Bryan Kluger It's not too often that we see a "coming-of-age" film that features an almost all female cast. Usually, the coming-of age movies center around boys or young men. If and when women are the center focus, it usually involves some sort of relationship or romance with a guy. Refreshingly and fortunate for us, Texas filmmaker Katie Cokinos flips the genre on its ear with 'I Dream Too Much', which focuses on a college-bound young woman who discovers herself, while staying with her great aunt in upstate New York.The film is lighthearted and easy going, with almost nothing at stake, but the dialogue between the college girl Dora (Eden Brolin) and her aunt Vera (Diane Ladd) is quite charming and fun. It worked for 'Gilmore Girls' and works here too. Cokinos puts the romance/relationship/drugs on the back burner here, and instead tells a story of Dora, who would rather be with her friends in Brazil before college, rather than have her overbearing mother force her into law school and to ace the LSAT. To escape the hell, Dora arranges an extended stay with her great aunt Vera (Ladd), who has just suffered a broken foot and needs help around the house.I wouldn't go as far as to say Vera and Dora hit it off very well. In fact, Vera is as cold as the bitter New York exterior at first, but it makes for some witty and funny dialogue between the two. Soon, Dora fins a few letters and diaries from Vera's famous literary uncle who has passed, as Dora begins to spark some new life into her creative mind and soul. She even has visions and dreams in the style of Jane Austen from time to time, which this movie has a ton of references too as well. It's quite a charming film with some fun characters and decent dialogue.There are some musical and funny moments when Dora meets Abbey (Danielle Brooks), who works at the local clothing boutique, and who wants to become a famous singer and get discovered by the big time music producer who lives in town. All these characters in their own way help Dora find her creative and expressive self, and it's a joy to watch, despite that there's just not a whole lot that happens, besides some great character transformations and development, along with some solid, witty dialogue.Eden Brolin is a newcomer to the film world and she delivers a wonderful performance. She's as cute as she is witty, and portrays a very realistic and likable young woman, trying to figure it all out. She's one to watch out for in the coming months. Diane Ladd is of course amazing here and shows that she still has that incredible talent that she's shown us for years now. 'I Dream Too Much' is a solid film that's easy to take in.RECOMMENDED!

englishkam Dora (Eden Brolin) wishes she were somewhere else, but ends up right where she needs to be. Great Aunt Vera (Diane Ladd) pines for the love of her life, but finds new hope with family and friends. Abbey (Danielle Brooks) owns a shop, but finds her lifelong dreams are within her reach. Everyone dreams too much...but is that a bad thing? This film is a lighthearted romp through the post-college, what-do-I-do-with-my-life malaise shared by most artists and thinkers. There's authentic dialogue, and the characters are real people.With a stellar cast, breathtaking cinematography, great characters, and one-liners that elicit real laughs--this is a must-view for everyone!

donnafujimotocole I just loved being able to see myself in each of the women characters and highly recommend to all my friends and families to pursue your dreams even when you or others don't believe in yourself.Diane Ladd's performance was stellar. Happened to catch Diane Ladd just before her press conference at the SXSW Austin Conference Center/ Meeting Diane at SXSW was an absolute joy she is so warm and personable.Christina Rouner plays the Mom and as a Mom myself I could so relate to her performance made me cry. What a wonderful and talented actress!What an awesome surprise that Danielle Brooks has such a beautiful voice and her song is very catchy.Eden Brolin, filled the shoes well of a bored brat in the coming of age movie "I Dream Too Much".

leahbagger A real life coming of age film. The main character is 20 years old and has just finished college. Her close friends are embarking on different paths and her mom has her own dreams she wants her daughter to fulfill. The script is beautiful in that it captures real life experiences within family without being over dramatic or too Hollywood. I can picture myself as each one of the characters as a past, current or future me! The cinematography is spectacular. The snowy scenes are dreamy and frequently capture an artistic sense that moves your heart with memories that may not be yours! Don't miss this warming peak into these charming characters' lives.