‘Dreamz’ pokes fun at American society
DVD mocks U.S. culture without offending audiences
By Lisa Roney, staff writer
Posted on November 2, 2006

Every year or so an underrated smart satire comes out that few people see in theaters, but those who do find it masterful. This year, the movie “American Dreamz” takes that award.

If only the DVD features were as clever as the film itself. Bonus items are in short supply on this disc, perhaps because of the movie’s unsatisfactory box-office earnings. 

Ten minutes of deleted scenes are included, and most are worth watching if you liked the movie. The best one is the first scene, which is a “preview” of the upcoming season of “American Dreamz” featuring highlighted contestants, including Sally Kendoo (played by Mandy Moore), showing off their vocal skills (or lack thereof for some), among whom is a hilarious Orthodox Jew. 

“Center Stage: Sally Kendoo” is a four-minute behind-the-scenes look at the “American Dreamz” soundstage, hosted by Moore’s character. Shot like an episode of “MTV Cribs,” Moore does such a good job acting like a dazed teenager exploring her paradise that you forget that neither the show, nor Sally, are real.

“Dance Dreamz” spends more than seven minutes looking at the “un-choreographed” choreography of the show’s Arab participant. Seeing where he got some of his ridiculous movements is interesting to watch, but not necessary to get more out of the film.

“American Dreamz” pokes fun at today’s ridiculous society, where more people vote for the next pop star than the next president. Dennis Quaid (“The Day After Tomrrow”) does an outstanding job imitating George W. Bush and Hugh Grant’s uncanny mockery of Simon Cowell as the “American Dreamz” host/judge is priceless. Moore’s innocent Southern belle character will remind viewers of a mix between Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, both contestants on the real-life “American Idol.” Willem Dafoe (“The Boondock Saints”) plays Quaid’s vice president, and the two work brilliantly off of each other.

A total smack in the face to America, “American Dreamz” manages to not offend audiences (except perhaps those who are being blatantly mocked in the film), and is able to make a film about a show-tune-loving terrorist living his dream on the “American Dreamz” center stage completely watchable.