The Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023 clubbed two films together – Sweet Juices and Dream Scenario. Sweet Juices is just 15 minutes long and is about a crazy couple using an interesting and wacky idea to solve their financial issues. The performances are over-the-top but the humour is great. The direction and editing are stylish. Actors Shirong Wu (Shirong), Anthony Roy Barton (Tony) and Catherine Van-Davies (Sarah) shine.
Dream Scenario, meanwhile, is about an average Joe who inexplicably starts appearing in the dreams of thousands of people. The plot is original and amusing though it gives a slight déjà vu of Woody Allen’s To Rome With Love. However, director Kristoffer Borgli approaches the plot slowly and neatly. The humourous incidents that occur with the protagonist keep the interest going. Though it is an absurd comedy, still the absurdities in the second half are unconvincing. The finale is fine but one might expect something more. Nicolas Cage is terrific, to say the least. Julianne Nicholson (Janet) lends able support. Dylan Gelula (Molly) leaves a huge mark. The others who do well are Michael Cera (Trent), Tim Meadows (Brett) and Dylan Baker (Richard). All in all, Dream Scenario is a great entertainer. Do watch it if releases in cinemas near you.
My rating – *** ½ out of 5!