As a manipulative contestant on an "American Idol"-inspired TV show in the new political comedy "American Dreamz," pop star-turned-actress Mandy Moore, 21, is more than in her element. Still, with its obvious swipes at President Bush and the Iraq War, Moore knows that "Dreamz" walks a fine line with mainstream audiences.

"I'm proud to be part of something like this," Moore says. "Whether it's something moral or not, I didn't find it particularly offensive. And it's a funny movie. We need a sense of humor in these cynical times."

"Dreamz" finds Moore playing Sally, a small-town girl who will do anything to win "American Dreamz," even if it means getting back together with her ex-boyfriend (Chris Klein) because it makes for good TV. Moore says she loves the real "Idol" and that current contestants Taylor Hicks and Elliott Yamin are her favorites. Whether the "Idol" producers will enjoy the skewing their show takes in "Dreamz" is a whole other issue.

Moore will also be seen later this year in Richard Kelly's mysterious "Southland Tales." The picture boasts an intriguing cast including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Justin Timberlake and Sarah Michelle Gellar lining up for the "Donnie Darko" helmer's latest effort. The Hitlist heard that most of the cast had no idea what the movie was about and therefore asked Moore to come clean on the controversy.

"I read the script twice, and I still don't know," she says bluntly. "I know who my character was and that's it. All I know is that it's about the end of the world and I play The Rock's wife. "

After she finishes shooting the dark comedy "Dedication" opposite Bill Pullman, Moore plans to take a break. After shooting three movies in a row (including the romantic comedy "Because I Said So"), she needs it. Moore also admits she'll probably act more than sing in the future but says, "That doesn't mean I'll abandon [music]."

How could she? Her fans won't let her.

"I have fans who are 18 and come up to me and say, 'I met you when I was 12,'" Moore says. "That's sort of embarrassing to be seeing pictures of me with blonde hair performing before an *NSYNC concert."

Give it 10 years, Mandy, and you'll cringe even more.

"American Dreamz" opens nationwide April 21.