As Aventuras de uma Sonhadora

For a 1984 movie, this is still a very engaging light comedy. Jo Beth Williams' charm carries the film. Tom Conti plays a role similar to, and even more appealing than, the character he would later in Shirley Valentine (he has much more screen time here). Coral Browne (Vera Charles in "Auntie Mame," heavenly voice in "Xanadu") is good her her brief scenes. Also, see if you can recognize the boy who plays her older son.

Please do not cheat yourself by over-analyzing the plot of this movie. It is a fantasy and should be viewed as such. There are so many great comic scenes, that to me it didn't matter what they had to do to set them up. Just go with it. In fact, I think the preposterousness makes it work even more. This film deserves rediscovery, or hell, just plain discovery!

I missed this movie when it first came out, but was lucky enough to have it recommended by a friend.

Everyone has a "down in the dumps" movie--when the boss is a jerk, the spouse is worse and the kids make you wish you had opted for a tank full of tropical fish instead of procreation, you pop in "your" movie and the world balances out. "American Dreamer"--which proves you *can be creative, you *can be inventive, and even being a little crazy is nice, too--will forever be my pick-me-up movie.

Definitely worth renting. (Come on, guys, when do we get a DVD version?!) Spring for the real butter on the popcorn for this one. Trust me, you'll be smiling at the end.

American Dreamer (1984) *** (out of 4)

I think that this film is one of those 1980s films that seemed to have lived its life only on cable stations, though it really is a light, charming, entertaining fantasy comedy. JoBeth Williams (POLTERGEIST) plays Kathy Palmer, an amateur novelist who wins a writing contest involving a mystery series featuring a detective named Rebecca Ryan. She wins a trip to Paris and while there gets knocked down by a car, develops amnesia, and then believes herself to be Ryan! I know exactly why this film is loved by many people---women in particular---and it's a shame that it didn't get a better reception at the theatrical release. My theory is that many critics at the time thought it was a rip-off of ROMANCING THE STONE (indeed, there are similarities which cannot be ignored), though it really soon goes off on its own path and scores, with a cast that is aiming to please. Tom Conti is delightful as the French chap who gets involved in Palmer's world of craziness, and Giancarlo Gianninni is both hysterical and engaging as the mysterious man who Palmer is determined to track down (as Rebecca Ryan of course).

I've been afraid that this film would never see the light of day on DVD, despite the number of admirers this film has. However, I contacted someone at CBS, Inc. (which produced and released it back in 1984), and they said that in 2005 (no date or even period has been set) it will be released on DVD through Paramount, which is their sister company. I've even sent a letter to director Rick Rosenthal to see if he would be able to a Director's Commentary---many DVD conossiers like me know all too well that Paramount sucks when it comes to putting special features on DVD. So, be ready to see it on the shelves next year!!!

It's nice to see that virtually everyone who reviewed American Dreamer loved it and that so many consider it to be a favorite. I couldn't agree more with the other reviews and immediately bought a copy after my first viewing.

I won't go into details of the plot, which I hate to do anyway, but will comment on one criticism appearing in another review. Sure, the outcome is predictable -- BUT the way the the movie gets there is NOT. After all, every plot has been done to death. It is the originality of the story line that raises this movie to a higher level. Not only is it highly original and smartly scripted, it is also charming, romantic, funny, beautifully directed, photographed, and acted -- an all-round perfect movie.

And as I am always eager to point out, this movie is hilarious -- with hilarious performances and episodes -- without having to resort to gratuitous sex, foul language, and nudity. It simply could not be better (and the beautiful Paris locations only enhance the overall perfection of the film). I say this not to project myself as a prude (which I probably am to some degree) because I also loved Pulp Fiction, but to make the point that movies don't have to be gross, juvenile, and smutty to be funny.

I happened upon this film in the theater as my "second choice" back in '84 when my first choice was sold out. I can't remember my first choice and although I had no idea what this film was about when I went in, I enjoyed it trememdously. Creative, with unusual twists ... but make sure to watch all the way until the 'END'.

Has been one of my favorites ever since ... as I said, it is lite, comical and witty with enough romance and suspense to keep everyone happy. Great for "dreamers," writers, and families (of older children)who just want a fun movie. Enjoy.