Potato Dreams of America

By no means I am a critic of any kind, but Potato Dreams of America made me jump out of my seat.

It is entertaining and unique - maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but I loved it.

I wept and laughed, and thought that mother is a saint and that boy... oh, boy!

If I laugh or cry this much while watching a movie, it is a great one.

Beautiful people, great acting. I thought the directing was awesome, too.

Wes Hurley, if you are reading this, hug your mum for me. I would not dare to offer one to you, too, but you deserve it nonetheless.

Thank you for telling your story in such a fun way.

Jesus Christ! They are handsome.

PS: I don't like tea.

This movie feels like what would happen if Wes Anderson were forced at gunpoint to make the worst movie possible about a gay kid in the Soviet Union. The movie attempts to be "deep" by invoking surrealist imagery, but it comes off as just being oafish, stilted, and unintentionally comical. Surprisingly, the cast has some well-recognized faces - but they're too weighed down by this heavy handed script to become their own organic characters. Instead, they're just frozen in place as superficial, one-dimensional fixtures decorating the background of this egotistical dollhouse posing as a feature film...it was nice seeing Rickety Cricket in a movie though!

In Perestroika-era Vladivostok, a divorced liberal woman lives with her (closeted) gay son. Fascination with American movies leads her to become a mail-order bride, "potato" in tow. While trying to fit in, they find that America is full of surprises.

As an autobiographical-based movie, it seems to have a realistic contrast between Russian and American societies. The fantasy-dance sequences are amusing. However, since the entire movie is in English, it underplays the language difficulties that is one main theme of the immigrant experience.

I enjoyed this movie from beginning till the end. It was like an emotional rollercoaster, at times hilarious, but also very touching and emotional. The fact that this is all inspired by true events makes it even greater. I am so glad I got to see this movie!

A must-see laugh and cry autobiographical journey filled with stellar performances, gorgeous production and the perfect blend of heart and humor.