AMERICAN DREAM, THE

By
AndersonTroy
– June 26, 2012Posted in: A

 

THE PLOT THUS FAR

About to ship off to Afghanistan, newly-enlisted Marines and best friends Luis and Ronald are armed with dreams that extend beyond their block. Using a movie camera, they chronicle their precious days at home before shipping off. This compelling footage captures the loved ones of these young adults, who are about to embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. Powerful, hilarious, and moving, this film reveals, through the hopes of two men chasing their destiny, the unbreakable bonds of friendship and family that unite us all.

WHAT WE THOUGHT

Is it found footage? We follow around a group of friends that are about to stumble into the adult world. They use a consumer grade camera to document their changing lives, as they stand on the cusp of danger. If they flew, it would be “Chronicle”. Jamil Walker Smith directs, writers and acts in this look at two friends trying to have one last fling before shipping out.

While we’ve had tales of young men having one last grand hurrah before war before, this feels timely. The themes of patriotism aren’t forced, as this movie isn’t about how brave or macho you are. The film is about just trying to solidify the bonds that will keep you sane half a world away. I don’t quite get why they changed the film’s title, but it suits the almost July 4th release date. Just don’t walk into this flick expecting some Fox News claptrap.

The DVD comes with no special features. However, the A/V Quality rises up to meet demand. The Dolby Surround track works for what it is, but the transfer is slightly under par. It’s aesthetically right for being shot by a couple of guys, but it could’ve been a little more cleaned up. In the end, I’d recommend a rental.

RELEASE DATE: 07/03/2012

About AndersonTroy