'American Dreamz': A comedy of modern culture
by Phil Kloer

"American Dreamz" is a surprise, like the candy in the Monty Python skit that was chocolate covering up dangerous pieces of metal. It's a cute date movie with adorable Hugh and adorable-r Mandy Moore; even Dennis Quaid as the befuddled president is befuddled in an adorable way. It's also a profoundly subversive movie, however, that takes aim not just at the purveyors of our toxically tacky culture, but at us, the consumers of dumb catchphrases, celebrity magazines and manipulative ads. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
America can't seem to get enough of the weekly talent show American Dreamz. Its latest crop of hopefuls includes Sally, a conniving steel magnolia with a devoted, dopey veteran boyfriend, and Omer, a recent immigrant who just happens to be a bumbling, show tune singing, would-be terrorist awaiting activation. And this week, the President of the United States is one of the judges.

FILM FACTS ...
Universal Pictures
'American Dreamz'

Director: Paul Weitz
Starring: Hugh Grant, Dennis Quaid, Mandy Moore, Willem Dafoe, Chris Klein
Run time: 115 minutes
Release date: April 21, 2006
Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language and some sexual references.
See showtimes

Meet the director
From 'American Pie' to 'American Dreamz,' Paul Weitz stays funny all the way.

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
   Trailers require Quicktime

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READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: A-
"American Dreamz turns to the choir and says, in effect, "You guys are shallow and vapid." And we smile and nod, like little collectible bobblehead dolls."

Austin American-Statesman: 2 of 5 stars
"...the stuff of hasty sitcom writing, so unconvincing that it quickly descends to farce."

The Palm Beach Post: C-
"American Dreamz should enrage at least two groups: the Arab Anti-Defamation League and those who believe that comedies should be funny."


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