Rating: Summary: Great work Review: There are many people who criticize this movie, but it's not afraid to tell it like it really is. This movie pains a lot of individuals cause of the subject matter it deals with, and many would like to turn a blind eye to it. Well, time to open your eyes, America. Though, for some reason, even though Moore makes stirring films, it's a shame that it basically has changed nothing. The public at large has already been brainwashed, and most forget once they leave the theater or turn off the telly that there is a world of hurt out there, and Moore is trying to turn a mirror on OUR society and say, here's the problem. I hate to make analogies, but this film reminds me of that commercial where the fella is talking about quitting gambling, and the camera pulls back to reveal that it's him talking to himself in the mirror. America, for the most part, loves to watch violence, myself certainly not being excluded, yet we do nothing to stop it, for the most part. When we hear about it, we say what a shame, yet on the outside our actions don't reflect how most of us really feel deep down inside. It's a conflict of interest to most. Most would prefer to lock their doors and shut out the world, and Mr. Moore hits the nail right on the head with that one. Most don't realize the world of hurt until it comes crashing down into their own worlds. Violence and tragedy affect everyone, everywhere. There's not much we can do, but we can change how we deal with one another, and that's a step. Okay, so the DVD offers some great extras including Moore relating how he felt the night he gave his "infamous?" Oscar speech. An intelligent, thought provoking film for EVERYONE, and whether you want to accept that or not remains to be seen.
Rating: Summary: Great Film, But Lacks Focus Review: When I bought this DVD, I didn't know what to expect. I almost felt like an anarchist simply for owning it, but in a good way. When I saw the film, I was blown away by how much of the American culture it covered; not just guns, but just about everything. It made connections in a strange, artistic, almost insane but somehow ingenious way. And, yet, I couldn't help but think: What does all this stuff have to do with the premise? IS there a premise, or does the film just take the viewer for a roller-coaster ride through time and space, shown through its more liberal perspective? As a film, it's a powerfully rewarding experience, and the ending is one I will never forget. I can see why it won the acclaim it did. But, "Roger & Me" was at least more focused on its message than this one was. In "Bowling for Columbine", however, I don't think Roger Moore could pick a message and stick to it. However, if you want to see the country through the eyes of Roger Moore, this is the film to get. Even if you booed his Oscar speech, this movie is a wild ride.
Rating: Summary: So well thought out!!!! Review: Living in Michigan myself, i know exactlly where Moore is coming from. There are gun posters all over this state. He tackles the issue of gun control very well using humor at times, with out stepping on too many toes as he has done in his Awful Truth series. Once again, Moore has opened our eyes to some problems occuring in in the US, allowing us to think about ways in which we can change.
Rating: Summary: Viewable and interesting, but not a documentary film Review: I like Michael's style and his ability to spin a good yarn. He keeps the viewer interested throughout. The only problem I have with 'Bowling for Columbine' is that it is not a documentary film. It is a fictionalized account of events which didn't occur, held together by the thread of wishful magical thinking they might have somehow been related to sad events which did occur. As propagandist Michael is superb. He builds his story to its inevitable climax with skill and fortitude. If the Acadamy had thought to honor it in its proper category it might easily have taken its place among propaganda classics such as 1934's "Triumph of the Will" or 1968's "Our March". But billing it as a documentary film is like calling cigarette smoking a weight loss plan...a cruel joke.
Rating: Summary: Well done. Well done. Review: This review is not to tell the viewer whether or not gun control is right. I am not here to tell you my opinions on the issue this country has been debating for. All I am here to tell you, is that you should take the time to watch this movie. Bowling for Columbine strikes the hearts of its audience. Michael Moore goes out of his way to truly research and create a wonderful documentary on the history of violence and the impact it has on America, mostly by way of guns. Michael Moore interviews various people, Charlton Heston, two survivors from the Columbine high school shooting, a few Canadians and Canadian authorities, and one of the creators of South Park. Moore doesnt truly take a side until the end, he is mostly trying to help the viewer take a side. Not by pushing the viewer, but by asking questions, letting the audience form their own answers. That is what a documentary is all about. Delivering the facts to the audience. With such an emotional topic, Michael Moore does a splendid job with this. The documentary shows how some people are off camera, when you expect human compassion and instead get the human that cares for greed. Michael Moore has been called anti-american, because of this documentary. What is more unamerican? Trying to understand why the death toll in America is over 11,000 by guns, and in other countries even below 300, or letting people kill each other without saying anything at all? There once was a boy in a story who came home to his father. He said that another student had been picked on that day, and he said nothing, he didnt laugh. His father asked him: "did you tell the other boys to stop?". He was puzzled. "No," he said, "but I didnt laugh either." The father looked at his son and said, "by not saying anything at all you were agreeing with the boys who were tormenting the student. Even if you didnt laugh." Michael Moore is speaking out, and getting the information to the audience. He is not laughing. Yet he is not silent either. Watch Bowling for Columbine. It is a wonderful documentary that every human should watch.
