Watch California Dreaming
- PG
- 2006
- 1 hr 26 min
-
3.4 (521)
California Dreaming is an indie comedy-drama film released in 2007. It was written and directed by Linda Voorhees and starred David Foley, Lea Thompson, and Vicki Lewis in lead roles. The film's plot centers around three friends- Zig, Nina, and Janet- who are all experiencing mid-life crises. Zig (David Foley) is a struggling writer who has recently separated from his wife and moved to California to find inspiration. Nina (Vicki Lewis) is a failed actress who is still struggling to make a name for herself in Hollywood. Janet (Lea Thompson) is a married mother of two who is unhappy with her life and struggling to connect with her rebellious teenage daughter.
The three friends meet at a party and bond over their shared struggles. They all feel stuck in their current situations and decide to take a road trip to Napa Valley to attend a wine festival. Along the way, they encounter a variety of eccentric characters including a hitchhiking hippie, a psychic, and a winemaker who offers Zig a job.
As they travel, the three friends open up to each other about their hopes and fears. Zig shares that he has always wanted to be a novelist but feels like he's running out of time to make it happen. Nina opens up about her fear of being alone and Janet reveals that she feels like she's lost her sense of identity after years of being a mother and wife.
The road trip culminates in the wine festival where the three friends have a series of unexpected experiences. Zig reconnects with his estranged wife and Nina has a chance encounter with a famous director that leads to a potential acting job. Janet has a heart-to-heart conversation with her daughter that helps her understand her better.
Overall, California Dreaming is a heartwarming film about friendship, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. The movie's strengths lie in its relatable characters and their struggles. David Foley, Lea Thompson, and Vicki Lewis deliver strong performances that bring their characters to life in a genuine and heartfelt way.
The film's scenic setting in California's wine country also adds to its charm. The beautiful landscapes and wineries provide a picturesque backdrop for the characters' journey.
One of the film's weaknesses is that it can feel at times like a cliched mid-life crisis movie. The characters' struggles are familiar and the film doesn't offer much in the way of new insights or solutions. Additionally, the film's pacing can feel slow at times, especially in the beginning.
Despite its flaws, California Dreaming is a pleasant and enjoyable film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt stuck or lost. It's a film about friendship, hope, and the importance of taking risks and following your dreams.
California Dreaming is a 2006 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.4.