Not weird

Rating: 7/10 (23 March 2007)

I don't understand why people call DD weird. While I would never call this movie a classic, in the end, its nothing more than a camp new package for a forgotten theme. In terms of genre, I would say it is a pretty standard example of the written science fiction of the golden age (50's, 60's) combined with some good old Stephen King scares. I just think contemporary movie goers aren't used to science fiction films without things that go boom.
Three factors combine to make this movie seem strange: its soft science-fiction applications (fiction loosely based on science or fantasy), the age-group of the characters and the comical special effects that make it seem more juvenile. (Perhaps making it more appealing to a younger audience.) These things detract from what is otherwise a lovely ramble down the 80's memory lane, (semi-biographical of the director's) and a perceptive look at a teenage boy's existential crisis.
On the whole, I think its a good movie for teenagers and parents to watch. Take the science fiction out of the movie and you'll see a very scary look at how middle class children are raised today. Cared for by well-meaning but wishy-washy parents and confused by sanitized psycho- social babble and drugs.
I give the director/screenwriter some kudos for having the gumption to not just pose the question, but an answer too. So many so-called serious film makers don't do that anymore. (From his commentaries on the DVD, its clear that the director doesn't really know he did that in defiance of conventions. Maybe if he did, he'd make other cool movies.)
In the end DD has to decide what he believes, make his peace, and shrug his shoulders.