American Dreamz [M]

The most popular show on television, American Dreamz, is about to have its most exciting season yet as it has new contestants, a guest judge, and a nasty plan to assassinate the President. Amongst the contestants is Southern belle Sally, who is sugar and spice on in front of the camera, but not so nice in reality, and Omar, a reluctant Middle Eastern contestant with a penchant for show tunes. The two will battle it out and gain celebrity status, but at the end of the day the show can only end one way… or can it? 

This is a strange little film that really only runs on two things: it’s story, which admittedly is a little mediocre and a bit camp, and the bizarre blend of the cast, all of which played their roles perfectly, gaining both laughs and cringes from the audience. 

The most popular show on television, American Dreamz, is about to have its most exciting season yet as it has new contestants, a guest judge, and a nasty plan to assassinate the President. Amongst the contestants are Southern belle Sally, who is sugar and spice on screen and then not so nice in reality, and Omar, a reluctant Middle Eastern contestant with a penchant for show tunes. Over the course of the season, the dreamers battle it out and gain celebrity status, but at the end of the day the show can only end one way… or can it? 

The story was strong and solid and did lend itself to great comedic interpretation, mainly satire and cleverly taking the piss out of popular reality shows, obviously American Idol. 

But what made American Dreamz so clever and funny was the bizarre blend of the cast and their performances. 

Hugh Grant is classic as the sleazy and unlovable host of the show, Martin Tweed. 

Mandy Moore sparkles in a clichéd way as the “poor white trash” talented belle in front of the camera and then she is so good at playing the manipulative bitch that you just want to slap her. Funnily enough, it was her character that was the cleverest in the film as she is a walking stereotype and provides the film with much of its satirical humour. 

Sam Golzari was just gorgeous as Omar, all singing and dancing, glittery shirts, and yet humble at the same time. Very funny. 

And Dennis Quaid as the President was brilliant, just brilliant! 

Also starring Willem Dafoe, Jennifer Coolidge, Chris Klein, Marcia Gay Harden, Seth Meyers, John Cho, Judy Greer, and Tony Yalda (who was brilliant and hysterical), American Dreamz was a strange, but very funny little film that’s filled with music, memorable characters, piercing insults, manipulations, and satire. It’s not a film that you can watch over and over, but it’s a great one to come back to once in a while because it will always make you laugh… or cringe.