I gave it a 7.5 out of 10

Highly Overrated But Still Good

Excellent characters with emotional depth. My wife, daughter and granddaughter all enjoyed it...and me, too! Very good movie! You won't be disappointed.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

This film is delightful and worth watching if you never had the good fortune to see it. I'm actually surprised the overall rating isn't much higher because it's hard for me to think of anything I didn't like about the film.One of the things that made this movie stand out from other 80s flicks was the script, which was more original and well thought out than other films of its time. The other aspect of it that was successful was the cast. This film had some really top-notch actors doing what they do best while at the opt of their games.In terms of what it's closest to, I would say it's akin to Romancing the Stone. American Dreamer pairs romance and comedy in a way that's very appealing to a broad audience. The backdrop of the film also includes some gorgeous European locales. The humor is zany or vulgar like say a Zucker/Abrams/Zucker film, but part of it are incredibly funny. The movie was also fairly fast past. It moves very quickly across a broad arc with lots of little twists and turns along the way.Basically, if you haven't seen this film, you owe it to yourself to find a copy and watch it. If you've never had the good fortune of seeing Tim Conti in a leading role then you definitely should make time to see it as soon as possible.

When "American Dreamer" was released in theaters back in 1984, I was working as an usher in Atlanta, at one of the ones lucky enough to have it (it has now long since been replaced by a raft of "big box" stores.) I was a movie lover anyway, which is why I took the job, but this was one of those welcome times when being an usher was anything BUT boring.I have been a longtime JoBeth Williams fan since the POLTERGEIST movies, but this one has to contain one of her most charming performances. She portrays "average" hausfrau Cathy Palmer, with two engaging kids, a real wiener of a husband (James Staley, making suburban caddishness look a little too realistic), and virtually no time at all for herself...except for when she reads about the latest exploits of her favorite mystery novel heroine, "Rebecca Ryan." A budding writer as well (when and if she has time), her imagination is captured when a contest is announced involving her favorite books - write your own short story about Rebecca and win a trip to Paris! And what do you know...she does. Against the snide, sarcastic barbs of her stooge of a spouse, Cathy ends up enjoying her prize alone...and loving it! (Who wouldn't want to sip wine while gazing out at the Champs Elysee?) But the movie really takes off when an accident causes Cathy to have a slight concussion...and when she wakes, she's no longer just a fan of Rebecca Ryan's adventures. She IS her!!!The madcap mayhem that ensues as she embarks on "Rebecca's" latest mystery soon inadvertently involves the stately author of the novels, (Coral Browne, aka Mrs. Vincent Price), the author's charming and befuddled son, Alan (Tom Conti with his bumbling, beaming Brit persona turned up to "11"), and a high-profile politico, (Giancarlo Giannini), whose shady dealings will soon cause fantasy and real-life to blur for Cathy/Rebecca in a way that will turn Paris upside down!Yes, it's a charming trifle, made even more so by the solid performances of its leads. And it also has a wonderful score and a great '80's-style theme song underneath the end credits, so don't shut it off too soon!I think that DREAMER'S strong resemblance to the outstanding ROMANCING THE STONE hurt its chances of being a bigger box-office hit at the time, but if you love romantic adventures and screwball comedy, you shouldn't let anything deter you from enjoying the adventures of a real heroine...and her name is Palmer. Cathy Palmer. (HA! I bet you thought I was going to say "Rebecca"!)

A wonderful move that went without notice. I saw this movie on the "Thumbs up" from the (late)Gene Siskel & Roger Ebert. This movie was worth every second of my time as it will be yours. The two kid actors steal the show in the very beginning part of the move but Jo Beth Williams' true acting talent shines as one is drawn into and completely engrossed by her character. Tom Conti plays his part with comic straight-man perfection. The rest of the supporting cast were chosen and play their parts with true flair. A special note should be given to Jean Rougerie (who plays, Don Carlos). His role is enacted with just the right amount of worry. I showed this to a friend of mine and it instantly became her favorite film. Watch and enjoy.

Jobeth Williams: Sultry, sexy, mystifying, and quirky in this outstanding tale of madness and romance in the midst of chaos during a woman's trip to France. Williams was a Hollywood noise-maker when she was running from those pesky ghosts in "Poltergeist", but here, she's not running, she's chasing! Cathy Palmer, is a desperate housewife in her own, yearning for a life of adventure, and when she enters a contest for a murder/mystery sweep stake, she wins! Ignoring her chauvinistic husband, Cathy immediately flies to Paris to meet the author of the most famed mystery novels around, the Rebecca Ryan novels. An incidental blow on the head leaves her in a hospital, but once she wakes up...she IS Rebecca Ryan! Now, she is determined to uncover the scandals and mysteries of the undercover spies in Europe. Along for the ride, is the son of the Rebecca Ryan novels Alan McMann, whom Cathy believes is Rebeccas side-kick Demitri. Together, they will take on murder, madness, and some funny conquests that will leaving your stomach aching for more! Williams is so passionate, and enduring as Cathy Palmer, and she really makes us believe that she is trapped in two worlds, and loving it! Tom Conti doesn't get any better, as his vulnerability to nonsense turns to a romantic interest for the bewildered Palmer. Trouble is around any door, and mystery lurks in the shadows of Paris! Director Rosenthal also directed "Halloween II". A fun, and delightful treat for young, and older audiences alike! "American Dreamer" is a joyous adventure with witty dialogue and quick development that will only impress with every viewing! 10/10