This low-key oddity has the potential for some proper horsepower given the odd but intriguing casting of Peter Dinklage and Shirley MacLaine, but it never manages to build up much comic or dramatic speed.

Paul Dektor's directorial debut aims to tell an old-school intergenerational love and friendship tale, but is saddled by unfunny running gags and distracting subplots.

"Peter Dinklage is a perfect thespian match for the legendary Shirley MacLaine when it comes to curmudgeon-laced dialogue, while simultaneously giving these characters so much heart and grit"

American Dreamer is an entertaining yet cynical look at the realities of trying to own a home in modern society. However, its unwillingness to commit to a consistent tone muddles the film’s effectiveness.