Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- irreverent
- sardonic
- witty
- satire night
- political comedy marathon
What critics said
Critics found the film cheerfully silly and willing to target politics, television, and celebrity culture, but broadly agreed that its many subplots diluted its social commentary.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The president's public image campaign converges with his appearance as a judge on the talent show.
Martin Tweed deliberately recruits unusual contestants to refresh ratings and treats performers as television commodities.
The president, talent-show contestants, staff, and terrorist plotlines all intersect at the televised competition.
The bright talent-show format is juxtaposed with presidential depression, image management, and a terrorist infiltration plot.
Films like American Dreamz, and why
Wag the Dog
Shared political satire, media cynicism, and broad dark comedy targeting American public life.
America's Sweethearts
Shared show-business satire, manufactured celebrity, and irreverent ensemble comedy.
Network
Shared satirical treatment of television culture, political spectacle, and celebrity performance.
Drop Dead Gorgeous
Shared musical competition setting, exaggerated personalities, and comic social observation.
Movie Details
- Director
- Paul Weitz
- Release Date
- 2006-03-04
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Rating
- 5.1 / 10 (326)
Cast
- Hugh Grant
- Dennis Quaid
- Mandy Moore
- Willem Dafoe
- Chris Klein
- Jennifer Coolidge
- Sam Golzari
- Marcia Gay Harden
- Seth Meyers
- John Cho
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is American Dreamz about?
- A cynical talent-show host, a depressed president, and a covert terrorist plot collide in a broad satire of American celebrity and political spectacle.
- What is American Dreamz like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of American Dreamz as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is American Dreamz violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in American Dreamz as moderate.
- What did critics think of American Dreamz?
- Critics found the film cheerfully silly and willing to target politics, television, and celebrity culture, but broadly agreed that its many subplots diluted its social commentary.
- Which films are like American Dreamz?
- Films with a similar feel include Wag the Dog, America's Sweethearts, Network, and Drop Dead Gorgeous.
- How long is American Dreamz?
- American Dreamz runs 107 minutes.
- Where can I watch American Dreamz?
- In United States, American Dreamz is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
