‘Dreamcatcher’ is king of camp and novelty

REEL CRITIC

Justin Rubin of Glendale, 17, is a junior at Glendale High School.

The long list of movies adapted from Stephen King novels have

ranged from great (“The Shining”) to bad (“Thinner”) and everything

in between. With the release of “Dreamcatcher,” yet another King book

gets to be placed in the mediocre category.

This silly, meandering and confusing alien tale starts off fresh

and scary, but by the 45-minute mark begins its steady pace downward

into the simply ridiculous. The story centers on four friends with

telekinesis powers, exposed to colon-clogging aliens (yes, you read

that right) and the government agents sent to eliminate the alien

threat.

Before long, subplots are filling the movie, and we become too

confused to care about anything that is going on. That said, the film

isn’t all terrible, as it is well shot and acted (especially by Jason

Lee, who gives one of his best performances since “Chasing Amy”) and

does feature excellent-looking aliens, as well as some frightening

moments.

Still, what could have been an involving psychological thriller,

ultimately ends up being just another silly creature flick, ensuring

its status as the campiest King film ever.

Unless you’re a horror film fanatic or loved the book,

“Dreamcatcher” should remain a rental.

“Dreamcatcher” is rated R for science fiction violence, sensuality

and language.