American Dreamer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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