Review of Dream Boy (2008) by Thomas W — 12 Oct 2010

Before she becomes world known as the new Lisbeth Salander, Rooney Mara's first theatrical film role was in this small, independent drama. The film, Dream Boy, isn't that good. It has a wide array of themes it tries to deal with -- teen love, incest, religion, homosexuality, underage sex, abuse -- and it is too burdened by the sheer number that it is trying to tackle that is isn't overly successful as a film.

The dialogue is horrible ("I'm good at math" or "I'm not so good at English") and eye roll worthy and it makes the film feel like a chore. There are plot problems here and there and some of it is downright unbelievable -- a senior at the local high school drives his OWN schoolbus to school every day (rrrright).

Mara (The Social Network, the American-version of Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) has LITTLE to do here other than hold her "boyfriend's" hand and kiss -- the role isn't much. The movie forces all of these issues upon its viewer and this keeps it from being effective.

The glaring crucifix on the wall (in such an unlikely place) is so obviously in view that it is apparent the director wanted it to be a part of the scene(s). The film is forced and generic and Mara isn't enough of a draw for this one as she is hardly in it.

Ugh -- skip it!