The American Dream
Armed with dreams that extend beyond their block, Luis and Ronald, two best friends from Los Angeles, videotape their last 36 hours before shipping off to Afghanistan. One hundred days before Obama's inauguration, these young men have joined the Marines together to face the obstacles and circumstances that seem to overwhelm their passage into manhood. Luis wants to be a filmmaker and Ronald wants to travel the world and raise a family. Through the lens of Luis's video camera, they capture their friends, family members and places they call home - to remember who they are and where they come from. In their darkest hour, they turn on the video camera for the last time and document the final moments of their journey home. They soon realize that their dreams and promises of a new life mean nothing in a place called War.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film follows a disillusioned man who grapples with the elusive nature of the American Dream. As he navigates personal struggles and societal pressures, he questions the true meaning of success and happiness in contemporary America. His journey is marked by a series of events that challenge his perceptions and force him to confront his own aspirations.
Critical Reception
The American Dream (2011) received a mixed to negative reception from critics and audiences. While some appreciated its attempt to tackle a complex societal theme, many found the execution lacking in depth and clarity. The film struggled to resonate broadly, with reviews often citing a predictable narrative and underdeveloped characters.
What Reviewers Say
- The film's exploration of the American Dream is superficial and fails to offer fresh insights.
- Pacing issues and a lack of compelling character development detract significantly from the viewing experience.
- Despite a relevant theme, the execution is often clunky and uninspired.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews and ratings for 'The American Dream (2011)' is not widely available.
Fun Fact
The film was reportedly shot on a very limited budget, which may have influenced its production quality and scope.
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