American Dreamer

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2:17

American Dreamer

Released Mar 8, 2024

1h 46m

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

46%

Tomatometer

37 Reviews

78%

Popcornmeter

100+ 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

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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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Alexander S

American Dreamer showcases one of Peter Dinklage’s most compelling dramatic performances and as well a comedic in a narrative that skillfully blends the two genres. While the story itself may not resonate with all audiences, it offers valuable lessons on the importance of life’s significant aspects beyond material wealth. Grading: C+

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/09/25

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Emily H.

I LOVED IT! There was something about this movie that I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I loved this movie and definitely will be watching it again

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/04/25

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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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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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