Search - Running on Empty Dreams on DVD

There are better films on the same topic

P. Mann | Los Angeles | 06/08/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"A film about a woman who leaves her traditional, heterosexual marriage to find love and happiness in the arms of another woman is not new. Lianna (1983) dealt with this topic as did Desert Hearts (1985). Of these three films, "Running on Empty Dreams" is the least. That is not, however, to say that it is entirely without merit. But there are significant flaws.

"Running on Empty Dreams" begins when Sydney Harris (Kathleen Benner) is diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Her doctor informs her that her condition is treatable, but Sydney and her husband, Corey (Jose Rosete), lack the money to pay for treatment. As Corey works longer hours, Sydney strikes up a friendship with single mother Jane (Rachel Owens), and the two share intimate (in the sense of personal, not necessarily sexual) thoughts, naturally drawing closer.

There are multiple other elements to the film, including a lesbian-turned-evangelical-Christian who tries to prevent Sydney and Jane from forming a relationship, Sydney's efforts to sell a screenplay, Corey's rage, and, of course, the cancer itself. Too many elements pull the film in too many directions, and few of these elements receive satisfactorily in-depth treatment. Worse, they distract from the fundamental issue of Sydney's deteriorating relationship with her husband and son. Other flaws include the frequently too-loud background music, the at times over-the-top acting, and the script itself.

There are some good aspects to the film. Sydney's and Jane's relationship seems genuine, for instance, and the two leads are generally good. Also, this is an independent film (made in three weeks, according to the film's Web site), so some leeway, especially on technical matters, is in order. (And, of course, it's hardly as if big-budget films are without errors. Think of all the errors in Independence Day, for example, but that film seemed to do fairly well at the box office.) Still, though, I'd recommend "Desert Hearts" or "Lianna" for better treatment of similar themes. 2.5 stars.
"

The title says it all.

Eric A. Hendrix | Claxton, GA | 05/26/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Although the story this film (and i use the term film loosely) was based on is worthy to be told, the film itself is filled with sloppy story telling, ancient cliches, and generally bad acting. The film begins in the summer of 2000, this the first indicator of time in the film, also it's the last. The story all to frequently jumps periods of time and story lines, making it hard to decipher any clear message. The film is plagued with amateur indie film errors such as: horrible transitions, overly loud soundtrack, too few script revisions, and no sign of any editing what so ever. That's not even mentioning the simple continuity, factual, and grammatical errors. For example, a deceased character displayed in the casket wearing the clothing in which they died instead of proper burial attire, and the ending text which states "It's estimated that 18% to 35% of lesbians in the United States were EVER married, based on several research studies". I really don't understand how this film could have managed to be released in the state it is in. A few rewrites and a new cast, excluding Rachel Owens as Jane Smith, and this film could be very good, but as is it doesn't even live up to its title."

One star is a gift

Bealer | US | 05/26/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"The other one-star review by E. Hendrix sums up my thoughts on this film, I would only differ in the use(even loosely)of the term film. As I stated in my comment of E. Hendricx's review, I'm not sure what the four-star reviewer was watching but it couldn't have been this piece of bad acting, editing, directing and writing that this DVD represents."

Unintentionally Funny

Andy | 05/20/2010

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Has all the laughs in you favorite comedy, with no jokes, only bad every thing. I would gladly pay double the rental to get that time back."