Customer Reviews

American Dreamer

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cathy Palmer's husband Kevin Palmer (James Staley) is the same type as the husband in "Shirley Valentine" (1989) and "Enchanted April" (1992). You know the kind. Not so much atrophied as just preoccupied with their business and own life that wives like Cathy (JoBeth Williams) become an after thought. However, as her husband says, "The important thing kid is that you are doing something that you like to do" as he nonchalantly brushes her off on his way out the door.
Naturally, Cathy's head is full of Rebecca Ryan novels and after winning a Rebecca Ryan writing contest she adds language skills needed for her trip to Europe.
This is where the story begins and I stop. I would like to describe more however, let us say that Cathy mysteriously disappears in Europe and Rebecca Ryan suddenly appears with Dimitri to fulfill her mission to save The Count.
Move over 007 here come Rebecca Ryan and she always gets her person.

This a charming film. JoBeth Williams and Tom Conti play their roles to perfection. You learn enough about both the lead characters to care about the outcome of their multiple misadventures. It is a romp, yet has its bitterseet moments -- a truly engaging romantic comedy.

This little film was largely overlooked during thearical release. I saw one 'preview of coming attractions', kept my eyes open, and even so missed its brief theatrical release.
Several years later I rented the VHS. It started out slowly, and my husband drifted off to do something else. However, soon my giggles and guffaws drew him back, as the story picked up once the heroine arrives in Paris. After a minor accident she awakens believing she is the heroine of her favorite romantic suspense novels -- a female version of James Bond or Jason Bourne. She hooks up with the son of the books' author, and poor hapless Tom Conti finds himself enmeshed in her fantasy - which seemingly becomes reality. So many wonderful, hilarious moments!
Giancarlo Giannini, seen as Mathis in the two most recent Bond films, plays a comedic foil to Jobeth Williams' adventure. He also appears in another gem of a film with Tom Conti -- Saving Grace -- which I am STILL waiting for on DVD.
We bought the video of American Dreamer, and kept searching for a DVD release. It FINALLY became available in this edition, and we ordered it immediately.

While it didn't win any Oscars, this movie is a great little story. It is just fun to think about stepping into one of your favorite mysteries and taking over the protagonist's life. While the story is improbable...it isn't anymore so than the genre of books it references. If you read light mysteries, you'll like this movie.

The actual video was as expected, but the I love the 80's edition just included a CD with a few 80s songs...not something I'd pay extra for, but the price was the same as the edition without, so its a small bonus.

This film is an older film, but it is so good. It is for all those women out there that need an escape from their ordinary lives. Fun, fun!

Hilarious Movie!! Not well known but you will laugh until your sides ache!!! I have watched this movie at least once or twice a year since I found it years ago. My VHS finally died and could not find it in DVD anywhere was so upset. Thanks Amazon for having it. I have showed this movie with all sorts of friends and everyone loves it!!!

I have always LOVED this movie but getting it with all the extras was a great bonus. This is a classic 80's movie with action, adventure, and romance.

This is a fun movie to watch. I saw this movie years ago on TV and never knowing the name of it started my search to find it. The acting is great and the story line superb. This movie seems way before it's time. You wouldn't really know it was made in 1984. I shared it with my 27 year old daughter and she also loved it. You never get bored in any part and you won't know what is going to happen next.

In AMERICAN DREAMER, housewife Cathy Palmer (Williams) wins a trip to Paris by ghostwriting a "Rebecca Ryan" espionage novel. While overseas, she's robbed and then struck by a car. The resulting amnesia leaves her believing she IS this fictional secret agent. Cathy, who'd flown to Paris to meet the author of the Ryan books, battles and defeats (as Ryan) an actual spy (Giannini) with help from the writer's son (Conti). She eventually regains her memory.

Also recommended:
JoBeth Williams co-stars with Billy Crystal and Alan King in MEMORIES OF ME (1988).


Parenthetical number preceding title is a 1 to 10 viewer poll rating found at a film resource website.

(6.4) American Dreamer (1984) - JoBeth Williams/Tom Conti/Giancarlo Giannini/Coral Browne/James Staley