American Dreamer (2022) User Reviews

American Dreamer...

[eziukwuuprightness · 7/10 · 14 March 2024]

Owning a home is more than just a roof over your head in America-it's a cornerstone of financial security. Imagine stumbling upon a deal to buy a mansion valued at $5 million for a mere $240,000, with a catch: it becomes yours only after the current owner's demise. Would you leap at this chance, gambling on a future windfall?

This premise unfolds in "American Dreamer," a film inspired by a remarkable account from Chicago Public Radio's This American Life. Peter Dinklage stars as Phil Loder, an economically struggling, twice-divorced economics professor whose dream of homeownership feels like a distant mirage. That is until he crosses paths with Astrid Finnelli, portrayed by Shirley MacLaine, a childless, elderly widow. She offers him her vast mansion for a fraction of its worth, plunging Phil into a whirlwind that challenges his perceptions of the American dream.

Peter Dinklage and Shirley MacLaine form an unforgettable pair, infusing their roles with a blend of gruff charm and deep emotional resonance that begs viewers to metaphorically embrace them through the screen. Their dynamic breathes life into the film, supported by a stellar supporting cast including Matt Dillon, Danny Glover, Kim Quinn, and Danny Pudi, who add their unique zest to the narrative.

Directed by Paul Dektor and written by Theodore Melfi, the film brings laughter, high-stakes antics, and moments that might leave you puzzled. Yet, at its core, "American Dreamer" poses profound inquiries about the essence of happiness, the lengths we'll go to secure it, and how solitude shapes our most transformative choices.

Dinklage's portrayal of Phil makes him irresistibly endearing and authentic, while MacLaine's performance is a delightful reminder of her unparalleled ability to blend sharp wit with deep sentimentality. Notably, the film teases themes of reincarnation, a subtle homage to MacLaine's well-documented beliefs in the subject.

"American Dreamer" not only entertains but also invites reflection on the evolving nature of the American dream, making it a cinematic journey that resonates on multiple levels.

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Watchable.

[deloudelouvain · 7/10 · 10 April 2024]

As a comedy American Dreamer isn't that great, or I must have a totally different sense of humour. Nevertheless it's not a bad movie. It is pleasant to follow, no real dull moments, a bit more dramatic than humorous, and enjoyable actors. Peter Dinklage is well casted for this role, an always dissatisfied grumpy character, a role that fits him well. I couldn't believe how well Shirley Maclaine still looks at her age. She was pushing ninety in this movie, and honestly I couldn't tell. We can only wish to look that fit when we will hit ninety. I would give American Dreamer a 6.5 if it was possible on here.

actively dying

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 7 March 2024]

Greetings again from the darkness. Owning a home remains the American Dream, and being unrealistic about the topic makes one an American Dreamer. The first few scenes of the film make it obvious that American Dreamer is not just the title of Dr. Phil Loder's in-progress novel, but also a term that describes him. This is Paul Dektor's directorial debut, and the script is co-written by Theodore Melfi (HIDDEN FIGURES 2016, ST VINCENT 2014) and Christopher Wehner. It's loosely based on a true story.

Phil (Peter Dinklage) is an adjunct college professor who dreams of purchasing one of the multi-million-dollar mansions in the market. Inexplicably, he often crashes the open houses on these properties, or has his friend Dell schedule a viewing appointment. It's inexplicable because Phil earns less than $50k per year. Dell (1980's heartthrob Matt Dillon) is a smug high-producing realtor, and we never quite understand the bond between he and Phil. They are like oil(y) and vinegar, and Dell cuts to the quick when he tells Phil, "You're a dreamer, not a doer." (Just in case every single viewer hasn't quickly figured that out) We've all heard the adage: if it's too good to be true, it probably is. Well, Phil proceeds to learn this lesson over and over ... whether it's through a real estate deal or the attraction of a beautiful woman. When Phil stumbles on an ad (in the classifieds section, no less), he has Dell check it out. The "deal" is for $240k, Phil can buy one of the spectacular mansions he's been dreaming of. The catch? He must accept a "live-in" - the current owner, an elderly woman who Dell describes as "actively dying". Phil is confined to a small, run-down apartment on the property "til she croaks".

Of course, like Doc Holiday in TOMBSTONE, the elderly woman wasn't quite as sick as she made out. Astrid Fanelli (Oscar winner Shirley MacLaine) intends to hold Phil to the agreement which includes his paying upkeep, repairs, and property taxes. This is just one of the pieces that is never explained and makes zero sense. It's clear, these two will go one of two ways - either fight like proverbial cats and dogs, or become close friends.

