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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.

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.

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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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.

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.

'' 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.

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.

A writer writes about a writer who thinks his writing will make him rich, even though he's a teacher of economics.

A person that is small and feels small, needs something big to make up for it, so he decides to buy a mansion, even though he's a teacher of economics.

Tries to grift someone for it, but learns through the grifted, that he didn't need the big thing to be happy, and that happiness was not outside, but within him all the time.

If you're not puking inside your brains, then you haven't seen a lot of movies, and don't know what cliché is. I envy you.

Also, my review is still too short, but not anymore.

Dektor captures a Peter Dinklage driven to hang on to his American dream. Poignant. Funny. This film will make you laugh out loud. Ted Melfi finds the poetry in what would seem a pretty f'd up world. We're all in it together. Perspective is a good thing. Give it a watch.

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.

Very bad and not entertaining to watch and kinda boring to be honest, the cast is great but its just not an interesting premise and the lackluster performance don't help to fix this mess, its a very lame movie and im very sad after watching it, its just a mess, there are only scenes after scenes after scenes and there is no connection or nothing interesting happening, Peter i guess he is stuck, he always act the same and he doesn't even try anymore and that's so sad because i love the way, he is the same a Esposito from Breakking Bad, he act always like the character that made him famous overall 5/10.

I think the film is supposed to take place in the Boston, Massachusetts area. The trivia section says it was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The house itself looks beautiful. I believe it might have been built in the 1920s. It is impeccably maintained, as are the grounds. The house looks like it is right on the coast. It appears to be on a huge coastal lot.

In the few scenes where they show the interiors, the home looks full of tasteful antiques.

What is interesting is MacLaine talks about watching sunsets over the ocean. That would imply the home is on the West Coast.

These are the only good or interesting things I can say about this horrible, pointless movie.

Ted Melfi has done it again. A deeply flawed Phil is a dreamer. He finds a way to achieve the American Dream by acquiring a multi million dollar property, however there's a few caveats. Mainly taking care of a sick dying woman (but in reality a very vibrant Shirley McClaine). Pete Dinklage is a tremendous actor and Kim Quinn is brilliant as one of Astrid's kid. So many funny twists and turns. This is going to be a huge hit.

Peter Dinklage as a professor of economics who has personally failed in that department finds a way to achieve the America Dream. He lives between a real and imaginary world that pushes him to a very interesting deal with the formidable Shirley MacLaine. Well written with a great cast. Shirley MacLaine still has it, Peter Dinklage puts it all in the table, the beautiful Kimberly Quinn plays nails it was a savvy attorney with a hilarious scene, and Matt Dillon shines as the narcissistic realtor. Beautiful ending to this equally sad and hilarious story. Highly recommend this film!!!