"Without exception, the essays are accessible, insightful, and entertaining." – Booklist

Providing an indispensable resource for students and general readers, this book serves as an entry point for a conversation on America''s favorite pastime, focusing in on generational differences and the evolution of American identity. In an age marked by tension and division, Americans of all ages and backgrounds have turned to film to escape the pressures of everyday life. Yet, beyond escapism, popular cinema is both a mirror and microscope for our collective psyche. Examining the films that have made billions of dollars through a new lens reveals that popular culture is a vital source for understanding what it means to be an American.

Section 1: The Silent Generation and Baby Boomers

This section explores the films that defined the early generations, highlighting how American values were reflected and challenged through cinema.

Section 2: Generation X and Millennials

Focusing on the rise of blockbuster films like Jaws, Back to the Future, Avatar, and The Avengers, this section analyzes how these movies encapsulate the evolving American identity.

Section 3: Generation Z and Beyond

This part discusses contemporary films and the new themes emerging in American cinema today.

Each section presents detailed film analyses that showcase the consistency of certain American values throughout generations as well as the constant renegotiation of others. Ideal for any cinephile, The American Blockbuster demonstrates how complex and meaningful even the summer blockbuster can be.