American Dreamer (2022)

DIRECTOR: PAUL DEKTOR DISTRIBUTOR: EAGLE ENTERTAINMENT

The ‘American Dream’ is something of a fantastical concept that doesn’t really exist anymore - if it ever did in the first place. Thanks to inflation and the rising cost of living, the white picket fence seems so far out of reach, and the thought of ever owning a home? Well, for many, that is what remains - a dream. In American Dreamer, Phil Loder (Peter Dinklage) finally finds and purchases his dream home, but there’s quite an outrageous catch.

Phil is an unpaid professor of economics, who is twice divorced and finds his dream of home ownership frustratingly out of reach. The thing is, he doesn’t just want any old condo - he wants a mansion, and spends most of his time sipping champagne at open houses he can’t afford. However, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself to him. Astrid (Shirely MacLaine) is a lonely and elderly widow with ill-health, and she offers her sprawling estate to Phil for only $240,000. Seems too good to be true? Well, that’s because it is. Phil soon learns that he is residing in less than favorable separate quarters, and that the entire property will go to him only when Astrid passes away. Contrary to Phil’s initial impression, Astrid seems spritely as ever and may even have children of her own, throwing his plans into disarray. 

Based on a true story from Chicago Public Radio’s This American Life, American Dreamer is a story that is highly universal and relatable. We all want to own the perfect house and have the perfect life, but more than often we’re down on our luck and the universe goes against us. As Phil navigates his complicated situation, he discovers that the American Dream may not be what he thought it was. While living in her home, he is forced to spend time with Astrid, and the pair eventually form an endearing friendship. This is where the chemistry between Dinklage and MacLaine shines, as the two wonderful actors bounce off of each other effortlessly and deliver darky humorous moments. Unfortunately, it takes a bit too long to build up to their heartfelt union, and MacLaine feels underused. Dinklage leads with the charisma he is known for, balancing Phil’s cynicism with heart. As a viewer, you can’t help but like him, even if his character isn’t the greatest guy. There’s a very strong supporting cast here, made up of Matt Dillon, Danny Pudi and Danny Glover, who particularly stands out as a very shoddy private investigator. 

The performances are the film’s strong suite, as American Dreamer feels slightly undercooked as a whole. It is perfectly watchable and enjoyable, but doesn’t really offer anything new or refreshing. The script is filled with some unfortunate clichés, and visually, the look of the film is underwhelming and bland. There are also some major plot holes, as well as plot lines that feel forced, such as Phil automatically sleeping with Maggie (Kimberly Quinn), Astrid’s daughter, when there is really no build up or chemistry between them. 

American Dreamer is a pleasant dramedy that could have been more, but its heart is in the right place, and Dinklage makes it work.

“AMERICAN DREAMER” will be available on DVD & Digital, including APPLE TV, PRIME VIDEO, & GOOGLE PLAY from JANUARY 15TH, 2025 in Australia & New Zealand*