Anna's Dream

Average story, average script, average acting... but that don't deny this film's inspirational value. The filmmakers did well to keep the story real by refraining from showing miracles. The paraplegic protagonist and narrator of the film Anna is played well enough by Lindsey Felton, though her figure is not, let's say suitable, for a gymnast. The other actors, especially the kid who played Anna's porn-addicted brother, also did satisfactory jobs.

In order to keep itself real, the story got also boring in the middle and viewers might lose interest for that. I was able to sit through it and I don't really regret it. These films are often good for a change.

Anna's Dream is a film about Anna, a high school senior who is coming to grips with her new life as a paraplegic, after a fall during a gymnastics competition. The movie really seems to deal more, with how Anna's family and school friends try and deal with their own awkwardness around Anna. There are a few funny scenes where Anna's friends embarrass themselves by trying to be too P.C.

Unfortunately this film could have been so much better if it had of stuck with telling the story of Anna. But I feel that it is some what distracted by the subplot of Anna's brother and his porn fetish/addiction. Which in it's self would make a funny movie but it really has no real relevance to Anna's story.

To sum it up, Anna's Dream is one of those films that isn't going to be everyones cup of tea. But if you liked 'Amelie' I am sure you will like this one.

You look at all these sex soaked, profanity filled, and bloody movies and you say to your self " Why can't their be a movie out there without this crap?" This movie is that movie and if you love to watch good sex free movies, then you'll love this one. I give this movie a deservable 10/10.

There is so much going on in this movie, it would be hard to capsulize everything, so I won't even try.

Lindsay Felton does an outstanding job as the newly paralyzed Anna Morgan, and as the movie's narrator. She comes across as a real person, with hopes, fears and frustrations like everyone else. The film spends time introducing her family, and, quietly, subtly and intelligently showing us a bit about each person, in a realistic way.

Perhaps my only quibble about this movie would be, Anna is described as a champion gymnast before her injury. Having seen what sylphs most female champions are, it's hard to believe someone as abundantly endowed as Anna...OK, stopping now.

It's an excellent little slice-of-life movie, with a fairly realistic portrayal of dealing with paraplegia (eg, the constant shifting of weight in the wheelchair, to avoid pressure sores and circulation problems). Perhaps the movie's strength is, the wheelchair is only part of the story. The family is the main story.

OK, if that's not clear, just watch it for yourself. It's not syrupy or Disneyfied, just honest, gentle storytelling.

This movie was a lot of things;

well written well developed well informed well directed well performed

were five things it was not.

After reading the reviews it has come to my attention that this movie is thought to be "inspirational" and "real" by many of its viewers. As far as "inspirational" goes, its value lies more in "inspiring" bad writers/actors to keep on applying for production grants as this film is evident that someone will fund your work no matter how bad.

As for 'real' this film reeked of artifice, everything from the every day "day to day" problems that caused family rifts to the big existential dilemmas and crappy, angsty cynicism of Anna. If this film dealt with any of the 'real' issues then everybody should lay back, relax, as it seems we've nothing to worry about.

In regards to the films representation of 'disability' anyone hoping for a relevant and informed piece will be disappointed. I am amazed this film was produced in the 21st century. I've seen 1970 films that were more politically savvy then this.

Colin Bickley, a round of applause for having set a new high standard of 'crap' to Christian programming. I would have gotten more out of the porn videos the brother was watching.