American Dream? (2005) User Reviews

Bizarre, funny, and just wrong!

[aussiefilmbuff · 7/10 · 11 May 2006]

How to explain "?" is almost an oxymoron in its own right, just by the name itself.

On its surface the comedy and plots are in your face, crass and direct. But, underneath its loud bark is an even more impactful bite. The humor is deep and serves to address important, yet rarely talked about issues in the world today.

"?" is a film that needs to be digested two or three times if one is to capture all its neunces, subplots and overt comical jabs at society.

If you have a strong stomach, and a love for twisted humor, you should own this film, otherwise, go buy another copy of Harry Potter or the Toy Story.

Why Not?!

[tyracent · 7/10 · 8 April 2007]

Viewing this film makes you question, no pun intended, yourself on whether or not you want to continue watching it. Not because it sucks, not because its boring, but because you have to question on whether or not the deep, crass, in-your-face approach to its storyline falls within your humor and cinematic appeal.

At first I was disgusted, but then when I started to get to know Art (poor big, rich teddy bear character), I couldn't help following his plight and unbalanced relationship which develops with his co-star (West - twisted, disenfranchised, sociopath) until the film presented a resolute conclusion.

The story progresses with these elements flaming into a feverish pitch until reaching a climatic ending, while the whole time holding on to its roots of truly twisted humor.

Why not?! – 7 out of 10

sucked

[arifthegodd · 1/10 · 27 April 2006]

the girl brought home this movie, we thought we would watch a local CO indie movie for a change, and I wish we wouldn't have. This movie was so bad and the girl made me sit through the whole piece of crap. She's never picking movies again, it is my call from now on. The movie had really bad actors and this retarded character was stupid, trying to be funny but was not funny at all, you could tell he was just some guy dressed up like a retard. The bald guy actor was worse he just sucked and was just mad the whole time. skip this shitty movie!!!!! Attack of the killer tomatoes is way better, even kentucky fried movie or something like that is a better way to spend a night with the ball and chain.

Probably the worst movie EVER MADE!

[khanazerby · 1/10 · 23 April 2006]

This movie is probably the worst movie I have ever seen. The acting sucks, the story is stupid, it looks really bad, and was a pain to have to sit through. I know it is a B Movie, but it soooooo bad... I can't even remember seeing a movie that is worse than "?" in my entire life. Then it tries to be "edgy" and stuff by making fun of retarded people and one of the characters wipes his ass with the gay flag? Then it tries to make a satire of society, but it isn't even to the point of being barely watchable before it starts to preach. If this were a movie that had a point about something it would maybe work out, but it's just a bunch of scenes with this horrible actor having temper tantrums and acting like an asshole. SO WHAT, who wants to watch some piece of crap movie about some guy's bad day or whatever point they're trying to make. It isn't even good enough to be a Troma movie. Don't waste your time with it, you will regret it!

What an Amazing Film!

[aharz · 10/10 · 17 March 2006]

I have never seen a film so unique and different!!!

'?' movie is the most original & humorous film I have seen since 'Team America'! The movie is able to link reality with fiction, like nothing I have ever experienced before, and it does it all with twisted, edgy, provocative humor.

Its real-life, hidden camera scenes are amazing! At first you have no idea that this is real, non-scripted footage, but at the end of the film, the producers prove it to you. I have no idea how they were able to pull this stuff off, but damn its funny and impressive! And the 3 main characters of the film, West the psychopath, Art the retarded & Nancy the Lovedoll, develop so well as the film progresses, while engaging in some of the most captivating dialog / interaction of any movie I have ever seen.

If anyone wants to see something absolutely funny & completely unique, you should definitely go see this film or buy it somewhere online, like amazon.com. I have even heard that there were 2 different versions of '?' movie made, 1 Color and 1 B&W, but I'm not exactly sure? I would love to see it again in B&W, if this version actually exists.

Arod

'Wedding Crashers' on Steroids!!!!!!

[efreshowitz · 8/10 · 2 May 2006]

I own 'Wedding Crashers', '40 Year Old Virgin' and the 'Aristocrats', all of which I think are funnier than watching clowns box blindfolded in a vat of hydrochloric acid, but I must say, '?' definitely falls within this riotous collection of humor.

