Jim Gaffigan gets serious in ‘Dreamer’
Because stand-up comedians like Jim Gaffigan spend so much time getting laughs from their own flaws, they often have an affinity for tragic roles. Gaffigan brings plenty of gravitas to “American Dreamer,” a lowkey neo-noir that starts out as a character sketch about a broken man, and then takes an even darker turn.
Gaffigan plays Cam, a ride-share driver whose explosive temper cost him a high-paying job and his marriage. In desperate need of cash, he kidnaps the young son of a regular client: a dangerous drug lord named Mazz (Robbie Jones). Then Cam finds himself driving Mazz around the city, as the gangster tries to track down the kidnapper instead of paying the ransom.
The first half of “American Dreamer” is overwrought, as writer-director Derrick Borte and co-writer Daniel Forte pile misery on their protagonist. Once the plot kicks in, the movie develops a queasy intensity, with Cam making one headslapping blunder after another while trying to keep Mazz from learning the truth.
Throughout, Gaffigan is great, eschewing sentimentality as he taps into his frustration and rage — with no jokes in sight.
“American Dreamer.” Rated: R, for disturbing material, violence, some strong sexual content, pervasive language, and drug use. Running time: 1 hour, 32 minutes. Playing: Monica Film Center, Santa Monica; also on VOD. heroine’s paranoia, right up to the moment when she’s fighting for her life during a dangerous storm, perhaps risking her life unnecessarily.
But even with an old pro like Shaye behind the camera, “Ambition” is too slight. It’s well-made, but between the limited locations — mostly just two low-rent, college kid-appropriate houses — and the young cast, the movie lacks the grandeur to suit its story of a woman who makes every bit of personal drama bigger in her mind.
“Ambition.” Not rated. Running time: 1 hour, 27 minutes. Playing: Arena Cinelounge, Hollywood; also on VOD.