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It will be easier to describe "Dream House" by saying what it isn't, rather than what it is.
It isn't, as the advertising would have you believe, a horror movie. It also isn't a murder mystery, a ghost story or a psychological thriller, though it contains elements of all three.
It also isn't very good, in spite of a pedigree that includes acclaimed director Jim Sheridan ("In America," "In the Name of the Father") and a cast that includes Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts and Oscar-winner Rachel Weisz.
The movie begins with Will Atenton (Craig) leaving his plum job at a New York publishing house, to settle in a peaceful Connecticut house with his wife Libby (Weisz) and their two daughters, Trish and Deedee (Taylor and Claire Geare). It's an idyllic life for the Atentons, except for a few weird details like the shadowy figure outside in the woods, or the Goth kids Will rousts from the basement who talk about the murders that took place in the house.
Will starts to investigate, and discovers that indeed there was a family killed in the house. He seeks out information on the husband who was a suspect in the crime, but never tried because he was committed to a mental facility. Will also tries to learn the truth from his new neighbor, Ann Patterson (Watts), who knows more than she's telling.
The movie, of course, knows more than it's telling up until the 45-minute mark, when it reveals one key piece of information. It's something that makes everything else make sense, sort of, and it's something a semi-observant viewer would have guessed well before then.
From that point, there's little left for Sheridan and the cast to make of David Loucka's one-trick-pony of a script. Craig gets to look brooding and intense, which he does better than most actors around, and Sheridan aided by the moody cinematography of Caleb Deschanel sets an appropriately grim tone.
But, in the end, the A-list talent can't keep "Dream House" propped up. The foundation of its script is too shaky, and the whole thing tumbles under its own weight in the finale.
HH
'Dream House'
A strong cast and a talented director can't prop up this weak ghost story.
Where • Theaters everywhere
When • Now open.
Rating • PG-13 for violence, terror, some sexuality and brief strong language
Running time • 92 mins.