Lucid

Seeking to illuminate hope through despair, this uneven parable juxtaposes psychological realism and escapist fantasy with mixed results. Stereotypical Dr. Kelly, a “zerapist” with a thick Dutch accent, gives “grossly misshapen” Travis a mystical green stone used by the mythical Lucid. It grants him the power to shape reality in a hidden dream world with secret love crush Corrine. When Travis makes enemies of bullies John and Terry, and discovers that Corrine doesn’t recall their nocturnal sojourns, his newfound confidence is darkened by uncertainty. If he continues to draw Corrine into his dream, she loses her Will. Then the green stone is stolen, threatening the fate of the dreamlands. Travis’s struggle with conscience and societal prejudice are mirrored by the unhinged Terry, yet Roers overshadows this opportunity, preferring to combine pathos and suspense with moralistic grandstanding. The relation between perception and “reality” is intriguing and could have been more intricately explored. Brimming with adolescent angst regarding intimacy and choice, this simplistic bildungsroman will most appeal to young fantasy fans. (Aug.)