Phil teaches a class in cultural economics, and the first question he asks his class is, "What do we need to be happy?". Similar to the novel he's writing, there is a "we see right through you" element to the autobiographical account of Phil's own thoughts and dreams (including a fantasy relationship with twin beauties). Bottom line, Phil is not a likable guy, especially after liquidating his retirement fund and selling his personal belongings to get this "deal" (Phil is later seen packing up a U-Haul, though we never see him buy anything after liquidation of his assets).

Supporting work is by Danny Pudi ("Community") as Phil's supervisor, Michelle Mylett ("Letterkenney") as Phil's amorous student, Kimberly Quinn (HIDDEN FIGURES, 2016) as Astrid's lawyer "daughter" and yet another with amorous intentions (though conflicted) towards Phil, and Danny Glover (at 78, not getting too old for this "stuff") as a Private Investigator. The film belongs to Mr. Dinklage and Ms. MacLaine, and they do all they can with the material, expertly generating some terrific scenes ... scenes that too often get crushed by the weight of other scenes and subplots that make little sense. Beyond that, though no one should be pleased with how the characters of Maggie and Claire are written, the film is certainly watchable, even with a weak ending.

In select theaters and OnDemand beginning March 8, 2024.

A Decent First Film

[brentsbulletinboard · 6/10 · 27 April 2024]

Is "the American Dream" still alive and well, or is it a pipe dream whose time has come and gone (and perhaps never really was)? That's the question rhetorically posed in this modestly entertaining fact-based debut feature comedy from director Paul Dektor, which examines the efforts of an optimistic yet cynical economics professor/would-be novelist (Peter Dinklage) with meager means who repeatedly attempts to buy a home far above his pay grade. He's discouraged by his frank but somewhat oily real estate broker (Matt Dillon) from continuing in this futile Quixotic pursuit until he finds an offer that seems too good to be true, one proposed by an eccentric wealthy widow (Shirley MacLaine) who's in the early stages of dementia and is fiercely defended by her daughter (Kim Quinn), an astute lawyer determined to liquidate the deal before she and her heirs get swindled. The result is a comedy of errors with warm, fuzzy edges that makes for an often-sweet and tender comedic romp, despite an occasional overreliance on slapstickish humor to sustain laughs. The script is full of delicious little twists and turns, though sometimes the overall narrative doesn't hang together quite as well as it could have due to its inconsistent character development and occasionally meandering story flow. However, the film's fine ensemble cast capably holds this project together, thanks to the fine performances of its principals and the solid work of its supporting players, including Danny Glover, Danny Pudi, Michelle Mylett and Raresh DiMofte. "American Dreamer" is far from epic cinema, but it's certainly an enjoyable watch and a good first effort from the filmmaker. With some further refinement and more experience behind the camera, here's hoping we can expect more and better work from this promising first-time director.

An unfinished novella.

[mercurygoldberg · 3/10 · 14 March 2024]

I'm not sure what we are supposed to get from this film. Are we supposed to laugh at Peter Dinklage hurting himself? Are we supposed to feel warm with the ending scene? Unfortunately, this film was lost in its tone and made it unremarkable and uninteresting. Characters are flat without any interesting attributes to them or growth throughout the events that unfold. Scenes feel like they have been written by an underperforming novelist who can't figure out how to connect them. The women in this film are one dimensional and seem to only care about sleeping with Dinklage's character, who is a complete fool and drunken slob. A touching moment Dinklage and MacLaine's characters share seems to come out of nowhere, as these characters barely speak to each other about anything true or meaningful. This film was really disappointing and although Dinklage's and MacLaine's performances were great, they could not save this film's life.

Quirky, meandering, sub-mediocre, disappointing mess of a dramedy

[danieljfarthing · 4/10 · 12 March 2024]

In quirky, meandering, sub-mediocre dramedy "American Dreamer" struggling college professor Peter Dinklage buys (with the help of realtor Matt Dillon) his dream mansion at a crazy low price by accepting its owner, elderly Shirley Maclaine, as its live-in tenant til she passes. Events complicate as Dinklage trysts with the likes of student Michelle Mylett & one of Maclaine's kids Kimberley Quinn (despite her staunch opposition to the house deal)... and private investigator Danny Glover gets involved too. What exactly notable writer Theodore Melfi was intending is unclear, but Paul Dektor (making various debut director goofs) surely didn't deliver it. Its a disappointingly mess.

