Hugh Grant is the host and judge of an American singing talent contest called "American Dreamz". The British host is known for his mean and honest responses to his contestants. Faced with a new season he sends out his minions to recruit the next round of wannabes from accross the nation. Convinced that the show needed more ethnicity he charges them to find jewish and arabic contestants as well as the usual applicants.

Following his re-election the American president realises what a puppet he has been in believing everything his aides tell him. He decides (rather unconventionally) to do some research of his own leading some to speculate that he'd had a nervous breakdown. To save face his aides convince him to guest judge a tv talent contest.

Meanwhile, in a terrorist camp somewhere in Iraq, the would be terrorists are filming their training session to later release to the West. One of their number, a young man obsessed with American musicals, is far too clumsy to make a suicide bomber and so is sent to America to get him out of their hairs.

The first contestant to recieve her confirmation is not as nice as first she would appear. She dumps her niave yet sincere boyfriend to pursue her career. He decides to join the armed forces and a few weeks ends up back in town having being shot. Under her agent's instruction she gets back with him because having a wounded war veteran with them looks good.

This film is funny for the most part though often slow and shallow in its storyline. Its good to see a film taking the mick out of "American Idol" type shows. Its similar to Drop Dead Gorgeous in its style of humour and very topical in terms of content. Not bad at all.

see also:
Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, Bruce Almighty, Dinner for Shmucks, Land of the Lost

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