A down on his luck man (Jim Gaffigan) is now working as taxi driver after being made redundant. With child care costs and unsympathetic ex wife things look very bleak. He takes a job which ends up being driving round a drug dealer on his money collections.
Desperately he kidnaps the dealers son and demands 20k for his return.
When you see Jim Gaffigan's name you expect light hearted and funny but don't be fooled this is an edge of the seat drama filled ride.
44 Reviews
Worth a watch
fastpug25 December 2019
A Little Far-Fetched, But Okay.
redrobin62-321-20731121 September 2019
I'll try to render my opinion without any spoilers. First, the acting is top notch, especially the Latina mother of the kidnapped boy in question. She was completely believable as a streetwise habitue and I suspect she will have a long future in Hollywood. Everyone else was fine, so no complaints there. Why seven out of ten? Well, in the end, the "story" was a bit far-fetched: a down-on-his-luck cabbie resorts to kidnapping in order to make money for child support? I guess, in Hollywood terms, this is probably akin to Al Pacino holding up a bank to pay for his lover's sex-change operation in Dog Day Afternoon. What man will do when they're desperate! Is this a film worth seeing? Sure. You won't be disappointed.
Not A Good Guys Win Tale
westsideschl19 April 2020
Positive: The summary describes the plot well. A creative mixing of rather ordinary done before subplots.
Negatives: As others have mentioned you probably won't find any boy/girl scouts amongst all the characters. Usual stereotypes of troubled divorced loser father; his wife; drug dealers. Lots of negatives (left with a bad taste type story), even the ending, but maybe that's the reality the writers intended.
Not bad at all
glr-2712217 September 2020
I went into this movie with no expectations and was pleasantly suprised at how good it was. I'm a big jim gaffigan fan and was really impressed at how good a job he did. Would recommend watching this if your looking to kill 90 minutes.
Simple Review
andrewgrgtwn22 December 2019
Didn't fancy this film thought it was going to be a "b" movie but I was very wrong.
Acting by the lead and supporting actor was at a very high standard along with the direction and cinematography the story was also very good, my wife and I scored this a 6 but could have been an 8 but one part of the movie frustrated us both hence why my scoring dropped I cant elaborate on that drop as I will spoil the movie.
I'd recommend this movie as the story and acting is first class.
I'd recommend this movie as the story and acting is first class.
More holes in it than Swiss Cheese
michael-kerrigan-526-12497430 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
American Dreamer. I went into this film not expecting much. Thought it might be a meh 5 or 6, hopefully a 7. How wrong I was. Oh My Absolute God. More holes in it than Swiss cheese. An utter embarrassment of a film. It was so painful I think I prefer tooth decay. I mean - why did he shoot his girlfriend just when she was about to tell him that the car driver had took their son (yes she'd been felandering but there were bigger issues at play)? In fact, why didn't she just tell him straight away in the car? Her BF was hardly a shivering wreck! And why did the driver go through with it after the kid died? How was he gonna collect the money? And why did he leave the phone on noisy in the motel room? And how could he even begin to think he'd get money for a corpse? One of the worst films I've seen in years. I can forgive poor acting for a low budget film. I can't forgive utterly absurd plot lines. 2 out of ten - and that's generous. Awful.
Very Strong Performances From Jones & Gaffigan
smithdean-2209224 September 2019
A very dark thriller that keeps you watching.
I just finished watching "American Dreamer" via VOD.
What a great movie. Jim Gaffigan was great at being such a dark character and Robbie Jones was menacing and intelligent in this.
The whole movie takes one dark turn after another.
The director did a great job at keeping the story moving non stop.
If you love a good dark thriller of a movie, watch this ASAP.
And if you want to see a slightly insane Jim Gaffigan, you need to watch this movie! I highly suggest it. I'm mad I didn't know about this movie before today? I seen it was finished in 2018 but just now being released late 2019??? People are really missing out on a great flick!
Wow,, that got gritty and dark,,,
reddiemurf812 April 2020
Quite the departure for Gaffigan. WOW!
I'm sure most of us can relate to his character in some way or another. Down on his luck, everything happening is bad,, dealing with some mental and emotional instability,,, who hasn't been in at least some of those places (I have OCD / Panic Disorder / Thyroid Cancer Survivor / Depression,, just to name a few).
Now,, all that being said,, this movie was really good,, not pleasant,, but really good. So,, if you can compartmentalize and remember that this is a movie,, go watch it!
Gaffigan has range beyond a bad script
sefusu33-157-48097723 September 2019
Jim Gaffigan proves there may be life beyond comedy but not beyond the confines of a bad script. His character is a loser, bound by bad decisions caused by mental illness or depression, or something? His motivation for carrying on is to be a father to his son, which is the only likeable characteristic about him. This undermines the credibility of his decisions in a hairbrained kidnapping scheme for a drug dealers baby. He seems rational enough to talk his way out of getting pulled over, but can't seem to understand the basics of child care and how it plays into collecting his ransom? All of this isn't well thought out by the writers or the character they hoped to create. Jim has range, which should help him in the future, but this movie isn't good.
