American Movie
User Score
7.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22

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  1. MichaelK.
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    I would never want to share a drink or conversation with those giving this movie a "0" or "4." This film truly is hilarious and sad. Those that appreciate it might want to look at Crumb and Adaptation as well.
  2. JosieP.
    Feb 11, 2001
    9
    An incredibly hillarious and heartwarming movie. I love Uncle Bill!!
  3. YoonC.
    Sep 13, 2003
    5
    I readily sympathize with any passionate independent filmmaker but the subject of this documentary is an insipid, almost obnoxious young man who wants to make 3rd rate gore flicks. The only way you can appreciate any of this is thru condescension, by pretending that the hero is possessed of something like a primitive artistic spirit. I don't think so. The kid needs to grow up, read some books, watch better movies and realize that using the F word promiscuously doesn't make him a man, a free spirit, a rebel, let alone an auteur. … Expand
  4. BonnieE.
    Jun 15, 2004
    0
    I'm sure there are many GOOD God-fearing American people who have started out trying to make a movie with the same or worse obstacles than this guy has ever done. I got this movie not knowing the contents, thinking it was about a decent American vision. God forbid anyone thinks Americans are anything like the character(s) of these portrayed-vulgar, low-life, disrepectful to parents and family, even using his poor old uncle for his personal gain. Also showing drugs, alcohol, profanity, selfishness, rebellion, and trying to destroy the true family image which is vital for human survival. May God help him and all involved in this disgraceful way he has way he has sought to obtain his HYPOCRITACAL so-called American dream. (Not to mention how poorly it was done). … Expand
  5. MilwaukeeJoe1
    Sep 20, 2005
    10
    Hilarious and tragic. More funny than any hollywood fabrication. Tender at times and crass at others. I love that the Super Bowl bound Packers provided a subplot to this classic. Pabst became cool here. or was it blue velvet?
  6. RyanM.
    May 28, 2001
    10
    A great and heartwarming documentary. Shot in 8mm film "American Movie" is a jolly great show. One of my favorites.
  7. NedD.
    Sep 14, 2001
    4
    Thoroughly dissapointing. The people in this movie may be energetic and forthright, but to me there wasn't anyone I liked or cared out. If I want to see an expose of talent-free cretins I can just tour the city I live in. Are these people likable? Not really. Are they unbelievable stupid? Most definitely. Did I like the movie? Not really.
  8. AdamS.
    Aug 28, 2005
    2
    Made me feel sick inside. Extremely depressing.
  9. staubin
    Oct 21, 2011
    10
    It's clear to me in reading the negative reviews that those people really missed the point of what this whole film was about. To this day, this movie remains one of my favorite documentaries of all time. The more you watch it, the more you realize that there is a little Mark Borschardt in all of us, a wild-eyed dreamer. While the realities of his life are stark and his relationships with his family and children seem dysfunctional, he is an entertaining figure with idealism that is larger than life.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Michael Atkinson
    80
    Brilliant, mind-boggling.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    88
    Of all the many documentaries that take you along on a movie shoot, one of my all-time favorites is this delightfully scrappy, sometimes poignant, often hilarious show.
  3. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    63
    Frequently hilarious, if overlong.
See all critic reviews »