Rating: 
Summary: Sam Raimi's life, but funny
Review: This is one of the most genuine movies I have ever seen, much more believable than many straight documentaries. It makes fun of all its characters, but does so lovingly and gently, all the while exposing more of their stories. None of the characters, even the throwaways, are one-dimensional in this movie. But this is a movie for film lovers only - most people will lose their patience as the movie continues to defy categorization. About its being real - like a lot of the reviewers, I wasn't 100% sure for a while, until I realised how similar the story is to Sam Raimi's life. Tiny Midwestern town, East European mother, making shoestring-budget zombie movies to finance bigger zombie movies, working with his best friend as an actor - all Sam Raimi. "Northwestern" even seems to bear a thematic resemblance to Raimi's "A Simple Plan".
Rating: 
Summary: Great movie, KILLER DVD.
Review: Since the passing of Uncle Bill, Mark Borchardt is the greatest man alive. The deleted scenes are worth whatever you pay for the disc...I have to admire the restraint shown by the filmmakers; watching the outtakes made me realize that if I had had final cut this movie would have been four hours long. And "Coven" may surprise you after seeing what (and who) Mark had to work with. Please give him all your money so he can finally make "Northwestern". Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: It's the real life "Bottle Rocket"... or is it?
Review: "American Movie" is about the people we see and dismiss every day. The convenience store clerk, the guy emptying the trash cans at the mall, the cemetary grounds keeper... it takes one of these people we barely acknowledge and just sort of feel bad for, and shows us that they can be far more interesting and have grander dreams than any movie character or celebrity.Honest to God, I don't know if this is a real documentary or a fictional "mockumentary", and looking at other reviews, I don't know if anyone else does. Ultimately it doesn't matter; this is a very touching, very funny, and occasionally very depressing film. What it reminds me of is Wes Anderson's "Bottle Rocket", in that it's very dry and unassuming, yet still manages to say something very profound about the human condition. If there was any question that the wacky characters in "Bottle Rocket" were so striking because really they were incredibly real, then this movie (if it is indeed a documentary) removes all doubt. In a perfect world, someone as intelligent and creative and determined as our hero Mike would be destined for the success he so desperately wants and deserves, yet the movie draws it's sadness from the fact that we know that the real world just isn't a movie. The movie ends with Mike's premier of "Coven", so it's hard to say whether or not he's going to make it, but you're certainly left hoping he does. "American Movie" is terribly unique and very hard to pin down. It's not for everyone - I'm not even sure it's for me - but it's such a multi-faceted film, I can't imagine anyone not getting SOMETHING out of it. Oh, and it's very funny.
Rating: 
Summary: American Movie DVD
Review: This piece of "poor taste & judgement" (insert your word here) isn't worth the plastic it was burned on. I just can't believe it was critically acclaimed. It makes me ashamed to be from Waukesha County WI.
Rating:
Summary: A treat
Review: Lots of fun, although guilt will start to overwhelm your conscious as you continually laugh at these painfully sincere guys. And as for the "questionable" route Mark chooses to take to make it big.... I can think of two recent filmmakers who have done alright for themselves after making a low budget horror flick. Does The Blair Witch Project ring a bell?
Rating:
Summary: Borchardts of Darkness
Review: Now I finally know what ADR means! Mark Borchardt's dream is to make his epic, "Northwestern," a tale of Wisconsin ennui. Unfortunately script development is stumbling, and finances are non-existant. "American Movie: The Making of Northwestern" quickly changes gears, as Mark decides to finish up his long running short-subject horror flick, "Coven," yes, pronounced like "Woven." "Coven" has been in the works for several years, and Mark figures that if he can sell a few thousand copies "direct market" (i.e., directly to the consumer), than he'll be able to pull in about $45,000, which should be enough to restart the "Northwestern" project. Enlisting his extremely reluctant uncle to finance the post-production on "Coven," Mark has to deal with crises -- family, finance, friend, and film-related. His film crew includes his best friend, another friend with legal problems, his girlfriend, and his three kids. Mark's intensity, drive and personal ethics propel the documentary. His morale ebbs and flows, and it seems that "Coven" will never be finished, or it'll be done the next day. Unfortunately, this herky-jerky feeling weighs against the documentary, and the rhythm sometimes hurts our ability to connect with some of the characters.
Rating:
Summary: Funny, touching, brilliant
Review: This documentary about a small town movie-mogul wannabe is simultaneously hilarious and touching. You are witness to the struggle of a 30 year old paperboy living with his parents who's dreams of becoming a movie maker are constantly dashed by both his lack of funds as well as his own fear of failing and thus, completing his film. You are witness to a genuine, multi-faceted individual who is at times caring, other times self focused and selfish who drags his willing friends, neighbors and family along for the ride to stardom - all of whom are inspired by his vision of greatness. The second star of this film is Mark's Borchardt's longtime friend Mike Shank who's near-fatal LSD overdose years before has rendered him a warm, friendly albeit sometimes light-headed sidekick to his angst-driven friend. Mark's love for his boyhood friend is apparent in Mark's affectionate smile that greets many of Mike's simple and spacey reflections. This movie was a great surprise that I have since fervently recommended to many of my friends. A true slice of the American Dream served up on cold, hard platter in the blue collar suburb of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Rating:
Summary: Smart, Funny and Sweet
Review: I loved this movie. Mark Scharbo is a sweet, driven guy with a mission. Its great to see his circle of friends and family in action around him helping him to realize his dream. Mike Schank(sic?) steals the show as the lovable burnout. Mark's friends and aspirations may remind you of some of your own. Buy this movie!
Rating:
Summary: American Classic
Review: I really enjoyed this feature, which is the result of a 2 year project to film the efforts of Mark Borchardt and his merry band of Wisconsin thespians, friends and family; virtually all of which are unique and genuine characters. There are many hilarious scenes throughout, as Mr. Borschardt experiences bankruptcy, lack of resources, doubtful parents, stingy uncles, anxiety and other obstacles but he keeps you rooting for him all the way. His drive, enthusiasm and ability to keep doing everything it takes to achieve the completion of his movie, "COVEN" and to sell his "units" is a unique representation of what the American Dream actually means. This is a well made feature and is a must see.
Rating:
Summary: you'll laugh, you'll cry...
Review: very funny but also heartbreaking; it makes you really wonder how some people can spend millions of dollars on really bad movies when people are trying their darnedest to make little films on meager budgets. you'll walk away from this expeience a better person!
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