Review by John Delia
Wow, this indie film Dreamland came out of nowhere and it really puts the combination of crime/horror/fantasy genres in a very good place. Nicely directed, written and acted, the film takes you into the minds of some very evil protagonists and antagonists. Hard to define who is the wickedest, once the film begins it’s a diabolical whirlwind.
A famous jazz trumpet player, (Stephen McHattie), has been commissioned to play at a wedding for Vampire (Tomis Lemarquis), the husband of a very rich woman called the Countess (Juliette Lewis). On the day of the event however, the jazz artist does not have his beloved trumpet as he had to hock it for funds he needed. He will have to find a way to get the money and go to the pawnshop and payoff the debt to reacquire his enchanted instrument.
On the same day Johnny Deadeyes (also Stephen McHattie) has just finished a hit job and is meeting with his boss Hercules (Henry Rollins), an evil club owner who has been trafficking young girls. Hercules has a problem and he asks his hitman for a favor that will allow Johnny to retire peacefully from his employment. It seems the Trumpet player has offended Hercules and he wants Johnny to cut off his left pinky finger and bring it to him today before the big wedding.
The story sounds very foul right? Well this film gets so nasty that you’ll find yourself wincing, unbelieving and maybe wrenching if you get easily queasy. But wait, it’s only a movie and one I think, if you are a fan of the Horror/Thriller genre, will become one of your classics. Director Bruce McDonald (Pontypool) has a lot in store for you from chase scenes, to mob hits and a finale that should blow your mind.
Writers Tony Burgess (The Hoard) and Patrick Whistler go into a freaky mind game with this one reaching into places that you probably have never been before. Sure we have seen a lot of chase movies, horror flicks with a lot of bloody violence and even a finger chopping scene. However, it’s all on how you lay it out that makes a film a winner, and the two writers nail it with their depraved script.
As far as the acting goes, if you have read a lot of my reviews, you know I like to mention at least one role that stands out. But, with Dreamland, the whole cast is perfect and sharp, rich for depicting their auspicious characters and making this gawker film work. However, I must point out that Stephen McHattie does a terrific job of playing his two leads, both with completely different personalities, yet as equally important to the story. It’s one of those right time and right place actor choices that gels for the perfect storyline.
Dreamland has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains extreme violence, drug use, underage smoking, brief nudity, gore, more gore, more drugs, well you get the idea. The film will be available on June 5th on VOD, Digital HD and hopefully theaters (Maybe a drive-in). Also, do not confuse this film titled Dreamland with the ones starring Margot Robbie and another that is due to come out this year starring Gary Oldman.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A nice perk for the fans of the horror/thriller genre. (4 out of 5 stars).
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Juliette Lewis, Stephen McHattie, Henry Rollins, Tomis Lemarquis
Directed Bruce McDonald
Written by: Tony Burgess and Patrick Whistler
Genre: Crime, Horror, Thriller and Fantasy fans
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, extreme violence, drug use, underage smoking, brief nudity, gore.
Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min.
Opening Date: June 5, 2020
Distributed by: Uncorked Entertainment
Released in: Theaters, VOD, Digital HD