American Dreamer

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.

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.

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.

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.

'' 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.