(This movie made its Michigan premiere August 27th at the Grand Rapids Film Festival, the producers plan to release the movie in Spring 2010)

“Like Dandelion Dust” is a gut wrenching battle between two devoted dads and two devoted moms.

When it comes out, sometime in Spring 2010, this is a movie you should see and should quickly be in the running for Oscar nominations for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Screenplay, and Best Picture… yes its that good.
 

(My spoiler free review:)

There’s a family message/christian theme behind the story, but its not heavy handed and barely noticeable.

Mira Sorvino and Barry Pepper do most of the the “heavy lifting” of the acting in this film.. but the rest of the cast are strong… including Maxwell Perry Cotton who is awesome as 6-year-old “Joey”.

Pepper transforms himself, becoming his character so convincing he is barely recognizeable from his roles in “Unknown” (2006), “The Green Mile” (1999), “Enemy of the State” (1998), “Saving Private Ryan” (1998), and yes, even…. “Battlefield Earth” (2000).

Pepper adds so many layers to a complicated character… something he’s been doing for years regardless of his screentime, “Like Dandelion Dust” may make Pepper a household name.

Sorvino shines again in a role she plays perfectly – her best performance since winning a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Mighty Aphrodite” (1995).

Cole Hauser is convincing as a troubled dad, struggling with the decision to do the right and legal thing and what his heart wants to do.  L. Scott Caldwell is great as the social worker and Kate Levering is solid as the other mother.

Based on the Karen Kingsbury novel by the same name, “Like Dandelion Dust” sets up two clearly different worlds…. where at least once, the audience goes from supporting one side to the other.   

THE BOTTOM LINE:

Director Jon Gunn’s production elements are very strong: the great shot framing is a nod to the cinematography and a kudos to the editing: I love that many of the most emotional moments breathe without dialouge… allowing the talented actors to act… without saying a word.  I give it 9.5 out of 10 … a powerful, compelling drama that reaches in and pulls on your heartstrings.   Have some tissues handy.  
(PS – The audience members who read the book were pleased)

“Like Dandelion Dust”

(2009) (not yet rated)
(1 hour, 40 min)

Starring: Mira Sorvino, Barry Pepper, Kate Levering, Maxwell Perry Cotton,  Cole Hauser, Maxwell Perry Cotton, L. Scott Caldwell, Abby Brammell, Kirk B.R. Woller

Director: Jon Gunn

Genre: Drama

The Plot: A compelling drama, based on the best-selling novel by Karen Kingsbury, that explores the different meanings of being a parent through the grittily realistic lives of the struggling, blue-collar Porter’s, and the privileged Campbell family. Their lives intersect, intertwine and collide, all for the love of a little boy.

“Like Dandelion Dust” at GR Film Festival

Link to movie website: http://www.likedandeliondust.com/

So what did you think?  Please post a comment!

 
“Like Dandelion Dust” poster courtesy Downes Brothers Entertainment-Lucky Crow Films

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