Rating: Summary: Entertaining, however info is extremely questionable Review: I know I'm gonna get dinged for berating this, but please hear me out. I saw this movie with an open mind and afterwards, I did my research and found too many inconsistancies and falicies in Moore's movie Bowling for Columbine. First off, he doesn't cite any sources what so ever during the movie, in the credits, or anywhere else for that matter. And in documentaries, you cite sources otherwise your "facts" and "anecdotes" are just another story. Seccond, I was not impressed with how pushy he was. He came off as a jerk by pressing a mic right in front of Dick Clark's face without an appointment and expected an interview where and when he wanted knowing Clark would have to decline and would be in a hurry. He also placed [a store] in a PR nightmare and exploiting the survivors of the shooting at Columbine to further his own agenda. I think that is cold hearted and he does it on film! Such [manipulation] and exploitation only made me more sick to my stomache, knowing Moore can go up to anyone, point a mic in front of their face and either make them do what he wants, or face the PR consequences. Third is his questionable "facts." ... This makes me take off a star because a documentary should have irrefutable facts, or claim them as theory, and since Moore did not state them as theory and his facts have inconsistancies so I'm very skeptical about his work. However there were some entertaining parts, like his humor. I laughed a few times but it wasn't enough to make me like it. All in all this movie is too questionable to be considered a work of art.
Rating: Summary: Superb! Review: This is one of THE best made documentaries I've seen and I've seen plenty! I must say before the film I was "on the fence" when it came to the subject of gun control. I could see that both sides made valid points. However, after watching this film, I am in total support of gun control. Wow! You know you have watched an amazing film when it is able to affect the way you think, especially on such a divisive issue as this. Michael Moore deserved the Oscar! What an incredible film! Bravo!!!
Rating: Summary: Complete Fiction- Not a documentary Review: Let's face it. Michael Moore movies are nothing more than his OPINION! Let's not forget that Columbine was a well funded schoool, with well off parents. Instead of blaming firearms and their owners, perhaps we should blame the parents who fail to supervise their children and teach them right from wrong, and the media, who glorify these acts of mass murder, and give these (jerks) their fifteen minutes of fame. Maybe I'll make a movie...."Bowling for idot peolpe who take no accountability for their actions, and blame everyone else for their failures of adulthood!"
Rating: Summary: Watch this movie Review: Don't listen to the war mongering, Bill O'Reilly watching, racist, greedy, white conservative trash who's only reason to write a review is to downplay the importance of this film and the emerging power of Mike Moore to reach average Americans with the truth. I can't wait till Election 2004 when all the scum mentioned above are forced back under the dirty rock in which they came with the departure of their thieving chief. Democrats Listen !! Wesley Clark is our best chance to bid rid of our current lying (When Clinton lied no one died.) , thieving, puppet of a President. ( I mean George Bush - Crack free since the 80's ) http://www.clark04.com/ visit and get active.
Rating: Summary: Somewhat Truthful But Also Some Hipe & Half Truths Review: I did not agree with alot of Moore's ideas in this film and I have to find a little bit a fault with someone who uses obviously mentaly questionable people to get his point across. Not to mention his gurrila tactics for getting attention for his cause. Everyone should be alowed to have their cause to champion but I have a real problem with people who insist that it should be your cause too. No one should be forced to subscribe to any one elses "this is the way the world should work" ideas.I also believe that were some very definite half truths in this film. Not lies exactly but not really accurate either. Sometimes I wonder if his alienating tatics aren't doing more harm for the causes he champions than good. For example if someone who was a little less.....obnoxious had approced Dick Clark with the questions Michael had that they might have gotten a better response.
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