Movie #94 - What Dreams May Come

"After life there is more. The end is just the beginning."

For all of you movie-goers out there, this movie is a guaranteed tear jerker. This film is both beautifully shot and the cast put together is quite good overall: Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., Max von Sydow, and Annabella Sciorra.

An Academy Award winner in 1998 for Best Visual Effects, the colorful palette that this movie utilizes is what makes you appreciate the story and plot. Without providing too many spoilers, this movie deals with death and the afterlife - at least an entertaining rendition out there.

Also, for you chick flick movie fans, this film is definitely one of the better ones out there, not because it is a defined chick flick, but becomes it evokes a dramatic emotional response - dealing with issues related to death, dreams, and love.

There are some disturbing images portrayed in this movie and it does give a stark interpretation of what the afterlife may be like - but its definitely a movie to watch from beginning to end. If you have the opportunity to rent the DVD version of this film, please take notice of the alternate ending - it definitely does not make any sense and would have completely destroyed a wonderfully composed film had it been used instead of what they actually came up with.

In the end, enjoy this movie for what it is worth: a great visual landscape and wonderful set designs. The acting compliments the imagery and the storyline compels the actors to grab the audience from beginning to end. This movie can be included into a solid film resume for all actors involved as it is an collaborative achievement with no particular standouts. Even Robin Williams, known for his flailing and antics on stage and in many of his roles, gives a solid, balanced performance - which is a breath of fresh air for this film.

For the guys out there... if your wife, girlfriend, or fiancee wants to rent a movie that you can both watch - I highly recommend this one. Trust me, she'll bawl her eyes out and you might shed a tear or two... its quite possible.