American Dreamer

Peter Dinklage is Phil, a 50-something non-tenured professor of Economics at a college in Massachusetts (actually shot in British Colombia). As he tells a few of his students when they are in a bar for beers, a man just wants two things, to go home and a good sandwich.

Phil wants both, the sandwich he gets at the vending machine at work, it is sparse but add enough mustard and BBQ sauce from the small packets in the drawer and it fills the bill. Going home is a bit harder. He wants his own house with a strip of yard but can't really afford much.

That is until he sees the ad, an older woman has a very nice, expensive estate and will sell it for an affordable price with one condition - she is allowed to remain living there until she dies while Phil occupies the small adjoining apartment. Phil pools all his resources and takes the plunge.

I have long been a Shirley MacLaine fan, she is the same age as my older sister Sylvia, here she plays the older lady Astrid. Much of the fun in the movie is the interplay between her and Phil after he signs the papers and moves in.

My wife and I watched it streaming on Prime, a totally entertaining movie.

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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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.

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.