Well... this is a weird movie. Let's just say that right away. American Carnage feels like it has a lot of mixed messages, and that's honestly its biggest problem. If the filmmakers had focused on just one idea, it could've been a stronger, more coherent movie. But as it is, you never really know what it wants to be a critique of capitalism? Racism? Consumerism? All of the above? It's a messy mix that doesn't fully translate.
The writing is also confusing. Some parts just don't make sense, even though the general plot doesn't make much sense either. There are a few scenes where you can't help but go, "Wait, what?" big plot holes and all. So yeah, it's a strange experience.
Now, is it weird that after watching it, I kind of wanted a burger? Probably.
On the bright side, Alan Maldonado completely steals the show. He's hilarious, charismatic, and honestly, a comedic genius. He's so handsome and his timing is perfect. He's not even the main character, but he's the reason the movie is worth watching at all.
It's also a bit sad, because some of the things happening in the movie like the deportations and ICE raids reflect real situations in the United States. That part hit hard. It's like life imitating art in a very unsettling way. Let's just hope it doesn't go as far as the movie does.
That said, American Carnage isn't really scary, even though it's marketed as horror. It's not exactly cringe either just confusing. It could've leaned more into comedy, because that's where it shines thanks to Maldonado's performance (and his "Big Mac" moment, which I won't spoil).
But overall, it's a weird one. Not well done no pun intended. It tries to juggle too many social commentaries racism, consumerism, capitalism and ends up a little lost. I also noticed some colorism issues: almost all the lighter-skinned or white characters are villains. Maybe that was intentional, but it still made me go "hmm."
So yeah, for me, American Carnage was just... weird. Not terrible, not good just strange.
