Who's In It?

Kevin Costner, Kathy Bates, Susanna Thompson 

Who Made It?

Tom Shadyac

Where's The Web site?
Dragonfly

In Ten Words or Less

"Scary at times, a good mix of drama and thrills."

What's It About?

Dr. Emily Darrow (Thompson) has always been a giving individual.  She was always willing to go wherever she was needed to help.  The Red Cross had her out in Venezuela when a terrible accident causes her bus to end up in a river and evidently kills her.  Her husband, Dr. Joe Darrow (Costner), has a hard time accepting the death of his soul mate.

Joe buries himself in work, but can’t help from feeling that Emily is trying to get to him.  He hears people calling his name; he talks with Emily’s former patients who say they’ve seen her.  And all of the kids know that Joe is, Emily’s Joe.  Everywhere he turns he sees things that remind him of her.  Now it is up to Joe to see if he can get his life back together, or be driven mad by the haunting reminders of Emily.  Will he be able to survive?

Common Guy's Thoughts

Kevin Costner has been on such a negative roll lately.  Everyone has found it fashionable to bash anything that he does, but that isn’t the case with Dragonfly.  This is a film that looks to Costner for strength and to deliver a solid performance in the lead as Joe Darrow.  No large special effects budget here but more of a solid actor driven piece, and Costner steps to the plate and takes on the challenge that he was presented with.

This film does a great job of making the viewer jump when they should jump and feel emotions when they should feel emotions.  There is a solid feeling of respect for Joe, yet true concern that he is losing his mind.  Costner is flanked by a nice set of small supporting roles with Kathy Bates as his neighbor that steps to the plate to help him try and understand what is going on in his life to a number of extremely talented kids that add just the right amount of eeriness to this film.

The only thing that holds the film back slightly is the fact that at times it does turn slightly cheesy and go over the top, but thankfully those are the exception and not the rule.  This is a nice comeback film for Costner that should help regain a large amount of respect for his talents.  This Dragonfly doesn’t fly as high as it could, but it is a satisfying film that will allow you to feel a wide range of emotions.

Grade

B-

Parents Guide

Rated PG-13 for thematic material and mild sensuality.  This may be a bit scary for younger kids; there are more than a couple scenarios that will make them jump (I know I did).  Overall most kids in the late teems will be ok with this.  There is a love scene in the film that is fairly tastefully done (lack of nudity) but it is suggestive nonetheless.
 

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