What Dreams May Come (1998)

My Review

“What Dreams May Come” is a bold attempt by Hollywood to describe what happens in the next life. Director Vincent Ward throws everything into this project: An $85 million budget, fabulous special effects, and big name movie stars. However, the results amount to an inaccurate, boring, and even annoying melodrama that makes the two hour film seem much longer.

Actors include Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., Annabella Sciorra, Max von Sydow, Jessica Brooks Grant, Josh Paddock, Rosalind Chao, Lucinda Jenney, and Maggie McCarthy. They recite their dialogue earnestly enough, as penned by screenwriter Ronald Bass. However, the story, adapted from the 1978 novel by Richard Matheson, depicts the afterlife from conflicting doctrines of Judeo-Christian beliefs and Hinduism; too much contradiction and inconsistencies in the storyline.

“What Dreams May Come” was a big disappointment in theatrical release for Interscope Communications and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment. It was filmed in Montana, California, Italy, and Venezuela.