Paul Weitz’s America interestingly resembles the America we know today: a not-so-bright President, a megalomaniac TV host, a pop culture craze that sweeps through the land, and terrorists. The result is a hodgepodge of good-natured ribbings.
Martin Tweed (Grant) is the producer and host of America’s number one show, American Dreamz (with a Z). He’s not satisfied with simply being at the top; he wants the show to be on top forever. He is constantly looking for contestants – freaks, as he puts it – with stories that would tug at the hearts of audience members. Meanwhile, President Staton (Quaid) has an identity crisis after winning the reelection. He refuses to make any public appearances and the people are speculating that he’s gone bonkers. His Chief of Staff (Defoe) coerces him to become the celebrity judge on American Dreamz as a public relations stunt.
Tweed finds his contestants in a number of wannabes including Sally Kendoo (Moore), a “white trash” girl from a small town in Ohio whose devoted boyfriend, William Williams (Klein) is a decorated veteran. Sally would do anything to win. Then there is Omer (Golzari), an Iraqi immigrant who is secretly part of a terrorist cell. His mission is to infiltrate American Dreamz and assassinate the President through a suicide bombing. In truth, while Omer wants to avenge his mother’s death, he’s confused. He really just wants to be a singer, and American Dreamz is truly a dream come true.
The huge cast seems to have a great time making this movie. Grant (Bridget Jones) once again plays a charming sleazebag to perfection. His ruthless, narcissistic Tweed is like a train wreck — you simply can’t take your eyes off of him. Quaid (Yours, Mine and Ours) has a great time playing the befuddled, confused, and good-natured President. I think he’s found a new niche. Moore (Saved!) plays a sweet-looking country girl with ambition and callousness to spare. She is the exact mirror image of Grant’s Tweed, and they play off each other very well. Relative newcomer Golzari (The Break) brings us a breakout performance as the loveable Omer who just wants to sing. He’s good.
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