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I realize he’s currently working on the TV adatation of TRAINING DAY, and pops up from time to time in smaller film roles, but I really wish Hollywood would utilize Bill Paxton a little bit more in leading performances the way they used to. The new movie MEAN DREAMS gives him a chance to show his darker side – watch the excellent FRAILTY to see just how sinister Paxton can be. This new production is written by Kevin Coughlin and Ryan Grassby, directed by Nathan Morlando, and co-stars Colm Feore, Sophie Nélisse, and Josh Wiggins. Here Paxton plays a crooked cop who gets spied on by his daughter’s new boyfriend, and things escalate quickly when the boyfriend takes some stolen money. This almost had a Coen Bros. or John Dahl look to it, very much my type of thriller. Take a look at the trailer below and see what you think.
MEAN DREAMS follows courageous local farm boy Jonas (Josh Wiggins) and the new girl next door, Casey (Sophie Nélisse), as they embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. As young love blossoms between the two fifteen year olds, Jonas also discovers that Casey’s abusive home life has reached a new level of danger, and Jonas takes the lead in their escape by stealing a bag full of drug money from Casey’s corrupt father – local cop Wayne Caraway (Bill Paxton). With the stolen cash as their only means to a better life, Casey flees with Jonas and together, under relentless pursuit from her father, they learn the hard truth of what it will take in order to survive. In the end, Casey and Jonas are forced to make a life-altering choice from which there will be no turning back. A potent coming of age thriller, MEAN DREAMS brings together the desperation of life on the run and the beauty and wonder of first love.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
