Synopsis
When two youngsters meet and fall for each other, they must go on the run from the girl's corrupt father, who is also the sheriff of the town.
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Cast
- Sophie NélisseCasey Caraway
- Josh WigginsJonas Ford
- Colm FeoreThe Chief
- Bill PaxtonWayne Caraway
- Joe CobdenElbert
- Vickie PapavsLynette Ford
- Ryan BlakelyProprietor
- George BuzaPawnshop Clerk
- Tara NicodemoPharmacist
- Mike McPhadenFather
Recommendations
- 88
Chicago Sun-Times
While the plot often travels familiar paths and even the impressive camerawork is evocative of other films, Mean Dreams has a few story tricks up its sleeve — and it has Bill Paxton, playing one of the most odious characters he ever played, and doing it with absolute mastery. - 75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
Spiritual questions and thoughts on the importance of flesh-and-blood relationships are raised, but the strength of the you-can-run-but-you-can’t-hide drama is the dewy charisma of the two young co-stars. - 75
IndieWire
The pervasive elegance makes up for a largely derivate plot. We’ve seen variations on this story before, and Mean Dreams doesn’t do much to shake up expectations — until, that is, a violent finale that punctuates the characters’ psychological development. - 70
Village Voice
For better or for worse, Paxton's performance will be the focus of viewers’ attention, so it is decidedly to the good that he doesn't just deliver. He gives a sort of master class on why we've loved him: Paxton was amazing in the role of regular guys, and equally compelling as the subversion of same. - 70
Los Angeles Times
Featuring one of Bill Paxton’s final performances, Mean Dreams is a painful reminder of the actor’s great talents. - 70
The New York Times
Nathan Morlando’s Mean Dreams may use a time-honored premise — young lovers on the lam (see: “Badlands”) — but it does so with such quiet, gently appealing assurance that it makes the template seem fresh again. - 60
The Hollywood Reporter
As the stakes are heightened, the filmmakers too often short-change dramatic verisimilitude with movie-ish cliché, implausible plotting and cumbersome dialogue. - 50
Screen Daily
Director Nathan Morlando makes a concerted effort to inject dynamism and emotion into the telling of Mean Dreams, but fights a losing battle against the cliched writing and some risible plotting.
