'The American Dream'

About to ship out for Marine duty in Afghanistan, two close friends (Jamil Walker Smith, Malcolm Goodwin) decide to record their experiences during their last days home in this drama - originally titled "Make a Movie Like Spike" - which made the film-festival rounds in 2011.

The result is impactful not only for the young men, but also for the friends and relatives they'll be leaving behind. *** (Not rated: AS, P)

Buy 'The American Dream' on DVD.