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American Dreamer

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2:17

American Dreamer

Released Mar 8, 2024

1h 46m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

46%

Tomatometer

37 Reviews

81%

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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Leslie Felperin

Guardian

This low-key oddity has the potential for some proper horsepower given the odd but intriguing casting of Peter Dinklage and Shirley MacLaine, but it never manages to build up much comic or dramatic speed.

Rated: 2/5

Mar 11, 2025

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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

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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

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Carmen Paddock

MovieJawn

Like the American Dream itself, American Dreamer is a highly imperfect film that is hard to love, despite the good will engendered by its cast and relatable scenario.

Mar 18, 2025

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Jennie Kermode

Eye for Film

It doesn’t quite hit the mark, but that’s not to say that it isn’t a pleasant way to while away an hour and a half.

Rated: 2.5/5

Mar 17, 2025

Full Review

Rebecca Johnson

Film Focus Online

Despite being helmed by a terrific performance from Peter Dinklage who effortlessly commands the screen, American Dreamer’s stark lack of humour and slow, dull plot prevents it from entertaining or impressing.

Rated: 2/5

Mar 13, 2025

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Evander

I found it to be both funny and wholesome.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/15/24

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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

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Genxer

Great writing, great acting! A must see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/09/24

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john b

Maclaine plays her eccentric charactor, And she drives Dinklage crazy. Only I couldn't figure out why she was enough to drive him away. Lost opportunity here. Mildly entertaining.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/17/25

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Logan D

Professor and struggling writer Phil Loder (Peter Dinklage) finds the deal of a lifetime. Live with an elderly person (Shirely MacLaine) and gain their estate when the pass. Of course it's not as good as it sounds. It's a joy to see Dinklage and MacLaine bounce lines off each other. The humor is droll and the story would be absurd except it's based on a true story. I did find the slapstick out of place but thankfully spare. If you enjoy curmudgeons, this film is for you.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/25

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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

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Paul Dektor

Director

Peter Dinklage

Dr. Phil Loder

Shirley MacLaine

Astrid Fanelli

Matt Dillon

Actor

Danny Glover

Actor

Kimberly Quinn

Actor

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American Dreamer: Trailer 1

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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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