Though not loaded with "current" household names, '?' is as funny, off-the-wall and entertaining as its bigger budget counterparts listed above.

I can't get over the reality scenes, the adoring personalities of the film; 'Nancy' the blowup doll; 'Art' the retard; 'West' the twisted f**ck, and the overall feel + story which makes you laugh till you urinate yourself, and then cry like a kid getting his teeth pulled.

'?' is a must see/own film, which falls into the realm of cult-classic!

Funny, funny, funny!

[interteam2 · 9/10 · 29 March 2006]

When I saw this film, I could not stop laughing! It is so so funny, I had to pause it sometimes because of laughing so very hard, before moving forward.

The Hispanic porno salesman is one of the best characters I have seen in any movie, and I have never seen a sex doll be a major important character before. And the real scenes in the film are much better than Jackass or Punk stuff, because it so real and not just a fake joke on someone. It is so amazing and crazy.

I think that everyone who wants to see a film that is really funny, different and will make you laugh and think a lot, they should see ? Movie.

muy bueno!!!!

Completely unique & different. See this film!

[aly-32 · 9/10 · 23 March 2006]

I got to see ? Movie at a special sneak preview not too long ago, and I was absolutely blown away about how funny, edgy and flat-out different this film is from anything I have ever seen before.

The real-life scenes, which were "true" hidden camera shots, were amazing and brilliantly sculpted into the storyline of the film. Ironically, these scenes were not only unique, but seemed to actually validate the points that this controversial, in-your-face movie makes.

For those of you who want to experience something completely one-of-a-kind, edgy, and down-right hilarious, I would recommend you buy, rent, go see, whatever, this film as soon as you get a chance.

A Fantastic Piece of Film-making!

[purchases-10 · 10/10 · 1 May 2006]

After viewing ?, upon my travels to the US a fort-night ago, I have developed a whole new sense for comedy.

At first, I was taken back by the film's unyielding, in-your-face, wicked humor and plots, however, upon completing this remarkable piece of cinema, I was able to digest and grip what the main characters' (West, Art, 'Nancy' - boy is she a hoot -) social positions in our/their world must be like. The pain, the disillusionment of being an outcast or mentally disabled, while lost in a cruel vortex of reality.

? movie is gripping, perverse, and brilliant. Hilarious, off-the-wall, while oddly majestic. The hidden, real-life camera scenes are exquisitely juxtaposed to its fictional storyline, and will perplex; awe extensively.

This new American comedy is what Monty Python and Peter Sellers were to us, altering the view of what humor can and will be. Fantastic!

Rent or buy this film!

[yumaunger · 8/10 · 22 October 2006]

I read positive reviews of this movie before heading to a Boulder video store and grabbing it off the shelf. I was extremely happy I did so as I haven't laughed this hard in quite some time! I was literally in stitches about 1/3rd of the way into the movie. I really can't remember the last time I laughed so hard while watching a film!

Question Mark is also one of most interesting and original movies I've ever seen. The first thing you'll notice are the unique dialogues between West, Art and the other major characters of the film, but especially between West & Art (the main 2 characters). This movie is truly memorable. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something beyond the usual Hollywood crap, although the language may turn some people off. It's a refreshing blend of genres, something like Dark Comedy, Drama, mixed with a little Action. Highly quotable, hilarious, and very entertaining. It was a blast!!

Dementedly entertaining, but not mindless!

[sarahjosephstein · 8/10 · 7 July 2006]

There's a lot more to add to this movie, than just saying that it's one of the funniest things I've ever seen! It's offensive and abuses the human ears, but that's ironically part of its charm. The outstanding use of vulgar humor is projected to the point of numbing morality for the near 2 hours spent watching it. But, if you look beneath the language and edgy material, this movie is SO DEEP!

Like other really good comedians, the Directors of '?' are able to tell you the depressing truth while making you laugh so hard you can hardly breathe. Beyond the comic genius and well delivered jokes, the political and social satire is brilliant, and the plot in no way suffers for all the other antics of the film. The seemingly simple, but actually complex story line shows how well-written and thought out the film was. I loved all the subtleties and symbolism, while the main characters, Art, West & Nancy make for quite a fascinating dynamic trio.

