Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig in "Dream House"; photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

“Dream House” (Universal Pictures) 

Daniel Craig is a box office draw – when he is playing James Bond. When he isn’t, the jury is out on his box office appeal. His big screen adventure “Cowboys & Aliens” with Harrison Ford made money but not as much as expected. Now comes “Dream House” in which he co-stars with his now wife Rachel Weisz. It is a modern day horror film that combines fantasy and reality.

Craig plays Will Atenton, a book editor who has retired to write a novel. His wife (Weisz) and two daughters are thrilled to have him at home with them all day. Still there is trouble in paradise as his wife reports someone is spying on their house. Will investigates and learns a murder took place in the home several years ago.

The film now shifts to who was murdered and why. It takes a creepy turn when Will learns he was involved and so were his wife and daughters. A sympathetic neighbor (Naomi Watts) tries to help him with his investigation but is only willing to impart limited information.

The acting by Craig and Weisz is very good, with Weisz being fragilely beautiful. Watts makes a minimal impression as the solicitous neighbor. Elias Koteas is menacing as the lurking presence. Jane Alexander has a cameo as one of Craig’s mentors.

The film is rated PG-13 for profanity and violence.

The premise for “Dream House” is a good one, and Jim Sheridan is an excellent director. That is why it is so surprising when the movie just falls apart at the end. There is an explanation for all that has happened but it is just tossed up on the screen with very little logic following it. Then there is the final scene which is just laughable.

Therefore this looks to be another mediocre Daniel Craig film. It won’t be a complete bomb but it won’t be a blockbuster either. It looks like “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” will be the next test of his drawing power, but at least then he will have the lure of the book to help attract an audience.

I scored “Dream House” a nightmarish 4 out of 10.