'If you build it, he will come!' (Field of Dreams (DVD))

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	Field of Dreams (DVD)
Date:	21/04/08 (58 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great tale

Disadvantages: Very simple and dodgy special effects at points

Field of Dreams is the 1989 film from director Phil Alden Robinson which sends a message about chasing your dreams. Oscar nominated, it has received acclaim both critically and commercially.

The Plot

Roy Kinsella is a farm owner in Iowa who has a wife, a daughter, a mortgage and survives on his crops. One day, he hears a voice telling him, 'If you build it, he will come!' Thinking he is hearing things, he ignores it, but then hears it again, and has a vision of a baseball field in his crop field. Following his vision, and perhaps his dreams, he builds the field. A group of baseball stars from yesteryear appear on the field, including Shoeless Joe Jackson. Kinsella continues to follow his dreams, which take him around the country and crossing paths with reclusive author Terrence Mann and Moonlight 'Doc' Graham, while at home his financial situation leaves him on the verge of bankruptcy.

The Cast and Performances

Kevin Costner stars here as Ray Kinsella, and gives a very good turn as the New York born baseball fan embarking on a quest to follow his dreams. Amy Madigan plays his wife Annie, and gives a strong performance. Ray Liotta plays Shoeless Joe with some deep and meaningful silences, but is a little lacklustre. James Earl Jones is outstanding as Terrence Mann, and Burt Lancaster has a good but brief role as 'Doc' Graham. The supporting cast is very good.

My Opinion

I watched this film for the first time today, and was amazed. I knew my friends and my wife liked it, and raved about it, but had never gotten round to seeing it for myself. Now, I am glad to have watched, and thought it an amazingly presented film.

The extravagant plot of a man chasing his dreams around the States while his wife and daughter stew at home on the verge of financial ruin is handled very simplistically by the director, and this is what makes the film work so well. The whole ensemble seems effortless. The acting is calming, as is the scenery and the soundtrack, and there are some tear-jerking moments.

The special effects are a little lacking. It is obvious when the background is superimposed onto the actors, particularly with Costner and Madigan sitting in the field in one scene, the background is almost wobbling! But this did not detract from my enjoyment of the film.

Conclusion

Very well done and meaningful film.

I rate this film at 4 stars out of 5.

The DVD is available from amazon.co.uk for #3.73.

This review may also be posted on ciao.co.uk

Thanks for reading.

Summary: Field of Dreams (1989)