Really Surprised!

Fantastic!

A Brilliant Conflict

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

I just saw this movie now, in 2015. And it is really scary to know that we already knew this much about the world and that up to now the same problems are here.I agree that this movie in its form has flaws. It is very clear that something went missing between scenes, or the scenes were not explored deep enough, or there were too many plots, or the direction was not strong enough, or the humor was too lousy... BUT underlying it there's a real clear view of the state of our world, and that's why I am really glad to have seen this movie.One of the best lines of the movie is when the president finally gets rid of his earplug and speaks for himself and says : "And I just want to say, in terms of the Middle East, that it looks like the problems over there are never gonna be solved. I mean never. Never never never never never. And so I'm sorry about that."

I sometimes get just a little tired of Hollywood's penchant for putting people they don't like down. So here we are with another film poking fun at George bush. Sigh. Yes, most of us realize George Bush was a substandard President, even though he won reelection. So, Paul Weitz decides to make another film mocking Bush. Of course, about half of Weitz's films have lost money at the box office, so he's hardly first tier. Playing the President is Dennis Quaid...hardly a first tier actor...maybe second tier...maybe third. There are some good actors in here, but -- with the possible exception of Hugh Grant -- none of first tier. And guess what...the film was a flop at the box office and not very popular with the critics either...or we IMDb reviewers who give it a whopping 5.5 (as of April 2013). Oh, and for the record, I'm a Democrat who voted against Bush both times and think he was the worst President of my lifetime, and I'm 63. But, anyway, Hollywood, maybe you're not always so darned smart.Now don't get me wrong. I don't think this is a bad movie...nor a great movie. It's "okay". The general plot is just a little too outlandish -- a President agreeing to judge a pop-t.v. talent show??? In which there is an Arab performing...who is supposed to kill the President? Hugh Grant is an actor that I often enjoy, but thank goodness that his performance here -- as a sleazy television host -- is now what he'll be remembered for. He comes across as a cad...which is fine...but I see little depth to his acting here.I would say something similar for Dennis Quaid. His George Bush semi-impersonation was right on target, but apparently not many film-goers appreciated his insult to the real President.Marcia Gay Harden as First Lady...nothing too impressive.Willem Dafoe as Chief of Staff -- perhaps the best role in the film, although obviously he is portraying Dick Cheney.Mandy Moore as one of the main contestants...another of the better performances here, and I was impressed with her voice, as well.Chris Klein as her boyfriend...better early on, less so in the film's climax. Jennifer Coolidge as the mother...sorry...no; enough said. Sam Golzari as the Middle Eastern (and other main) contestant...I was impressed. Not a bad voice, and he brought some sympathy to his role. Seth Meyers as an agent...not impressive and very shallow. John Cho as a television assistant...no wonder he is in so few films.Maybe another director and a different cast could have pulled this off. But this director and this cast was lacking. I can't recommend this film, although if you like satire watch it once and then forget it.

Really badly paced, with a weak script. Lots of hate-filled messages and non-stop unfunny stereotypes that a teenager would dream up. Big-time hate going on for George Bush, which radically dates the movie. Too bad because there is some decent talent here who could have made it funny if only the producers were so focused on mocking American Idol, and perhaps more specifically - its audience. Which... is exactly who would have bought tickets to this film if only it were a loving poke at Idol, instead of a mean-spirited disdain. And for the record, I don't watch the show or care about it. The only reason I am not giving it a 1 is because the cast didn't write this piece of S.

This is my short review of the film American Dreams. Which drastically tanked back in 2006. It's a real shame too because it's a pretty funny film. American Dreams is a comedy that you most likely won't see anything like it again. At first, you may think that the film sounds like an American Idol spoof. It's actually far from it... it's about terrorism. What is the world coming to when Hugh Grant is starring in a film about terrorism? The film isn't all about terrorism, but it partially has to do with terrorism. Anyways, I think that there are many funny moments in American Dreams. Hugh Grant is fantastic as Martin Tweed, who is the host of the show. He is always great at playing an asshole. My favorite line in the film is from what he says." You know my mum always used to say to me... 'Martin, you have no talent. Nobody will ever love you'. Well look at me now mum... look where no talent will get you you genus drunk old bitch!" That's really funny. Or at least I think it is. American Dreams is a daring comedy that works well. I think you should find this hidden gem somewhere, I don't know where but find it.