Teringer An Exercise In Nonsense

FuzzyTagz If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Aneesa Wardle The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Paynbob It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

fwomp THE DUST FACTORY is more of a tween film than one for younger kids. Dealing with sensitive subjects on life, death, love, and sex, parents should be forewarned that this isn't some feel-good Disney flick (although it has some of its elements).The story is that of Ryan Flynn (Ryan Kelley), a boy coming into his teens who is a self-imposed mute. He doesn't speak just because he doesn't want to; he witnessed a horrible accident that claimed his father's life several years ago and hasn't uttered a word since, much to the dismay of his mother (Kim Myers) and stepfather (Peter Horton). His grandfather (Armin Mueller-Stahl) lives with them but suffers from the end stages of Alzheimer's, not even realizing that his wife has passed on. Ryan's best friend Rocky (Michael Angarano, 24 TV series) understands his muteness and doesn't pressure him, just lets him be. Until one day they're crossing an old train bridge and Ryan falls through into the murky water below.When he resurfaces, everything has changed. Rocky is nowhere to be seen. His home is empty with the exception of his grandfather ...who can now talk! And so can Ryan! Learning that he's in some sort of limbo, Ryan soon befriends a pretty young girl his own age named Melanie (Hayden Panettiere) who shows him the ropes of this unique place. Taking him to the big-top where some freakish mimes play out the fate of people's afterlife, Ryan learns that once you take the plunge on the trapeze, things will never be the same. You either "move on"or you return to the Dust Factory (i.e., life as you knew it before limbo).Battling his uncomfortable past, Ryan often sees railroad tracks blocking his way (his father was killed at a railroad crossing) and must force himself to move onward instead of looking back. He is helped tremendously by his tricky grandfather and, initially, by Melanie. But grandpa can't stay in this place forever, a sad but necessary thing, while Melanie refuses to leave (will she become a mime herself if she never leaves?) Ryan battles for Melanie's soul as much as his own and soon comes to terms with what it means to live life to its fullest.Although exceptionally predictable and not very well acted, the bizarre afterlife world created here makes for some interesting post-film discussion with your tweens. Parents will be able to ask their kids what they think the mimes represented. And why was it necessary for the grandfather to move on.It's a mixed bag as far as films go, but the creepiness of the big-top and its dark tones make up for many of its faults.

night_hunter1200 I thought this movie was very good. It is kind of like a movie about choices and also about faith. It kept saying that we need faith in order to make the choices that could change the lives of a lot of other people. Also the way Hayden's character didn't know what to do while she was in the Dust Factory. I must say that this movie was very inspirational and it helped me figure out a lot of things in my life. The people who say this movie is lame or boring or stupid for any reason don't know what good movies are. Just because it doesn't have exploding cars or big romantic love scenes doesn't mean it is a stupid movie. For being a family film it was sure sweet and had a very deep meaning. I really enjoy movies that I have to watch more than once to understand the meaning. I just have to conclude by saying that although not my favorite movie it is sure up there on the top ten list.

Jenna (hayden-panettiere-ukfan) The trailers for this movie didn't really appeal to me, but as it was a Hayden movie, I ended up buying it anyway, and I don't regret it. It was a beautiful movie, with such a touching storyline, and I found myself crying at the end, because it was so sweet. I think it deals very well with the subject of loss and bereavement.Ryan Kelley and Hayden Panettiere's performances were amazing, especially Hayden's, as I love the character of Melanie, she's so sweet, and has the ability to make you laugh and cry.Yes, the storyline was a little predictable, but it didn't stop it being set out well, and performed well.

bocaproduction "The Dust Factory" was for me one of the finest allegorical films about life, death, and loss, that I have ever seen.It presents this theme in a story that is entirely suitable for both children and adults. "The Dust Factory" is charmingly sentimental without being sappy, maudlin, or too scary for a younger audience. I applaud Eric Small's fine writing and direction.I appreciated and enjoyed this film more than I did "Finding Neverland," yet it only shows what a difference that a good distribution deal can make to insure a successful movie. While I read a consumer review of the film that said they saw it in a theater, I have also read that it went "direct to video." If the former is true, I don't understand why "The Dust Factory" didn't open and play to a larger audience? I recommend this film to any and all, and can only hope that Eric Small has a long career to continue following his dream and inner vision.Gary Myers BOCA PRODUCTIONS