American Dreamz is the story of a reality TV show called 'American Dreamz'. Similar to 'Pop Idol' or the 'X factor', contestants bid for fame through music. Fronted by the arrogant, cocky Mark Tweed (Hugh Grant), the programme is America's favourite TV show, and is running for its third year. Tweed is determined to make this year the best ever, and calls upon some of America's wackiest talents. Among those is young, beautiful-but-simple Ohio girl, Sally (Mandy Moore). Sally is desperate to be a star and, trying to do the right thing for her career, dumps high-school sweetheart Billy (Chris Klein). But when her agent convinces her that he could be her ticket to winning the show she gets back with him and he is none the wiser. Another contestant is Omar (Sam Golzari); this young Arab is a former member of the Iraqi army visiting relatives. He is mistaken for his gay and hilarious cousin, and is roped into doing the show.

The subplot involves the President of the US, who has just won another four years in office. On the day after the election, President Joseph Staton (Dennis Quaid), refuses to get out of bed and mopes in his pjs all day. After working so hard on the election it appears the President is having a nervous breakdown. Failing to make any public appearances in three weeks, his assistant gets him a slot as a guest judge in the final of 'American Dreamz'. When Omar's former Iraqi colleagues discover this, they try and force the young and impressionable star to kill the President by wearing explosives. Will he do it? Will Billy find out that Sally is just using him? Will the President's mental health be revealed? I won't give anything away, but the ending is a bit odd and very unpredictable.

The film is a bright and colourful one, jam-packed with stars. Obviously attacking the reality TV genre as a whole, the film seems to target Kelly Clarkson, Simon Cowell, and the rest of the crew on 'American Idol'. Despite that, it is a slick and funny film. The film is a laugh-out-loud, elbow-your-friend type. It's not perfect, and sometimes a bit confusing, but otherwise good. Hugh Grant does the Simon Cowell impression brilliantly, but Mandy Moore really surprised me: She plays Sally perfectly, and looks to have a bright future ahead of her as a comedy actress. Director Paul Weitz described the film as 'what's wrong with America and how close it is to what's right with America'. It certainly has what's wrong with America down to a tee. Both Sally and Omar make it to the final round of 'Dreamz' - where the President will be judging along with Tweed - the stage is set for a show the nation will never forget.

Rated TBC (see IFCO website for details)
American Dreamz is released on 21st April 2006.
American Dreamz – Official website