Not Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 3/10 · 1 April 2024]

'' American Dreamer '' had some material to work with, alas, it failed to do so.

The story had some heartwarming vibes when it came to the relationship between the new owner and the old lady.

It also had some comedy moments, some black comedy, some leaning more towards the sexual humour, which messed with the mood of the story though.

The pace of the story was also messy, thus, it ruined the enjoyament more often than not.

The perforamnces were good, though, by everyone in the cast and, especially, the leads.

So, overall, three out of ten for '' American Dreamer ''. It had potential but wasted them.

Dinklage is so good

[jasonbaffafilms · 10/10 · 13 June 2022]

Dektor captures a Peter Dinklage driven to hang on to his American dream. Poignant. Funny. This film will make you laugh out loud. Ted Melfi finds the poetry in what would seem a pretty f'd up world. We're all in it together. Perspective is a good thing. Give it a watch.

Why guys...why?

[phildeesnow · 2/10 · 17 March 2024]

I'm giving this 2 stars, for the "two stars," that's Peter and Shirley. My God I love, love , love Shirley, I'm a big fan, and I love Peter also... what I couldn't love, was this movie.

Obviously I was expecting something in the lines of their comedic or dramatic troupes, unfortunately it didn't happen and it was a huge disappointment.

The few moments of slapstick comedy were so obviously forced, that made me miss Blake Edwards and Peter Sellers. So I didn't laugh at all.

I think the problem nowadays is that everyone is trying too hard, and when it becomes obvious that everything is a copy of something already made (but better), it falls so flat that becomes annoying.

Becoming older, and the reality of death is a fact we could face in many ways...in this case, they finished the project as depressing. The only sort of funny line was the one about "past lives", a wink from Shirley, but it stopped there There's no emotions at all.

Sorry guys, this was a waste of talent and of my time.

Cliché writing, blind people, a lesson is learned.

[o_oraculo · 1/10 · 12 March 2024]

A writer writes about a writer who thinks his writing will make him rich, even though he's a teacher of economics.

A person that is small and feels small, needs something big to make up for it, so he decides to buy a mansion, even though he's a teacher of economics.

Tries to grift someone for it, but learns through the grifted, that he didn't need the big thing to be happy, and that happiness was not outside, but within him all the time.

If you're not puking inside your brains, then you haven't seen a lot of movies, and don't know what cliché is. I envy you.

Also, my review is still too short, but not anymore.

A beautifully written movie

[Cinemajunkie70 · 10/10 · 12 June 2022]

Ted Melfi has done it again. A deeply flawed Phil is a dreamer. He finds a way to achieve the American Dream by acquiring a multi million dollar property, however there's a few caveats. Mainly taking care of a sick dying woman (but in reality a very vibrant Shirley McClaine). Pete Dinklage is a tremendous actor and Kim Quinn is brilliant as one of Astrid's kid. So many funny twists and turns. This is going to be a huge hit.

Extreme Dream

[APayingCritic · 10/10 · 12 June 2022]

Peter Dinklage as a professor of economics who has personally failed in that department finds a way to achieve the America Dream. He lives between a real and imaginary world that pushes him to a very interesting deal with the formidable Shirley MacLaine. Well written with a great cast. Shirley MacLaine still has it, Peter Dinklage puts it all in the table, the beautiful Kimberly Quinn plays nails it was a savvy attorney with a hilarious scene, and Matt Dillon shines as the narcissistic realtor. Beautiful ending to this equally sad and hilarious story. Highly recommend this film!!!

Strange Lovely Film

[imdb-392-492467 · 8/10 · 10 March 2024]

This film is a small snapshot of the life of a man who wears his bitterness on his sleeve. Displaying some potential alcoholism and is as lost in his dreams as he is in life.

His main goal is own home but like many he lack the funds or income. A story that will resonate with many today struggling in their own way but our main character is an adjunct professor of economics which gives him the platform to declare his displeasure on how he feels the system treats those without means.

His other dream is to become a writer and when he stumbles upon the opportunity to own a home with clause that forces him to have a roommate of sorts, he finds himself a story worth telling.

Over all this is a lovely tale of person and growth and while there are moments that stretches the realm of reality, these are offset by the introduction of characters who are each living their own American dream. Thus offering a contrast not often explored in this type of film.