Watch Just a Dream

Just a Dream is a heartwarming family drama that was released in 2002. The film stars Carl Lumbly, Robby Benson, and Ally Sheedy. It is directed by Danny Glover and written by Eric Sherman. The story revolves around sixth-grader Emily who lives with her parents and her elder brother. Emily is a creative and imaginative child who likes to write stories but she struggles in school. Her parents are concerned about her lack of academic progress and are considering sending her to a boarding school to help her catch up with her studies. Emily, however, is not keen on the idea and feels that no one understands her.

One day, Emily falls into a deep sleep and finds herself in an imaginary world where she meets different characters. She encounters a wise owl, a friendly elf, a giant, and a mermaid among others. These characters help her in her quest to find the Hidden Valley, a place where dreams come true. The journey is not easy, and Emily must overcome her fears and self-doubt to succeed.

Meanwhile, Emily's family and school face their problems too. Emily's father is a struggling musician who can't find a steady job, and her mother works long hours to make ends meet. Emily's brother is dealing with teenage angst and rebelling against his parents. The school principal is trying to fight budget cuts that would force her to lay off teachers. The school librarian is facing sexual harassment from a parent who is also a school board member. These subplots are woven into Emily's dream world, and they all come together in a touching and emotional conclusion.

The film presents a positive message about the power of dreams and imagination. It encourages children and adults alike to pursue their dreams and to believe in themselves. It also highlights the importance of family, friendship, and community. The film is suitable for all ages and would appeal to children who enjoy fantasy stories as well as adults who appreciate character-driven dramas.

The acting in Just a Dream is excellent, especially by the child actors. Robby Benson gives a nuanced performance as Emily's father, a man who tries to stay positive despite his financial struggles. Carl Lumbly's portrayal of the wise owl is both humorous and touching. Ally Sheedy brings depth to the role of the school librarian who refuses to be intimidated by the school board member. The supporting cast is also impressive, with each actor bringing their unique personality to their respective roles.

The script is tight and well-structured. The use of different subplots is cleverly done and adds layers to the story. The dream world sequences are beautifully shot and enhance the magical quality of the film. The music is also noteworthy, with original songs that complement the story and the characters.

Just a Dream is a wholesome and uplifting film that celebrates the power of family, imagination, and community. It is a film that will leave the audience with a sense of hope and inspiration. Whether you're a child or an adult, this film will touch your heart and remind you of the importance of chasing your dreams.

Just a Dream is a 2002 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.