It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

The film was still a fun one that will make you laugh and have you leaving the theater feeling like you just stole something valuable and got away with it.

it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

In my opinion, this movie was creative, magical and brought back the feeling of mystery that I have not experienced since watching old movies such as Peter Pan & The Secret Garden. A definite tear jerker, in which two young teenagers struggle to find hope and belief that life is worth living, regardless of how strained their lives are in 'reality'. Hayden's portrayal of a scared, lonely girl is outstanding, with her acting ability setting the foundation for a long and successful career. Although Ryan was extremely successful in playing the role of 'mute' young boy, it was, at times, hard to find emotion in his face during certain scenes. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and would recommend it to all as a family or even just for the kids.

THE DUST FACTORY is more of a tween film than one for younger kids. Dealing with sensitive subjects on life, death, love, and sex, parents should be forewarned that this isn't some feel-good Disney flick (although it has some of its elements).The story is that of Ryan Flynn (Ryan Kelley), a boy coming into his teens who is a self-imposed mute. He doesn't speak just because he doesn't want to; he witnessed a horrible accident that claimed his father's life several years ago and hasn't uttered a word since, much to the dismay of his mother (Kim Myers) and stepfather (Peter Horton). His grandfather (Armin Mueller-Stahl) lives with them but suffers from the end stages of Alzheimer's, not even realizing that his wife has passed on. Ryan's best friend Rocky (Michael Angarano, 24 TV series) understands his muteness and doesn't pressure him, just lets him be. Until one day they're crossing an old train bridge and Ryan falls through into the murky water below.When he resurfaces, everything has changed. Rocky is nowhere to be seen. His home is empty with the exception of his grandfather ...who can now talk! And so can Ryan! Learning that he's in some sort of limbo, Ryan soon befriends a pretty young girl his own age named Melanie (Hayden Panettiere) who shows him the ropes of this unique place. Taking him to the big-top where some freakish mimes play out the fate of people's afterlife, Ryan learns that once you take the plunge on the trapeze, things will never be the same. You either "move on"or you return to the Dust Factory (i.e., life as you knew it before limbo).Battling his uncomfortable past, Ryan often sees railroad tracks blocking his way (his father was killed at a railroad crossing) and must force himself to move onward instead of looking back. He is helped tremendously by his tricky grandfather and, initially, by Melanie. But grandpa can't stay in this place forever, a sad but necessary thing, while Melanie refuses to leave (will she become a mime herself if she never leaves?) Ryan battles for Melanie's soul as much as his own and soon comes to terms with what it means to live life to its fullest.Although exceptionally predictable and not very well acted, the bizarre afterlife world created here makes for some interesting post-film discussion with your tweens. Parents will be able to ask their kids what they think the mimes represented. And why was it necessary for the grandfather to move on.It's a mixed bag as far as films go, but the creepiness of the big-top and its dark tones make up for many of its faults.

I love this film.. For one, it's a family/drama film. Well I first saw this "awesome" movie when it first cam out in 04, and I think it was a great adventure kind of movie. Ryan Kelley,(one of my favorite actors)(also so cute) did an great performance as Ryan the boy who is mute.Ryan playing a mute teen (at first in the film), was so impressive. He made me think for a sec, that he was mute. So I think he did a great acting job for this film. Hayden was also a great actor in this film. She gave a performance as a "Peter Pan" girl.She was very spunky and adventures, her betrayal, made me want to be like her charter. Overall this film takes you where you never been before and it's a different kind of magical film. This film is great for the hole familylove it

"The Dust Factory" was for me one of the finest allegorical films about life, death, and loss, that I have ever seen.It presents this theme in a story that is entirely suitable for both children and adults. "The Dust Factory" is charmingly sentimental without being sappy, maudlin, or too scary for a younger audience. I applaud Eric Small's fine writing and direction.I appreciated and enjoyed this film more than I did "Finding Neverland," yet it only shows what a difference that a good distribution deal can make to insure a successful movie. While I read a consumer review of the film that said they saw it in a theater, I have also read that it went "direct to video." If the former is true, I don't understand why "The Dust Factory" didn't open and play to a larger audience? I recommend this film to any and all, and can only hope that Eric Small has a long career to continue following his dream and inner vision.Gary Myers BOCA PRODUCTIONS