American Son (2008)

100% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
42% of users liked it
(425 ratings)

A young man tries to tie up some loose ends before he goes to war in this independent drama from director Neil Abramson. Mike Holland (Nick Cannon) is nineteen years old and has just completed his basic training as a private in the United States Marine Corps. Mike has a four-day leave so he can… More A young man tries to tie up some loose ends before he goes to war in this independent drama from director Neil Abramson. Mike Holland (Nick Cannon) is nineteen years old and has just completed his basic training as a private in the United States Marine Corps. Mike has a four-day leave so he can visit his family for Thanksgiving, and then has orders for combat duty in Iraq. Mike wants to spend time with his family and friends before he ships out, but he doesn't want to tell anyone that he'll be stationed in Iraq. While taking the bus home to Bakersfield, California, Mike meets Cristina (Melonie Diaz), and it doesn't take long for him to realize he's infatuated with her. Mike makes a date to spend some time with Cristina, but he already has a busy schedule over the next four days. Mike catches up with his little sister (Erica Gluck), his doting mother (April Grace) and her taciturn new husband (Tom Sizemore), and sees his estranged father (Chi McBride) for the first time in years. Mike also hangs out with his best friend Jake (Matt O'Leary), but discovers he's begun taking a different path in life while Mike was in boot camp. And Mike happens to meet a disabled soldier back from Iraq (Jay Hernandez) who gives him an idea of what he can expect during his tour of duty. American Son was screened in competition at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Neil Abramson
Genres: Drama

On DVD: Aug 25, 2009

Critic Reviews

Duane Byrge, Hollywood Reporter
Stirringly told, American Son dramatizes a harsh social reality and tributes this nation's fighting force.
Justin Chang, Variety
This is conventional dramatic material played with an occasionally heavy hand, but sculpted with care and quiet assurance by helmer Neil Abramson.
David Thomas, Filmcritic.com
ends up being one of the strongest entries in the growing list of films about Iraq even though, ultimately, it probably doesn't belong on that list at all.
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
The sort of movie that folks who are addicted to a Tom Cruise-style action sequence every three minutes might dismiss as one in which "nothing happens."
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
Extras on the disc include a full-length commentary by writer/director Neil Abramson and producers Danielle Renfrew and Michael Roiff.
Ryan Cracknell, Movie Views
Several anti-war films have come along in the past couple of years calling out the war in Iraq. They've covered various conspiracies, big personalities and the front lines. But, perhaps, none have been as human as Neil Abramson's American Son.
Bill Gibron, PopMatters
American Son is one of the few modern takes on the material that never once apologizes for its warrior-in-waiting.
Jules Brenner, Cinema Signals
Meticulously crafted, low-budget, excellently performed character piece that resonates with integrity as it shows us one more example of what an American son looks like.
Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile
A powerful yet nuanced work
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Though well acted and occasionally poignant, this coming of age story of a black soldier on leave is too familiar and conventional to play in competition in a fest like Sundance.
Todd Gilchrist, IGN Movies
This soldier's story proves interesting but insubstantial.
Luke Y. Thompson, L.A. Weekly
It may be the first Iraq war-related movie that can equally appeal to both left and right
Eric D. Snider, EricDSnider.com
Blessed with a powerful, honest screenplay.