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American Dreamer

Play trailer 2:17 Poster for American Dreamer Released Mar 8 1h 46m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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50% Tomatometer 32 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
American Dreamer, based on a true story from Chicago Public Radio's This American Life, is the story of Phil Loder (Peter Dinklage), a twice-divorced, frustrated, underpaid professor of economics, whose grand dream of home ownership is tragically out of reach. When an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes his way, Phil strikes a deal with Astrid Finnelli (Shirley MacLaine), a lonely, childless, near-death widow who offers her sprawling estate for pennies. But Phil quickly learns the deal is too good to be true and the American dream is not quite what it used to be.
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American Dreamer

Critics Reviews

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Tomris Laffly Variety Paul Dektor's directorial debut aims to tell an old-school intergenerational love and friendship tale, but is saddled by unfunny running gags and distracting subplots. May 20, 2024 Full Review Carla Renata RogerEbert.com "Peter Dinklage is a perfect thespian match for the legendary Shirley MacLaine when it comes to curmudgeon-laced dialogue, while simultaneously giving these characters so much heart and grit" Rated: 3/4 Mar 8, 2024 Full Review Thelma Adams AARP Movies for Grownups There’s a buried gem of a story here. But it’s encrusted in a Dinklage performance in which he once again overplays the crabbiness of his post-Game of Thrones leading men. Rated: 3/5 Mar 8, 2024 Full Review Abe Friedtanzer The Film Experience Paul Dektor’s directorial debut is still a perfectly decent way to spend 106 minutes, but it’s not as funny or satisfying as it could be. Rated: B- Jul 23, 2024 Full Review Connor Lightbody Loud and Clear Reviews Dinklage plays the curdled failure of a protagonist well, and his presence in the film means it has at least some personality, but he’s unable to save the film from a script that is unsubtle and dull Rated: 2/5 Jul 4, 2024 Full Review Sumner Forbes Film Threat There may be a catharsis for many in watching a movie so attuned to the acute issue of affordable housing in much of North America. Rated: 6/10 May 8, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Evander I found it to be both funny and wholesome. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/15/24 Full Review liz Nice story, but characters are one dimensional and films pace is slow to the point of boredom. Shirley McLaine is a treasure but is somehow constrained Peter Dinklage plays his usual angry, drinks too much intellectual-type. Based on a This American Life story, I wanted to love it but left feeling blah. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/09/24 Full Review Genxer Great writing, great acting! A must see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/09/24 Full Review Audience Member Enjoyable movie. I especially enjoyed Peter’s character metamorphous of despair and how he triumph's at the end. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/26/24 Full Review Koi P Witty. Great cast. Interesting plot. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/10/24 Full Review Ace R Very nice movie. It's funny, yet has serious parts, that give balance out the story. I can't help but feel bad for Phil Loder (Peter Dinklage), in this film, and what he has to go through. I recommend seeing this movie. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/09/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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American Dreamer

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American Dreamer

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Movie Info

Synopsis American Dreamer, based on a true story from Chicago Public Radio's This American Life, is the story of Phil Loder (Peter Dinklage), a twice-divorced, frustrated, underpaid professor of economics, whose grand dream of home ownership is tragically out of reach. When an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes his way, Phil strikes a deal with Astrid Finnelli (Shirley MacLaine), a lonely, childless, near-death widow who offers her sprawling estate for pennies. But Phil quickly learns the deal is too good to be true and the American dream is not quite what it used to be.
Director
Paul Dektor
Producer
Toyo Shimano, Emily Shimano, Theodore Melfi, Kimberly Quinn, Peter Dinklage, David Ginsberg, Paul Dektor
Screenwriter
Theodore Melfi
Distributor
Vertical
Production Co
Goldenlight Films, Dektor Film, Estuary Films
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 8, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 8, 2024
Runtime
1h 46m
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