Costner’s ‘Dragonfly’ Disaster: Ford’s Lucky Escape from the Critically-Panned Supernatural Flop!

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Hollywood star Kevin Costner has been a powerful presence in entertainment for more than 40 years, appearing in various genres from Western series like Yellowstone to movies like Hidden Figures. His performances are highly appreciated, but not all of his films receive the same level of adoration; some have even received negative feedback. Among these less popular ones, there’s one that was initially intended for Harrison Ford.

The 2002 movie titled “Dragonfly” stars Kathy Bates and Linda Hunt. Kevin Costner took on the main character Joe Darrow after reportedly Ford declined the part. Despite this being another notable role for Costner, the film received a poor 7% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Interestingly, it garnered a 62% rating from audiences. So, is “Dragonfly” as criticized as they say or does it have more merit than its given credit? Did Ford make the right choice by rejecting the role, or is there more to this film than meets the eye?

The Spooky Premise Behind ‘Dragonfly’

The movie chronicles the story of Dr. Joe Darrow (Kevin Costner), who works at a Chicago hospital after a devastating landslide takes the life of his wife, Emily Darrow (Susanna Thompson), along with their unborn child. Overwhelmed by grief, Joe struggles to cope and continues working instead of allowing himself time to mourn. Despite his emotional distress, he accepts her medical case as she was also a doctor at the same hospital.

The situation becomes increasingly complicated when Joe starts witnessing peculiar supernatural events connected to Emily’s possessions. Shortly afterward, Emily’s patients start experiencing out-of-body experiences, falling unconscious and then regaining consciousness with cryptic messages they attribute to Emily. As the film progresses, these messages become more enigmatic and pressing, forcing Joe to grapple with his own psychological decline as he ponders whether these unsettling incidents are truly happening or if he’s losing his grip on reality.

Ford, Costner, and the Role of Joe Darrow in ‘Dragonfly’

As a movie enthusiast, I was intrigued to learn that Harrison Ford was initially the preferred pick for the character Joe Darrow. It seems the role was specifically tailored with him in mind. However, it’s said that he declined the part, opting for a year-long hiatus from film acting. Fast forward to 2002, Ford made his comeback on the big screen, starring as the lead in Kathryn Bigelow’s war thriller, K-19: The Widowmaker.

Consequentially, Ford declining the opportunity allowed Costner to secure the part. Regrettably, his acting in the movie went largely unappreciated, garnering more criticism than compliments. It’s important to note that a considerable amount of the unfavorable feedback is aimed at the dialogue, an issue that lies equally with the writers responsible for crafting it and the actors who breathe life into their words. Nonetheless, there has been puzzlement among critics as to why Costner agreed to star in the film, given its poor reception both from critics and the box office.

Audience Opinions Contrast the Critics of ‘Dragonfly’

Based on reviews from Rotten Tomatoes, the film Dragonfly received a 7% rating, indicating that it is filled with overused dramatic tropes and lacks a satisfying climax. Many viewers commented that it was an unsuccessful attempt to recreate elements similar to movies like The Sixth Sense, for instance. Some also pointed out that the blending of genres did not work effectively, as the thriller aspects often overshadowed the romantic elements, which felt jarring when they sporadically emerged in the storyline.

In a contrasting response, regular viewers didn’t deliver as severe a critique, assigning the movie a 62% rating. Those who disapproved of the film shared similar concerns to those expressed by critics, but others deemed Dragonfly intriguing, often labeling it underrated. Some spectators asserted that the film’s somber theme struck an emotional chord within them, with Costner’s performance intensifying this reaction. Disregarding the criticisms directed at the movie’s ending, the final plot twist could potentially leave you stunned and content with the resolution of the storyline.

Considering the audience’s feedback, maybe the critics were overly critical with their reviews of Dragonfly. Although it’s not one of Kevin Costner’s finest works, ardent fans might find it worthwhile to watch. You can rent Dragonfly on Google Play and Apple TV.

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2025-05-11 03:19