PLONK James Bond in some ramshackle shed in the middle of nowhere and suddenly even that could become a dream home.

So it’s little wonder that “Dream House” turned into something of a real life love shack for its two stars.

But on film 007 himself Daniel Craig discovers that even the most aesthetically pleasing of homes can be more of a nightmare regardless of either his own presence or a once over with a paintbrush from Laurence Llewellyn Bowen.

Will Atenton (Craig) quits a high profile job in Manhattan to relocate his wife Libby (Oscar winner Rachel Weisz) and their two daughters to a quaint New England town.

But as they settle into their new life, they discover their perfect home was once the murder scene of a mother and her children.

When Will investigates he’s not sure if he’s seeing ghosts or if the tragic events are somehow related to his past.

The only clues come from his mysterious neighbour Ann (Oscar nominee Naomi Watts), who helps him piece together a haunting puzzle.

Craig manages to overcome the distracting and rather unnecessary hairpiece – which is possibly styled on Steve Norman, the sax player from Spandau Ballet, circa the 80s – to pull off a strong performance as Will.

Chemistry

Unusually for those real-life couples who choose to attempt to burn up the screen, Craig and Weisz actually have some on-screen chemistry.

My one criticism of that would be that, despite the opportunities in the material, the direction falls short of capitalising on the definite spark.

Bizarrely the most likely candidate for the “big reveal” of the plot is apparently given away to anyone who has seen the trailer to the movie.

But for those of you who haven’t see it then I’m not going to be the one who spoils it for you – such as it is.

Craig and Weisz apparently both refused to take part in any publicity for the release of the film.

Reportedly this was because they both thought the final movie cut was so awful and the script had been so butchered that they didn’t want any further part of it. I can almost believe that.

But there’s also every chance that they just didn’t want to run the risk of having to sit side by side being quizzed about their well-hidden relationship and subsequent speedy nuptials.

Given there were only four guests at the wedding – including her son and his daughter – I think it’s fair to say they didn’t want to make a big deal of it.

Coming under the spotlight of the world’s press and paparazzi to plug their latest movie wouldn’t exactly have been too wise for a couple hell bent on keeping their private lives under wraps.

On the other hand, Dream House perhaps isn’t the finest work of either of them. Or, to be fair, while their performances are really very accomplished considering, the director, editors and scriptwriter let them down drastically.

This is a movie with bags of potential – and as badly made as it is, Weisz and particularly Craig make it worth watching, as does the essence of the otherwise badly thought out and scripted story. While the more discerning critic in my head was telling me I shouldn’t enjoy it, the square-eyed telly addicted devil inside me was shouting a little louder.

Dream House might be a bit of a nightmare were it not for the newlywed Mr and Mrs Craig, but at least it won’t send you to sleep.

DVD SUPPLIED BY VIDEO DRIVE IN, GLASGOW ROAD AND BARNTON STREET, ST NINIANS.