Amazing Low-Budget Film Artistry
lavatch27 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In the bonus track of the DVD of "American Dreamer," there is an extended segment called "No Free Rides--The Making of 'American Dreamer.'" The filmmakers described how their shoot in Norfolk, Virginia lasted only sixteen days, prior to the editing work. Volunteer students from Old Dominion contributed as interns in all aspects of production. The result was an unusually high-caliber independent film.
The title in the film in its draft form was "All the Animals Come Out Tonight," and the final film cut focused on three central characters. Cam is the taxi driver shuttling a drug dealer named Mazz around Norfolk. On one of the stops, Mazz visits his infant son Prince and Mazz's girlfriend Marina.
It is in the triangle of Cam, Mazz, and Marina that the driver hatches his ill-conceived plan to kidnap the little boy and hold him for a $20,000 ransom. But Cam is so incompetent that the plan falls apart, leading to loss of life when Mazz and Marina desperately seek to locate the child.
While the subject matter of "American Dreamer" is grim to the extreme, the three main performances are riveting. Somehow, the actors, screenwriter, and director were able to evoke a synergy from the three characters that resulted in depth and complexity to each character.
A concept of the filmmakers as explained in the DVD bonus track was that of "invisible people" with a character like Cam who was once relevant as a computer programmer, but whose life fell apart when he lost his job. Mazz clawed his way up to the top and is ruthless, yet still loves his son and the concept of family. Marina is a drug addict who has lost her way, sensing almost immediately that her life is over when her son is missing. The humanity of these invisible people comes across remarkably in their lives of desperation depicted in this film.
The title in the film in its draft form was "All the Animals Come Out Tonight," and the final film cut focused on three central characters. Cam is the taxi driver shuttling a drug dealer named Mazz around Norfolk. On one of the stops, Mazz visits his infant son Prince and Mazz's girlfriend Marina.
It is in the triangle of Cam, Mazz, and Marina that the driver hatches his ill-conceived plan to kidnap the little boy and hold him for a $20,000 ransom. But Cam is so incompetent that the plan falls apart, leading to loss of life when Mazz and Marina desperately seek to locate the child.
While the subject matter of "American Dreamer" is grim to the extreme, the three main performances are riveting. Somehow, the actors, screenwriter, and director were able to evoke a synergy from the three characters that resulted in depth and complexity to each character.
A concept of the filmmakers as explained in the DVD bonus track was that of "invisible people" with a character like Cam who was once relevant as a computer programmer, but whose life fell apart when he lost his job. Mazz clawed his way up to the top and is ruthless, yet still loves his son and the concept of family. Marina is a drug addict who has lost her way, sensing almost immediately that her life is over when her son is missing. The humanity of these invisible people comes across remarkably in their lives of desperation depicted in this film.
Good Thriller
BOOKSMART122 April 2021
The real theme of the movie is men failing to take responsibility for their actions. The combustible mix of Mazz's paranoia and Cam's desperation comes to a head when Cam kidnaps Mazz's son with the intent of collecting ransom money. This terrible plan goes even worse than Cam could've anticipated. It has many thrilling moments, twist and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat till the end.
Jim Surprises!
tbridges-5155712 May 2020
Jim Gaffigan demonstrates true leading man acting abilities! Especially if you need a challenges down on his luck pasty ass white man, such as myself. This script puts him through the paces and he handles them well. The guy having sex with his gf was awful. If that was what he was going for, then Aces, Brah!
My problem with the movie is that it is presented as a happy ending and it just can't be allowed that outcome. So, I liked some of the acting, some of the script and most all of the production values. But get a grip and fix the script!
surprisingly good
natcalgary29 June 2020
What to do with 1 hr to kill between cab fares?
Valid_ID4 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
As a huge fan of Jim Gaffigan, I wish he'd stick to stand-up comedy, although I understand that he could make better and easier money acting.
The story of this low-budget movie was conceived by 2 guys throwing ideas off the wall (by their own admission in the Special Features section), and it shows, because the story makes no sense.
It's about a spontaneous, amateur kidnapping.
Here's the gist: A good-for-nothing cab driver who's far from being a daring person, completely sober if only depressed, with only 1 hour to kill between fares, decides to kidnap his dangerous boss' kid for ransom!
It makes no sense to stress how dangerous the boss is, and show how cowardly his driver is, only to abruptly have the driver decide he can blackmail the gangster on one hour break!
(Actually, he wants to kidnap the mother, but when he can't find her at home, he kidnaps the toddler instead.)
So without much thought, the kidnapper stumbles from one thing to another until he becomes a murderer.
And can someone please explain why he doesn't let Gumpy shoot Mazz, and only then run him over with the car?!
The story of this low-budget movie was conceived by 2 guys throwing ideas off the wall (by their own admission in the Special Features section), and it shows, because the story makes no sense.
