Movie Reviews

Movie Review: Tom Berenger Leads A Star-Studded Boomer Cast On An “American Dresser”

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When a recent widower consumed with regret seeks absolution in riding his motorcycle cross-country to confront the mistakes of his past, he unexpectedly discovers that life is about moving forward, one mile at a time.

“American Dresser” assembles an assortment of nearly forgotten actors that include Tom Berenger himself and Keith David, but also Penelope Ann Miller, Gina Gershon, Jeff Fahey, and Bruce Dern. Back in the day, most of this group could open a picture. Although times may have changed, it’s still good to see this ensemble in action.

While the film’s title will no doubt register with motorcycle aficionados, I had to look up the meaning of “Dresser,” which as it turns out is a touring motorcycle. Other nicknames for this class of bike include bagger, full bagger, full dress tourer or full dresser.

Berenger plays John Moore, a recently widowed father of two. Gina Gershon, who appears only in flashbacks, is John’s deceased wife, Sandra. Both John and Sandra harbored secrets revealed after Sandra’s premature death.

In the aftermath of Sandra’s departure, John has transformed into a feckless drunk. Elle McLemore is sympathetic as John’s younger daughter, who still needs her father – if he can manage to come back from the dark place into which he has submerged himself.

As with other such films, “American Dresser” renders a metaphor for finding oneself in the form of an existential journey. As John shakes the dust off his vintage Harley-Davidson, the road trip aspect of the story becomes immediately apparent. We watch in anticipation as the crusty old-timer rumbles out of the garage on his iron steed, with a palpable sense of purpose, at the outset of a voyage of discovery.

Keith David is a solid addition as Charlie, the trusted sidekick on this highway adventure. Charlie is John’s oldest friend dating back to their Vietnam days. With hints of “Platoon,” the two men share an unspoken experience from the jungles that has bonded them for life.

Writer/director Carmine Cangialosi also has a significant role in the film as Willie, a hunky sidekick who tags along with the older men. Willie is something of an enigma, who may not be entirely forthcoming about his own past. Becky O’Donohue does a nice turn as Summer, a stunt biker who has a thing for Willie.

There are hints of “Easy Rider” throughout this film. The panoramic scenes across the great expanse of America include a stretch through the always welcome and iconic Monument Valley. The bikers tour the West Coast, culminating their journey in the scenic Pacific Northwest – all of which ring familiar. An obligatory run-in with a redneck sheriff played stereotypically by Jeff Fahey also seems appropriate.

“American Dresser” boasts a fine cast and suggests the potential for greatness. Unfortunately, the film never measures up to expectations. In the end, the caricatures and clichés too often get in the way of conveying what should be a moving tale of regret and redemption.

In select theaters, On Demand & Digital Friday, September 21st

 

 

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Thomas Tunstall

Thomas Tunstall, Ph.D. is the senior research director at the Institute for Economic Development at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is the principal investigator for numerous economic and community development studies and has published extensively. Dr. Tunstall recently completed a novel entitled "The Entropy Model" (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982920610/?coliid=I1WZ7N8N3CO77R&colid=3VCPCHTITCQDJ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it). He holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy, and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas, as well as a B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin.