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 believe that in this era of film, it is extremely difficult to find a movie below a PG-13 rating that measures up to my expectations of a story in film. This movie met those expectations.When I first saw this movie on the shelf at WalMart, I thought it was a cheap kids film, like something the Disney Channel would make. I've seen my share of crappy Disney Channel movies, being an older brother, and trust me, this is far greater than anything they could do.I rarely bother to even look at movies below a PG-13, because they lack realism. This story moved me, because it was so real to me.This movie, while on the low budget independent side of things, is a wonderful film and story. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Drama or Fantasy, and doubts the capability of a PG rating

tonight i saw a movie called "the dust factory" on a bus from boston to portland, maine. it did nothing to improve the ride. in fact, it was positively, without a doubt, the worst collection of moving images i have ever looked at in my thirty-three years on this planet. the idea that anyone ever thought it was a good idea to make this film is bewildering to me. at best, it is trite, cliché-ridden, interminable and directionless. at worst, it is unwatchable. if it would help, i would offer to pay the director NOT to make a movie ever again. shame on you, MGM, for distributing this cinematic atrocity. and eric small, writer/director? you owe me two hours of my life back.