Dream a Little Dream

Dream a Little Dream is a 1989 American rom-com fantasy drama film directed by Marc Rocco, starring a duo that was popular at the time - Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. They were collectively known as "The Two Coreys." The film also boasts the presence of esteemed veteran actor Jason Robards.

Dream a Little Dream charts a unique narrative that maneuvers the extraordinary and the ordinary. The story kicks off with Jason Robards's character, Coleman Ettinger, a whimsical old man who's deeply invested in practices of Tibetan Philosophy and meditation with his wife, Gena, (Piper Laurie). He believes that he can harness his spirit and transcend the mundane bounds of reality, a theory put to test during a freak accident. Part of the film's delight is seeing Robards play an older character who clings to the airy mysticism that serves as a gateway to the film's cross-age body swap.

Parallel to the Coleman saga is the teenage life of Bobby Keller and Denny (Corey Feldman and Corey Haim, respectively). These two are up to exactly what you'd expect from pubescent, high-school-aged boys - attempting to navigate the choppy waters of adolescence, school gnarls, and, of course, the mysteries of love and attraction. Bobby holds a secret flame for Lainie Diamond (Meredith Salenger), a high school queen bee.

One evening, during a rigorous meditation, Coleman and Gena step onto the street, only to be hit by Bobby, who's been knocked unconscious by a misplaced football. Want to guess what happens next? Coleman's soul crosses over and gets trapped in Bobby's body, while Bobby is caught in an unconscious limbo. Now parallel stories start to intertwine, leading to a stirring, comedic, and sentimental journey.

Bobby, now entirely inhabited by an older man's consciousness, must navigate high school and the challenges of being a teenager all over again. Watching Bobby infused with an elder's wisdom and serenity gives viewers both comedic relief and food for thought about the generation gap and societal expectations. Jason Robards' character brings to the table his old-world views, which attempts to bridge the youthful energy and old-age wisdom, questioning societal norms and reflecting on profound philosophical thoughts about life and love.

Meanwhile, Feldman, as Bobby, had to shift dramatically from a prank-loving teenager to a nuanced, wiser character embodied by Coleman. His performance was stellar, with Robards' characteristics effectively impersonated—a unique actor's challenge achieved extremely well.

The flick makes smart use of its rock 'n' roll track as it captures the late 80s' atmospherics. From Van Morrison's titular "Dream a Little Dream of Me" to cuts from The Beatles, the tunes play a supportive yet significant role in the story. They complement the fantasy-driven narrative's pace, providing additional layers of emotional nuance and depth.

Helping the film stand out in the crowded genre of body-swap films during the 80s, the metaphysical meets the physical in Dream a Little Dream, marrying the external and internal worlds in unexpected, innovative ways. The narrative alignment may seem ambitious for a teen movie, but it surprisingly holds up well—taking the viewers through a profound mediation on age, youth, love, and loss.

Stellar performances by the ensemble cast, particularly Feldman, Robards, and Laurie, elevate the movie's charm. They ensure that the philosophical injections don't come across as heavy, maintaining the film's playful tone.

Sporting elements that appeal to both teenagers and older audiences, Dream a Little Dream offers a motley of fun, mysteries, heartbreaking moments, and nostalgic cues. Interspersing comedic delight with emotional moments, it’s a film that encapsulates the chaos and charm of adolescence and the wisdom of maturity in one magical narrative. One can enjoy the mystic silliness, the rock 'n' roll energy, and the 80s' high-school aesthetics, while simultaneously delving into discussion-worthy questions about existence, consciousness, and love.