Sleeping in a Dream (2000) User Reviews

Staten Island "Swingers"

[Dasher111 · 6 February 2002]

"Sleeping in a Dream" is a comedy about a wanna-be actor who hangs out with his buddies, drinking and playing sports, but has trouble meeting women. Eventually, he does find a steady girlfriend and a regular job, but feels that he is being held back from pursuing his dream.

Any of this sound familiar? In his writing and directing debut, Jerry O'Donnell (who also stars in the lead role) has crafted a story that is basically a Staten Island version of "Swingers." He even borrows from Adam Sandler's "Big Daddy," casting a Sandler lookalike (Robert Douglas Marko) who, like Sandler's character, is a loser supporting a child.

One problem is that except for O'Donnell, none of the male characters really stand out. They are all one-dimensional and indistinguishable from each other. The girlfriend role (Diana Marquis) also isn't well-developed or played.

However, the film does have some genuinely funny comedic moments (the Twinkie scene is a definite highlight). O'Donnell makes good use of the Staten Island color, giving the film a refreshingly honest and unapologetic tone. But the script tends to meander, and really could have benefited from tighter editing or a stronger narrative.

Overall, this isn't a bad film, but it certainly doesn't break any new ground.

true independence

[nuttyodrox · 17 January 2004]

there once was an independent film world. when unknown writers/directors etc could submit their 'dreams' to an unsuspecting world in hopes that somebody would find something original and inspiring or perhaps a distributor would come along and buy it!! no more!! its big !!!business now!!!companies are buying independent films BEFORE screening now! Big time actors and directors all make their way to canne and sundance. No there is no room anymore for a true independent film like 'sleeping in a dream!' where a writer/director/actor (in this movie jerry odonnell)can put their whole heart into something! along with his heart odonnell added touches of humor, love and opinions. He came in with ZERO experience, no friends in Hollywood and obviously NO money!! and delivered something to be proud of. at the screening i went to in upper manhattan,ny the exiting crowd seemed pleased with the effort. This is not a starred review thats for hollowwood and thumbs are for know it all establishment critics. No this movie was not a success in blockbuster terms but it DID NOT FAIL to do things independently with full heart and soul!

A breath of fresh air - finally ...

[bythelagoon · 10/10 · 29 March 2004]

Hi. This is a surprisingly refreshing movie. We went to the screening in NYC (full house) and thoroughly enjoyed the Jerry ODonnell endeavor - he wrote, directed and starred in this independent film. We were told that he had a very low budget and filmed the entire movie in under 14 days. It is truly a diamond in the rough - we all laughed throughout and to his credit, we found Mr. ODonnell to be quite professional in his craft. Not many details were overlooked. To reiterate, seeing this movie was a breath of fresh air - so much better than a lot of movies presently out there that we so often leave the theater for lack of interest. The female lead and best friend Matt were extraordinary - nothing was forced. Jerry too is a natural actor - that is what happens when you are not even aware it is acting - he is destined to go far and will - of this we are certain. Of the over 100 films at the festival in New York, his Sleeping in a Dream and one other film were the only two to be held over for one more night. We are looking forward to more works from Jerry. More be forthcoming we have been told. We found the film to be original in every aspect - VERY different from the Adam S. film to say the least. Well, those are our comments - if you are fortunate enough to see this piece, you will be entertained. Staten Island is the backdrop and it feels as though you are there. It is a comfortable movie - you are not made to feel uneasy as with many films of the same genre.