The Dust Factory

This movie discusses topics that may not be understood by all ages, but are certainly suitable for all ages. The basic question of what is life's purpose is a central theme. The movie brings up the notion that life is not a problem to be solved, but rather something to be experienced; finding paradise and total bliss comes at a price, but must be paid. The movie's theme is something that is rarely touched on by most mainstream films, now dominated by empty action films.

The acting was superb. Armin Mueller-Stahl played the guiding, grandfather very well; and Ryan Kelley is easily identified with his character. The filming location in Oregon was beautiful, and fits the film perfectly. In addition, the soundtrack fits scenes well. The plot however at times seems slow, and there seems to be periods of confusion when the audience has to guess what is happening if they missed a single line.

Overall, this movie presents ideas that an entire family should consider, while at the same time presenting it in a new and innovative way. It definitely will reshape your view on life.

My son and I really enjoyed this film. We went to this movie quite by accident - had never heard of it - but was rated PG! How rare is that in this day and age?

The subject matter is deeper then most kids movies - the understanding of pain, losing people we love, and taking that pain to live life and love life to its fullest, not closing up to die. While this may sound like a downer it is not, the characters learn to embrace and recapture their lives in a very upbeat way.

I think one user said sappy - true. But, personally, isn't it nice to watch a film that is uplifting and makes one think about life, and pain, and living - whether you are 9, like my son, or an adult?

Also, this movie has a certain forgein film quality to it. In my opinion.

I'm sixteen and I just watched this movie. I didn't really understand the plot. It felt too slow and just had no point. In some ways, it was boring because everything was too perfect. I didn't really understand the whole thing with the circus and the black hole. The only thing I understood was that the grandpa lost his Alzheimer's when he was in the place between heaven and earth and he became friends with the girl. This movie made absolutely no sense. Someone reviewed that this movie was original, but I've seen ten million other movies like this. They go to a new world which is perfect, but they have to go back. There's also the "loss of a loved one" element in this movie. I'm hoping that one of these days the people writing scripts will create an understandable and original movie.

RELEASED IN 2004 and directed by Eric Small, "The Dust Factory" is a drama/family/fantasy about two young teens (Ryan Kelley and Hayden Panettiere) and the boy's grandfather (Armin Mueller-Stahl) who enter into a strange dimension parallel to the real world. Will they live or will they die?

Imagine mixing "Carnival of Souls" (1962) and "Something Wicked This Way Comes" (1983) with DC Comic's Strange Sports Stories and you'd have a good idea of this movie. Being a family-friendly film, it lacks horror, but there are enough strange things going on and it arguably borders on horror.

The relationship between Melanie (Panettiere) and Ryan (Kelley) is the heart of the story, with Gramps offering sage counsel. While it's neither great nor bad, seeing Panettiere when she was so young (14 during shooting) is a treat. She's just a joy to watch. Moreover, there are some imaginative visuals, like the teens in the field with the circus tent in the background, and the story certainly reaches for depth in its reflections on the nature of death and bereavement.

THE FILM RUNS 1 hours & 20 minutes and was shot in Oregon (Portland, Hillsboro & Mount Hood).

GRADE: B-/C+

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.