Smith takes care not to make fun of his subject, even though the temptation must have been there.
Comment
08/04/03
American Movie (1999)
93
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:45
Fresh:42
Rotten:3
Average Rating:8.3/10
Runtime: 1 hr 47 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: Smith's film is a poignant commentary on what it takes to make an independent film. It also happens to be a genuinely hysterical, crowd-pleasing romp. Trying to get his masterpiece, NORTHWESTERN,... [More]
Director: Chris Smith
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Reviews for American Movie
Conveys the magic, the frustration, and the pressure of independent filmmaking.
03/13/02
The hook of the film is that it presents the ragtag Borchardt, a cantankerous, often disagreeable sort with the kind of freshness missing from most documentaries.
07/02/02
Despite Borchardt's scary self-conviction, I'm not sure we're so easily convinced he deserves to make movies--or be the star of this one.
06/09/04
A warm and funny tribute to the passion for film as well as the drive and determination of dreamers in general.
12/20/04
Despite some lulls in pacing, American Movie ends up an inspiring and very entertaining look at a true dreamer.
12/04/06
...even losers can have dreams.
08/29/02
With American Movie, director Chris Smith finds the heart of cinema in the unlikely environs of Milwaukee.
09/01/09
Like Ed Wood, this is the story of a man with debatable talent who is so artistically driven that his raw enthusiasm keeps him afloat when finances and ability conspire against him.
11/13/02
This hilarious, touching film is even more wonderful because it's real.
02/28/02
Documentary about a Wisconsin wanna-be filmmaker is funny, honest.
11/07/02
The comedy comes at the expense of Mark, his less than scintillating friends, and his dysfunctional family.
01/01/00
When a film feels this rooted and comfortable with itself, it's hard to assail its faults -- in this case, a steadfast refusal to handle its characters with anything other than heart-shaped kid gloves.
01/16/03
much more fun than the actual short film
05/19/08
American Movie shows what it is to be an artist obsessed with creating.
07/03/02
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10/07/02
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Top CriticLatest News for American Movie
August 07, 2008:
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One documentary from the US last year spoke to avid videogamers more than any other, and in the process told a brilliantly human story about good, evil and Donkey Kong. In this... More...
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