but for some who find themselves dreaming of Nicholas Cage's character in Dream Scenario, happy is not the term they would use!
Dream Scenario Now Streaming!
I received a complimentary screener of this film as a member of The Music City Film Critics Association. All opinions are my own. I received A24 press materials included in today's post. Thank you.
About Dream Scenario:
A24, Stage 6 Films /Directed by: Kristoffer Borgli /Run Time:1 hrs.40 mins./Genre: Comedy/Horror /Rated: R
Cast: The Dream Scenario stars Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, and Dylan Baker.
Dream Scenario Synopsis:
From A24 Films: “Hapless family man Paul Matthews finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. But when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom.”
Courtesy: A 24 Films
My Thoughts:
Over the years, we’ve seen the depth of Nicolas Cage’s acting ability. He doesn’t shy away from characters that aren’t mainstream, he embraces them and brings them to life for us. I laughed out loud many times while watching Renfield (released on April,14,2023) where Cage plays Dracula, and I’ve also got misty-eyed by Cage’s portrayal in last year's sleeper film Pig.
After years in the film industry, there is no doubt about Nicolas Cage’s ability to become the character. This brings me back to today’s film Dream Scenario, where we find Cage portraying a very average, happily married middle-aged man and father, who gets thrown for a loop and shows (almost) every single emotion known to man in this very eclectic film.
Courtesy: A24Films
A 24 Films labeling it a comedy/horror should clue you into the wild and weird ride that you’ll take along with Paul Matthews, an average on the verge-of-boring Professor who becomes the object of everyone’s dreams.
Once one person tells him of their dream scenario, where Paul is the lead player who doesn’t do anything, the threads of Paul's life begin to unravel, first in funny ways, where Paul welcomes the re-telling of these dreams. But once the dreams start to change, perhaps in keeping with Paul's feelings, things get weird and then they get gory!
Trigger Warning:
There are graphic scenes and dialogues on subjects that are best viewed by adults, so I agree with the R rating.
The Takeaway:
Courtesy: A 24 Films
This is another one of those quirky Nicolas Cage films where you are entertained just enough to watch the film to the end credits but be warned, there is no happy ending for poor hapless Paul and I disagree with The Hollywood Reporter's stance that this film is "pure comedy gold". Perhaps this particular type of humor was simply lost on me.
I felt the film lagged in several spots, but the settings and characters playing their respective roles helped move this film in the right direction, along with the science behind the premise of collective dreaming.
If you are a fan of Nicolas Cage’s work, then by all means stream this one on your favorite platform, if for no other reason than to discuss the film with other Nic Cage fans. Speaking of discussing films, have you had a chance to read any of my recent film reviews here on the blog? You’ll find them under the entertainment tab.
I’ll be sharing lots more film, book, and product reviews soon, so please make sure you subscribe to my blog by adding your email address to the subscribe box on the right sidebar. Thank you.
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