American Dreamer

American Dreamer

Homeownership is seen as the foundation of wealth in America. Suppose you could buy a house worth $5 million for just $240,000 but only when the owner dies. Based on a true story from the Chicago Public Radio show “This American Life,” Paul Dektor’s “American Dreamer” follows Phil Loder (Peter Dinklage), a twice divorced and underpaid economics professor whose desire to own a home seems tragically out of reach. But when a too good to be true once in a lifetime opportunity presents itself, Phil makes a deal with Astrid Finnelli (Shirley MacLaine), a childless near-death widow who’s giving away her sprawling estate for next to nothing. He quickly learns that it is.

Emmy winner Peter Dinklage is perfectly paired opposite Hollywood legend Shirley MacLaine when it comes to curmudgeon-laced dialogue, while at the same time giving these characters so much heart and grit that audiences will want to reach into the screen and give them both a hug they’re such lovable people. They’re great together, and it’s their performances and chemistry that holds this film together.

MacLaine also hasn’t lost any of the edgy comedic energy we love seeing her bring to roles like this one onscreen; there’s even a slight nod in the dialogue to past lives which she has often spoken about and written on over the years. Matt Dillon, Danny Glover, Kim Quinn and Danny Pudi round out this perfectly cast flick with each adding his or her own spice and flavor to each scene they’re in.

Dinklage makes Phil easy to love because of his relatability mixed with some insanely dangerous/comical stunts throughout the film; he’s just an all-around good guy who gets dealt bad cards in life sometimes. Although immensely entertaining, Theodore Melfi’s screenplay has some unexplained potholes here and there which will have you scratching your head from time to time. But all things considered, it’s clear that director Paul Dektor’s empathy and heart live in the right place for a film that ultimately asks what one needs to be happy, how far we are willing to go to achieve it and what role does loneliness play in these life-altering decisions?

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