Movie | American Dreamz | Pass

This movie is a lampoon of American Idol, pure and simple. Other than making fun of George Bush, that's about it for the plot. A Simon Cowell-type character, played by Hugh Grant, finds a wanna-be starlet who will do anything (including walk all over everyone else) to get what she wants, played by Mandy Moore.

The prez is played by Dennis Quaid and his puppetmasters are his wife, played by Marcia Gay Harden and his Chief of Staff, played by the amazing Willem Dafoe.

It's presented as a comedy and there are a few laughs. Despite a rather lighthearted feel to the movie, it made us uncomfortable on several levels. One, NK is a huge fan of American Idol and while this movie is on target and sharp witted in the criticisms, nobody wants a show that they like to be knocked down. Secondly, while we certainly aren't Bush supporters, we are Americans and it's not a lot of fun when the leader of our country is made out as a complete buffoon (even if he was).

I don't know, it may be a pride thing or maybe it's something else.

Regardless, all of the characters are pretty much unlikeable with the exception of the suicidal terrorist. How's that for an odd twist?!? He's the only one you end up caring about, in the end.

Still, the movie is worth seeing, believe it or not, if for no other reason than the cast is still fun to watch in action. I give it half a thumb up and a Pass.