If you're not easily offended or disgusted, you should definitely give this film a look.

Just what the doctor called for...

[hideousi-1 · 10/10 · 20 March 2006]

This is one of the best movies I've ever seen, but I would hesitate to recommend it to people whom I don't know pretty well. It explores aspects of life and living (and suffering) that most films avoid or actively deny. And it does so brilliantly. The characters are vividly real, and there is such a strong sense of situations unfolding in real time that it's truly mesmerizing. I felt like a fly on the wall, eavesdropping on conversations I could never hear otherwise. I think many people would absolutely hate this movie, partly because it doesn't pass judgement on behaviors that are repulsive to the bulk of humanity, and partly because it exposes us to them at all. There are only a handful of films that have a distinct polarizing affect on the audience--A Clockwork Orange, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, and I would even lump in Blue Velvet--these are movies you either get, or you don't. And if you don't get it, watch it again. Open minded viewers need only apply, and that's certainly the case with "?." I remember leaving my living room absolutely shocked, and not just because of the events on screen. I was shocked that I found the movie so intelligent and oddly entertaining. The actors surely must have felt that, after reading the screenplay.

A successful venture into cinema

[dougi80 · 10/10 · 21 March 2006]

Even if this film had been a noble failure it would have been a notable moment in cinema history. The fact that it is a set in stone masterpiece means that its impact is redoubled. As the multi-layered narrative weaves it way from one uncomfortable moment to the next, via hidden camera scenes too, one 'Question' keeps repeating in your mind; how the hell did this ever get made? Forget that though, and just enjoy the fact that it did, because moments of sunshine are often all too rare, a fact emphasized throughout this film. "?" might be a different beast altogether, but it's certainly an American beauty; I challenge you not to be uplifted by as satisfying an ending as I can remember.

A MUST see

[davestravelemail · 9/10 · 21 March 2006]

It is rare that a director so succinctly and unflinchingly manages to commit his ideas to the screen with such conviction. For that alone, Tom Kennedy and Alez Harz deserve much praise. It is a remarkable achievement. What makes "?" a distinctly unnerving viewing experience are those very ideas and perceptions of human existence. This film holds true for people of all ages and from all strata's of society. "?" opts for a deadpan humor, coaxing us to laugh at these pathetic people not out of affection or understanding, but rather simply as a response to life as they see it. On a first time viewing the sheer despondency of these characters seems to overwhelm the humor, but watching the film again, the humor seemed far more blatant. Obviously this is not a movie for everyone, since this bleak view on human life is clearly not shared by all. But still, this is a work which is undeniably a masterpiece of sorts.

So-wrong, yet so, so-right

[FrankTingsing · 9/10 · 30 January 2007]

'?' : Is a raunchy, daring, slap your face off take on America today. It appears to have been made by super-intelligent pre-pubescent boys, and I mean that as a compliment.

Everyone in the American societal web seems to be lampooned and held up to ridicule, some definitely more than others.

The entwined undertones of the movie kept me from fully enjoying it during the first pass through, because of having to think a bit too much to decipher the true nature and purpose of the lead actors' (West + Art) dialogue and conduct. Thus I watched it 2 ½ more times, which finally brought me full comic release. I don't know if I am just dumb, miss the American-specific subtleties, or if the Director/Writers intended to make the film a thinkers-man comedy, deep and dark? I would like to say the later, but you can judge for yourselves. Viewers would be well advised to leave any sensitivity at home, you won't need it. The masturbation/rape scene is pure brilliance (never knew a "fork" could have so many uses??) and the church diatribe is one I will never forget. Memorable scenes abound throughout '?', but be prepared to think, awe and feel guilty for laughing.

Overall, a very so-wrong, yet it's so-right way to spend a few hours.

Not perfect, but awesome, even if you don't like weird and different films.

