Bad Dreams1988
Bad Dreams (1988)
Bad Dreams Photos
Movie Info
Cast
as Cynthia
as Harris
as Dr. Alex Karmen
as Ralph
as Dr. Berrisford
as Connie
as Victor
as Lana
as Gilda
as Ed
as Miriam
as Detective Wasserman
as Young Cynthia
as Reporter #3
as Hettie
as Male Unity
as Edgar
as Ron the Pharmacist
as Unity Member #9
as Physical Therapist
as Unity House Nurse
as Female Unity
as Unity Member #8
as Reporter #2
as Fireman
as Paramedic
as Policeman at Fire
as Male Unity
as Nurse
as Cynthia's Policeman
as Reporter #5
as Ralph's Policeman
as Unity Member #5
as Unity Member #10
as Nurse
as Reporter #4
as Night Guard Anthony
as Nurse
as Male Unity
as Reporter #7
as Reporter #1
as Lana
Critic Reviews for Bad Dreams
All Critics (12) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (3) | Rotten (9) | DVD (2)
This is another of those foul teenage vomitoriums in which the only message is that the world is evil and brutal.
As a total package this is probably one of the most underrated horrors of that decade.
...a fairly disastrous trainwreck of a thriller that'll test the patience of even the most ardent horror fan.
Bad Dreams is a highly effective but deeply flawed psychological horror story that boasts a couple of nasty kills, some great shock moments and great performances from a cast who elevates the material.
The twist ending isn't bad, but everything else is dreary and derivative.
"Nightmare on Elm Street" rip-off with talky script, predictable plot twists, off-screen murders and no gore.
Audience Reviews for Bad Dreams
I'm kind of caught here. I somewhat liked it, but came away rather under-whelmed because it was all too familiar and there was something more interesting within this strange horror/thriller premise than what was chalked up. Even with some creative cracks, it should've been better. The story's direction seems a little uneven if it wants to go out to shock (a good amount of blood splatter is spilt), or play its cards for psychological torment. Something about it never entirely fulfils. The performances are the main reason this one doesn't slip off the mind too quick. The beautiful Jennifer Rubin is exceptional in brining out a vulnerable side, which is counter-punched by determination. Alongside her are a very good Bruce Abbott and a towering Richard Lynch brings an uneasy subtly to his menacing character. Harris Yulin, Sy Richardson, Susan Ruttan and an amusingly batty Dean Cameron chip in with durable support. Andrew Fleming's leisured direction is stylish, but has that breakable quality to it. Good use of lighting, colouring and composition in pockets drips of atmosphere. The material is enjoyable (if minimal), as the protagonist tries to overcome the hallucinations that might be because of her unstable state of mind or the simple reality of being haunted by a restless spirit. There's some black humour evident, but the by-the-numbers script goes about things rather seriously. As well it has a fine and compelling soundtrack to boot. The special effects and make-up FX stands-up well enough. A decent little film.
Super Reviewer
Not a bad horror cult-classic of being haunted and hunted by the ghost.
Super Reviewer
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