Reel Reviews: ‘American Dreamz’ aimless but competant satire
As we each end another semester, many of us have dreams to follow. Hopefully, none of them will involve the treachery of showbiz. In this delightful satire, we see various people reaching for their chance to live the American dream of being a famous pop singer. And what better way to do it than to be a contestant on the nation’s most popular TV show, “American Dreamz?”
From director Paul Weitz (“In Good Company”), this comedy film gives an acerbic look at the cultural values of our society and the decidedly inferior morals of its people. It is funny, but not hilarious. It is poignant, but not heart-rending. And while this clever balance is sustained, we come to know about all the people (well, at least the important people) involved with America’s greatest television program.
Clearly derived from “American Idol,” “American Dreamz” is a reality show featuring a “random” sampling of America’s most hopeful pop singers. The show is hosted by Martin Tweed, played by the perfectly smarmy Hugh Grant (“Two Weeks Notice”). And we see the assorted happenings that take place in front of the camera, as well as behind it, all to ensure instant gratification and good television for the masses. In the end, that’s what America is all about, isn’t it?
Once the plot begins to pick up the pace, we watch the customary whittling down of the singing contestants until we are left with the two grinning finalists. One, a suburban princess played by a surprisingly unlikable Mandy Moore (“Saved!”), and the other, a humble terrorist played by newcomer to the big screen, Sam Golzari.
While we see the goings in the glittery, Hollywood environment, we are simultaneously shown the activities inside the White House. Most of the humor comes from this end of the story as we watch an absent-minded president (played with great subtlety by Dennis Quaid, “The Day After Tomorrow”) bumble around his bedroom, and his sentences, with his fretting vice-president not far behind (Willem Dafoe, “Inside Man”).
This film has a lot to say as it shows us the unforgiving imbalance between pop culture and politics while mixing in sex, the war in Iraq, commercialism and superficial romance. At first, it seems like it’s trying to comment on too many things at once without a clear direction. But, thankfully, “American Dreamz” begins to miraculously congeal about halfway through until we are brought to a stupendous climax. Having everything come together so nicely in the end seriously helps this film and makes it an ultimately enjoyable experience.
Most of the humor is dark and most of the characters are easy to look down on, with some wonderfully structured scenes of awkwardness and shock. Supporting actors include Jennifer Coolidge (“Legally Blonde”) and Chris Klein (“Just Friends”). The dialogue of the actors isn’t absolute genius, but it does provide many cutting remarks about public opinion and the consumerist nature of fame. It remains witty, canny and campy despite being partly predictable and aimless.
Casey T. Allen is a critic for the Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent to caseyal@cc.usu.edu.