Dream a Little Dream: Rescuing an 80's Classic for a New Generation

Have you ever wondered why some movies get a small contingent of uniquely loyal fans who just won't let the film die? How they can watch it over and over again even though they know every word by heart? You probably don't, because now that you think about it, you have a movie just like that in your own library. Some of you refuse to relinquish your copy of Teen Wolf, Clueless or Napoleon Dynamite. More than likely there is some movie that has become your life's anthem. Even if nobody else you know seems to like it.

Well, I have a movie like that too. It wasn't a wildly popular movie and unless you were just the right age in 1989 you probably wouldn't even know it exists. I want to mention it because I hope that some of you out there, regardless of age, might decide to take 114 minutes out of your life and give it a try. Or maybe decide to see it again. For some of you teenagers, this might be the answer to your quest for the perfect date movie or slumber party flick. For anyone else, maybe just a comfortable walk down memory lane.

The name of the film is Dream a Little Dream. A Corey Feldman and Corey Haim classic. Now, before you stop reading, I want to make this clear. This is when the two Corey's were still friends and were at the height of their popularity. But the cast doesn't end with them. Also starring in this film is the great Jason Robards whose resume includes Philadelphia and Enemy of the State. Together these three create a strong foundation for this romantic comedy.

For all the guys out there though, I would be lying if I said there was any other reason to watch it than for a young Meredith Salenger. A beautiful young girl in a role that is strong and spirited but hopeful and romantic. I am convinced to this day that she was the sole reason that I prefer brunettes over blonds.

Overall, Dream a Little Dream is one of the best body switching films made. It's just as funny as Vice Versa but more emotionally charged than 13 Going on 30. This film hits the mark and capped off an era of some of the most unforgettable films a single decade could offer.

Then there is the soundtrack. Probably one of the better marriages between a film and its music. With stars like Van Morrison, Otis Redding, and Michael Damian singing songs like "Into The Mystic", "I've Got Dreams to Remember" and "Rock On" they help to capture the mystery and magic of two couples desperately searching for one another. It also helps that the theme song is used playfully in one of the more entertaining courtship scenes of 80's films.

But I think the great thing about this film can be found in its simplicity. A lot is left up to the imagination without explanation. The story builds with escalating ebbs and flows culminating in a crescendo of well played drama. The intensity was believable and the ending memorable. That's why I hope you will make it a point to see this movie. Or see it again! Just don't let it die. Dream a Little Dream is worth never forgetting.