[alexharz · 8/10 · 28 February 2007]

Very possibly one of the funniest movies in the world, but probably not Oscar material, since Borat, Monty Python, Eddie Murphy, and the like will never sniff site of such honors.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone are hilarious and before you see this film I suggest you see "South Park" and maybe even Borat, two of the funniest movies ever created. Now you're mindset will be ready for "?". Buy the 2 DVD and CD set on Amazon if you can, but rent it if you must. You will laugh every time you see it. "Pure" stroke of genius.

If you don't think its funny then you have no soul, don't like off-the-wall humor, or are incapable of laughing because of too much botox. Not perfect, but awesome, even for you ladies out there who don't like weird and different films.

Incredibly bad taste, but I laughed so hard I almost wet myself!!

[moviesaddletramp · 9/10 · 9 August 2006]

This movie was so funny I was laughing from the beginning to end, but I almost felt bad at times for chuckling hysterically at such edgy subject matter. Should I feel guilty for saying this is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen? Am I going to hell for that? But how can you not laugh at a retard erotically bathing a blow-up doll or the tragic death of a bum during an episode of roadrage? Why do so many people have trouble laughing at such things? Maybe they should have a drink with West and spend a night in a motel with him, Nancy and Art.

The only critique I have about the film's story is that it is not the easiest to understand or get at times. It isn't entirely mindless like you would expect given the plot and subject matter, like Jackass, Wedding Crashers or Anchorman are. Maybe that is what the directors Harz and Kennedy were trying to do, make you think a bit? I surely did.

Watch '?' with a strong stomach and an open mind and prepare to laugh!! 9 out of 10.

Brilliantly original

[liveearthstar · 8/10 · 6 July 2007]

This ground breaking movie, much like the ground breaking sounds of NIN, '?' has been discussed, praised, shunned, ripped and probably copied since, that you can easily lose sight of the fact that what you have here is a genius-ly original film, and when experienced over and over again, STILL never fails to amuse.

This movie is one of the few I would describe as genuinely "unique" and "stellar". I honestly cannot fault many things about it, except a bit too long??? The brilliant dialogue, the fantastic group of actors, who range from everywhere (in age and ethnicity, even to inanimate objects), are all uniformly excellent, and the soundtrack is the coolest of any independent film (which rarely ever have one), I have ever heard. The band Hideous Input is awesome!

In short, this is an indie classic, and required viewing for all black comedy buffs, especially demented nuts like myself. '?' is as good as any comedy you care to name, believe it. Not perfect, but 8/10.

Pure gut-busting, in-your-face, laugh-out-loud dramedy!

[jimmydefoener · 8/10 · 17 September 2006]

I have to admit that the first time I saw this film (the color version) I wasn't too enthused with it, probably because it was 3am on a Sunday morning. But after I saw it a second time (the full Black and White version), I fell in love with it and I now own it on DVD and have seen it quite a few more times.

I found this movie to be very interesting and also very saddening. Though it is characterized as a piece of fictitious work, "?" is brutal honesty in its rawest form. While many will knock this film because of its pornographic nature or constant attacks on society, I was able to see the deep, hard points the story brings out about the world we live in today. Those who criticize swearing in movies and the other things meant to be rude and crude, will not like "?", but these elements were downright funny to me and fans of the dark comedy genre should definitely own this film!

I do really like this film, and it made me laugh over and over again.

Important Piece of Indie Cinema

[info-9403 · 9/10 · 7 July 2007]

For a lot of film fanatics "?" may be the modern-day equivalent of Pulp Fiction vs. Monty Python, and a contemporary indie masterpiece. Whether or not this sort of praise is warranted, "?" is still an all-around well-made film with pitch perfect casting, exceedingly memorable and quotable dialogue, and the sort of high quality not generally seen in a directors' duo debut.

The film tells an interlocking tale that takes place in the underbelly of our culture. Its stylistic approach turns an ordinarily low-life, underachieving college grad, a charming mentally disabled teddy bear type, and what would normally be a repulsive sex toy for many, into a highly engaging, pseudo-intellectual dark comedy experience.

Beyond the obvious portrayals of unflinching darkly comedic behavior, rapid-fire pop cultural and profanity-laced dialogue, there's an amazing depth to its plot/story. "?" is a one of a kind wild ride for the comedic senses and dark emotions, and truly an important piece of indie cinema.

chaoticly excellent...