It's about a spontaneous, amateur kidnapping.
Here's the gist: A good-for-nothing cab driver who's far from being a daring person, completely sober if only depressed, with only 1 hour to kill between fares, decides to kidnap his dangerous boss' kid for ransom!
It makes no sense to stress how dangerous the boss is, and show how cowardly his driver is, only to abruptly have the driver decide he can blackmail the gangster on one hour break!
(Actually, he wants to kidnap the mother, but when he can't find her at home, he kidnaps the toddler instead.)
So without much thought, the kidnapper stumbles from one thing to another until he becomes a murderer.
And can someone please explain why he doesn't let Gumpy shoot Mazz, and only then run him over with the car?!
Gritty & Dark Drama
larrys320 November 2019
Gritty and dark drama with decent suspense throughout.
Jim Gaffigan is excellent as Cam, a rideshare driver who has strong mental problems and is under severe financial stress. Robbie Jones is also superb as Mazz, a drug dealer who hires Cam's vehicle for the day. In one desperate moment, Cam decides to kidnap for ransom Mazz's young son, and things will take a terrible turn thereafter.
Overall, definitely not your feel-good movie of the month, but if you like very dark films you may very well like this one. Raw language throughout, increasing violence, and one explicit sex scene.
Jim Gaffigan is excellent as Cam, a rideshare driver who has strong mental problems and is under severe financial stress. Robbie Jones is also superb as Mazz, a drug dealer who hires Cam's vehicle for the day. In one desperate moment, Cam decides to kidnap for ransom Mazz's young son, and things will take a terrible turn thereafter.
Overall, definitely not your feel-good movie of the month, but if you like very dark films you may very well like this one. Raw language throughout, increasing violence, and one explicit sex scene.
A "COLLATERAL" KNOCKOFF!
darqmachine2 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"SPOILER ALERT"
AMERICAN DREAMER/2018
Ladies and Gentlemen please don't even get popcorn. You're better off with a 12 pack of keystone light. To writers "Derrick Borte & Daniel Forte" for their none talented film "American Dreamer", you earn an "F" today for trying to produce a knockoff version of Micheal Mann's classic "Collateral". It was worse than Omar Epps & Nia Longs "Fatal Affairs".
Please explain....
1. What kidnapper would place a baby inside the trunk of a car with an open gas can who is demanding $20K from a drug dealer?
2. Before impact, how does the trunk of Jim Gaffigan's car open up before it even hits the cinder blocks but was closed before and after hitting Alejandro Hernadez's character?
I guess everyone wants to be famous.
AMERICAN DREAMER/2018
Ladies and Gentlemen please don't even get popcorn. You're better off with a 12 pack of keystone light. To writers "Derrick Borte & Daniel Forte" for their none talented film "American Dreamer", you earn an "F" today for trying to produce a knockoff version of Micheal Mann's classic "Collateral". It was worse than Omar Epps & Nia Longs "Fatal Affairs".
Please explain....
1. What kidnapper would place a baby inside the trunk of a car with an open gas can who is demanding $20K from a drug dealer?
2. Before impact, how does the trunk of Jim Gaffigan's car open up before it even hits the cinder blocks but was closed before and after hitting Alejandro Hernadez's character?
I guess everyone wants to be famous.
jim gaffigan WOWs in this film
avalaurenborte6 October 2019
Horrible
maxwellsmommy10 May 2021
Waste of time ....
RayProd8 January 2020
I can't believe the low ratings..
baykin28 September 2019
Baby on Board
nogodnomasters10 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Cam (Jim Gaffigan) is a HAIL (Uber/Lyft) driver who has trouble making ends meet. He has alimony and child support payments and has run out of options. He has been driving around a drug dealer (Robbie Jones) for two hundred dollars a night. He gets the idea to kidnap the dealer's child and ransom him. It does not go well.
I liked the acting. The film had a few good scenes and too many scenes that went nowhere. The plot wasn't great.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
I liked the acting. The film had a few good scenes and too many scenes that went nowhere. The plot wasn't great.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
Go see the film, great performances all around!
dsgerlach3 November 2018
No typa sense at all
imoh-1376022 February 2022
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Matter of fact if u watch this u will lose brain cells so dont waste ur brain cells for sucha non worthy thing.
Matter of fact if u watch this u will lose brain cells so dont waste ur brain cells for sucha non worthy thing.
Jim Gaffigan has more than I thought to Offer
msn_thompson14 January 2020
American Dreamer isnt a horrible movie, but it has major flaws. The only really interesting acting job here is being done here is by Jim Gaffigan. The other actors seem stilted. The movie is shot well and really sets a mood, unfortunately the acting done by most of the cast doesn't deliver the correct tone or mood that the scenes seem to demand. But I'd say give it a watch just to see an element of Jim Gaffigan you normally wouldn't see, and dare I say one I'd like to see more often.
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