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American Dreamer

Play trailer 2:17 Poster for American Dreamer Released Mar 8, 2024 1h 46m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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47% Tomatometer 38 Reviews 77% 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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American Dreamer

Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Andrew Fukui Geek Vibes Nation American Dreamer is an entertaining yet cynical look at the realities of trying to own a home in modern society. However, its unwillingness to commit to a consistent tone muddles the film’s effectiveness. Rated: 7/10 Jul 17, 2025 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 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 Donagh M American Dreamer” Is the Smart, Sweet Rom-Com We Didn’t Know We Needed American Dreamer is exactly what a modern romantic comedy should be—clever, charming, and just the right amount of chaotic. With Peter Dinklage leading the way as a dryly funny, quietly lovable economics professor chasing an unconventional American dream, this film flips the usual rom-com script in the best possible way. What starts as a seemingly absurd premise—a man trying to secure his dream home by taking in an eccentric elderly tenant (played with scene-stealing sass and wisdom by Shirley MacLaine)—quickly becomes something deeper and far more delightful. Their odd-couple dynamic is the beating heart of the film: hilarious, touching, and unexpectedly profound. Dinklage is magnetic. His comedic timing is sharp, but it’s his subtle vulnerability that makes you lean in. And MacLaine? She’s an absolute force—funny, biting, and full of heart. Their interactions crackle with wit and warmth, as the film explores themes of loneliness, reinvention, and the meaning of home. Unlike your typical rom-com, American Dreamer trades in flashy romance for soul-level connection. It’s less about falling in love and more about waking up to life—with all its mess, magic, and misfit charm. The laughs are real. The emotion sneaks up on you. And by the time the credits roll, you’ll feel like you’ve just spent time with two unforgettable people you kind of wish were your neighbors. Highly recommend Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/26/25 Full Review Locus P Peter Dinklage and Shirley Maclaine are fun to watch, and I think many people would enjoy it just because they are in it, despite the lack of a a good story. The movie had a good premise, but the way it played out was not a fun time. It flopped about like a fish in very, very shallow water. The slapstick was cringey, most conversations went nowhere, and it all had the texture of soup. A big shame. With tight writing and strong direction, this could have been a hit. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 07/22/25 Full Review bob c Having Shirley and Peter together was a good idea. But it needed a better writer. And a calmer Dillon. Not terrible. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 07/16/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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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