Director/co-writer John Walsh and writer Cynthia Kaplan are to credit for this quirky low budget indie film about a plummer going to great lengths to have sex with a better class of women.

"Pipe Dream" is about David, played by Martin Donovan (Insomnia), a plummer with a chip on his shoulder when it comes to dating, or should I say "trying to get laid." He is established as a fairly decent guy, but with weaknesses and a knack for screwing over people who feel his profession is beneath their respect.

After talking with a friend/client who works in film production, he decides to steal his neighbor's movie script and hold auditions for a bogus production. Why? This is so David can pose as director of the fake film and hit on all the actresses who now think he's someone to fall over.

Everything goes fine; somewhat cruel, but fine. This is until word of the project, and this "happening" director, gets around and attracts two million dollars from big business looking for a tax relief entity. David's aspiring screenwriter/neighbor Toni, played by Mary-Louise Parker (Angels in America), formulates a plan to direct the picture "through" David, getting her movie made on a decent budget.

The picture's dialogue is very punchy, and director Walsh's use of the two shot consistently gives his actors the chance to present material extremely well.

Donovan does fine as David. His responses in many scenes are what make his character whole. Parker is very amusing as Toni. She is the best reason to watch this soft-spoken comedy.

However, the picture captures every weakness each character has. It allows these weaknesses to dictate every move and decision they make. Thus, it is difficult to like ANY of the characters involved, even though I found them very lifelike. With that in mind, it was difficult to enjoy the picture as much as I otherwise would have.

I think "Pipe Dream" is worth checking out. You could probably even buy a DVD copy cheap from a rental store. Since no one I have talked to has even HEARD of the picture, I'm guessing it wasn't very popular in rentals.

Benn - Where's the Humanity?