Dinner in America Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A punk arsonist and a quirky girl bond over arson and love letters, becoming the most wholesome criminal couple in the Midwest.

🍿 Dinner in America: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Simon and Patty

The film opens with Simon, a punk rocker with a troubled past, participating in a drug trial for quick cash. Meanwhile, Patty is portrayed as a socially awkward young woman working at a pet store, constantly facing ridicule and feeling like an outcast. Their initial encounter is brief but sets the stage for an unlikely connection.

An Unlikely Alliance Forms

Simon finds himself on the run from the police after an incident involving arson. He encounters Patty again, and she provides him with an alibi. He insinuates himself into her family life, pretending to be a missionary to evade capture. This leads to humorous and awkward situations as Simon’s rebellious nature clashes with Patty’s conservative suburban environment.

Discovering John Q and Patty’s Talents

Patty is revealed to be a passionate admirer of the punk band Psyops, led by the masked John Q. She writes him letters expressing her feelings. Simon discovers these letters and realizes Patty’s hidden talent for writing. He later reveals to Patty that he is John Q, leading to a deeper connection between them.

Rebellion and Romance

As Simon and Patty spend more time together, they rebel against societal norms and defend each other against bullies. They embark on a series of misadventures, culminating in a romantic encounter. Simon helps Patty find her voice and stand up for herself, while Patty softens Simon’s rough edges.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Simon (Kyle Gallner): A punk rocker and arsonist on the run from the law who unexpectedly falls for an adoring fan.
• Beth (Hannah Marks): Simon’s sister, who has little screen time.
• Patty (Emily Skeggs): A socially awkward young woman who finds her voice and confidence through her connection with Simon.
• Betty (Lea Thompson): Patty’s mother.
• Kevin (Nico Greetham): Patty’s brother.
• Bill (Nick Chinlund): Patty’s father.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Simon: “That was tits.” – Simon’s simple, affirmative reaction after Patty plays basketball, illustrating his blunt approval.
• Patty: “Is tits good?” – Patty seeks clarification on Simon’s slang, revealing her naivete and awkwardness.
• Simon: “Never talk like that about yourself. You’re a total punk rocker.” – Simon defends Patty after she questions herself, affirming her identity and spirit.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $22,394
• Worldwide Gross: $22,394

💥 Dinner in America Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so “Dinner in America” totally caught me off guard! At first, I wasn’t sure if I could handle Simon’s intensity, but then Patty comes along, and their connection is just magical. I loved the arcade scene and when they made the song together! It’s messy and raw and real, and by the end, I was rooting for them so hard. Definitely one of the most unique movies I’ve seen in a long time – give it a chance!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers interested in dark comedies”
  • “People who appreciate punk rock culture”
  • “Those seeking unconventional romance narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Violence”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieFilmDaily: “”Dinner in America” is a surprising gem, blending dark humor with genuine heart. The performances are outstanding, especially Kyle Gallner as the volatile Simon and Emily Skeggs as the endearingly awkward Patty. It’s a punk rock love story that subverts expectations and delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience. Prepare for a wild ride through suburban angst and unexpected romance.
• CineMaven: “Adam Rehmeier crafts a unique and often uncomfortable portrait of misfits finding solace in each other. While the film occasionally veers into excessive vulgarity, the core relationship between Simon and Patty is surprisingly touching. “Dinner in America” is a must-see for those seeking an unconventional love story with a punk rock edge. The film’s raw energy and unapologetic honesty make it a memorable addition to the indie scene.

Audience Reactions

The awkward but heartwarming romance between Simon and Patty stole the show!: Viewers praised the film’s originality, quirky humor, and the genuine chemistry between the lead actors, making it a standout among indie films.

The soundtrack perfectly captured the punk rock vibe and emotional depth of the story.: Many highlighted the exceptional music selection as a crucial element in enhancing the film’s impact and creating a unique atmosphere.

Overall Consensus: “Dinner in America” is a darkly comedic and surprisingly heartwarming indie film praised for its originality, strong performances, and punk rock spirit.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The song “Watermelon” was written for the film as a collaboration between Emily Skeggs (Patty) and writer/director Adam Rehmeier.”
• “On their second day in Detroit, Rehmeier had Skeggs write stream-of-consciousness poetry as her character, and they created and recorded the song in a day.”

🖥️ How to Watch Dinner in America?

Currently, ‘Dinner in America’ is available for streaming on platforms like Tubi with ads. Rental and purchase options are available on demand through services like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as options can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dinner in America, you might like these similar films:

• Napoleon Dynamite (2004): Both films feature quirky, unconventional characters in a small-town setting, dealing with themes of awkwardness and finding acceptance.
• Hesher (2010): Features an anarchic, anti-establishment character who disrupts a conventional family, similar to Simon’s impact on Patty’s family.
• Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995): Deals with similar themes of teenage angst, social awkwardness, and the trials of being an outcast in suburban America.

🛒 Dinner in America Related Products

• Dinner in America [Blu-ray]: Own the cult classic on Blu-ray with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and director’s commentary. A must-have for any fan!
• Dinner in America: The Official Soundtrack [Vinyl]: A limited edition vinyl featuring the film’s standout tracks, including ‘Watermelon’. Experience the raw energy of Psyops on your turntable.
• “Fuxx-em–all” T-Shirt: Show your punk rock spirit with this Patty-inspired t-shirt. Available in various sizes and colors.
• Signed “Dinner in America” Movie Poster: A rare movie poster autographed by Kyle Gallner and Emily Skeggs, numbered and certified authentic.

🎧 Soundtrack

Dinner in America features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Watermelon” – performed by Emily Skeggs & Kyle Gallner
• “It’s Sad to Belong” – performed by Dan Seals (as England Dan) & John Ford Coley

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

JOE MORTON: “Dinner In America” (The “Whiteman is A Virus” Scene

Want to see the scene everyone’s talking about from “Dinner in America”? Joe Morton delivers a powerful performance in this clip; it’s definitely thought-provoking and a must-watch if you want to understand the film’s deeper themes.

This is What American has Done! | Joe Morton Dinner In America

Ever wondered about the deeper meaning behind that controversial scene in “Dinner In America”? This video breaks down Joe Morton’s monologue and connects it to broader social commentary. It’s a bit heavy, but super interesting!

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