[rubi-2 · 10/10 · 20 March 2006]

Question Mark was extremely disturbing, depressing, and dark. it was also bitingly funny. How i loved it! every character was very dysfunctional.. but in a way that was so real that it brought me back to my own traumatic past experiences.. it took me places in my head that i don't often go and sometimes avoid going.. and for that i thank it muchly.

it shows family & lovers that don't even know each other. they don't share their deep secrets and for the most part don't even try. they claim to love the shells around them while holding fast to their own. they're completely alienated & disconnected. most of the time they aren't even conscious of it because it's so routine for how they live.

there were so many interesting themes... characters who desired something deeply, then regretted it once it was theirs... pathetic self-defeating behaviors... sex and the pursuit of it... trying to be 'real' vs. living behind a facade...

i also *loved* the music...Hideous Input, I think did most the songs? i can't say enough about it.. oh, so good! but definitely not for the faint-hearted..

What the hell?!

[montreallnative · 8/10 · 22 May 2006]

This film is wow. Just wow! I don't know how to describe ?, but its like nothing I've ever seen in Canada or during my vacations to the US.

Its funny as hell, but outrageous. It might disgust you. It might shock you. Or it might make you think a lot. It made me do all three.

This is no date movie that's for sure and not one for your grandparents or younger sister.

I was captivated by the live scenes. They seemed a little different at first, but then they seemed just right by making their points to the story. I loved these twists to the film. Definitely unique and one of a kind.

Anyone who wants to laugh at something different has to see ?. Buy, rent or borrow it as soon as you get a chance, but beware!

I thought I was going to die!

[garymingj · 8/10 · 7 June 2006]

This is a straight, nonsensical comedy starring 2, or should 3 (Nancy) actors I have never witnessed before. On the same vein as "Dumb and Dumber" and "There's something about Mary" (the Farrelly brothers), I found this movie to be a humorous "Fight Club". In fact, I liked a lot more how the conflict of multiple personalities is handled on this movie; the ending, actually, made a bit more sense (though it would be a toss-up to say this film is better than Fight Club).

The film-making tandem of Tom Kennedy & Alex Harz, seem to have the potential to be the next Farrelly brothers or Trey Parker and Matt Stone: aiming for the limit of what audiences might stand in front of a screen. Be sure to watch this film with your best friends, and get ready to laugh yourself silly over this one. It's a good one!

Brilliantly deranged lunacy !

[holyhellchrist · 8/10 · 19 July 2006]

Very controversial, "?" may meet with many objections from parents groups, activists and the MPAA for its graphic content. Ranging from pedophilia, rape, masturbation, deep depression, to the spiting of the mentally handicapped, amongst other subjects. Completely off the wall real! "?" deals with the material raw, because that's how it shows it.

It's honest and it's brutal, and the Directors want the audience to understand the picture, but not without thinking about it or watching it numerous times.

Absolutely the most disturbing film that has been released this year, "?" pulls all the punches, and it's material, while uncompromising, is brilliant. There's nothing more engrossing than watching West & Art suffer breakdowns, after being pushed to the brink, or witnessing the demise of a seemingly innocent blow-up doll, after winning over our hearts and minds.

High Five Comedy

[jayyaser · 9/10 · 20 November 2006]

Although I wasn't originally interested to see "?", I was convinced by my friends and the reviews hailing it as a comedic magnum opus that I should watch this film or films (I heard there are actually 2 versions of the film?), which supposedly challenges political correctness and taboo sensitivities, while exposing the dark underbelly of our society.

Anyway, this film does do that for sure, and is a perfect blend of scripted story with the main characters (West & Art) unscripted encounters with innocent subjects, ala Borat, which are in many ways the funniest parts of this offensive movie. It is a great inner journey film, imagine "Rain Man" meets "Borat", "Jackass", "Life Aquatic" and something from Tarantino or Lynch, if one can envision that??? A fan of any of these may definitely be pleased, but unsuspecting viewers may watch this movie with their jaws wide open!