Rating: 
Summary: One of the best films of the year.
Review: Michael Moore's documentary on American gun culture, in all its facets, aims at a lot of big targets, misses some of them but fires rightly at most of them. Throughout the film, it poses question after question to the audience, yet it never steps wrongly enough to say that there's one answer to all the problems involving guns and gun violence in the nation. More than a bit biased and wicked, of course, Moore creates a film that is pretty much hysterical, yet it challenges its audience to ask when, how and why the United States is alone in its problems with guns.
Rating: 
Summary: Mixed opinion
Review: This documentary, compiled by a nerd-ish yet (controversially) brilliant gentleman named Michael Moore II, has its share of pros and cons, both of which shall be addressed in the this review. The cons: few, but powerful. First, the five minute "American History" animated blur, though highly entertaining and well written, is nothing more than a barrage of wildly misinformed and over-exaggerated stabs at western culture. Offending me is a feat that precious few people are capable of, but the fact that many people who have seen this film actually take this trite as fact is, to me, repugnant. I won't go into any further details, what with the 1,000 word limit and all. Second, I'll jump on the con bandwagon and say that Moore's interview with Charlton Heston was cruel and pointless. How old is the poor guy? Seventy-something? He has alzheimers too, which I'm sure Moore was aware of. Despicable. The third a con is more of a set of mildly annoying items thereof, such as the exchange between Moore and Heston towards the end of the film, in which ol' C.H. is beckoned to look at a picture of a young girl he supposedly helped to dispose of by supporting the NRA (the exchange keeps switching between two angles which would be impossible to execute without the cameramen seeing each other). Obviously fake. Other little things as well, such as Moore discussing how there's plenty of racial diversity in Canada (in an attempt to disprove that gun violence in America is caused by blacks) as he walks through different Canadian cities and stops for a brief interview with a black man FROM DETROIT. Way to prove your point, Mikey. The pros: this film is hilarious. Plain and simple. The "funny" boasted in this film is neither of the "ha-ha" nor the "ho-ho" ilk, but rather of a rare, awkward, almost uncomfortable kind not found in many films. Moore's interviews are mastefully conducted, filmed, etc. Marilyn Manson's interview in particular is (suprisingly) very insightful. He's got a lot of brilliant ideas and he's not afraid to shove them in the face of his opponents. Overall, because the funny parts slightly outweigh the stupid, annoying, and otherwise outright WRONG parts (and because there's no two-and-a-half star rating) I will recommend this film to anyone who is looking for a comprehensive, well organized, and oftentimes very entertaining look at the American culture's insatiable connection with guns.
Rating:
Summary: Some people are just not getting it.
Review: Some of the reviews I've been reading of "Bowling for Columbine" remind me of a statement that a Canadian makes about Americans in the film - that we don't think before we react. Obviously, certain people were angered by this film (hopefully everyone was at least once) and for some reason don't like Michael Moore and have written their reviews before letting it all soak in. "Bowling for Columbine" has just that - a lot to soak in. I will not give away parts of this film because it truly has to be witnessed to be believed. I can't believe this even came out to the theatres. I would like to respond to a few things others are saying who obviously don't fully get what is presented in this film. First off, "Bowling for Columbine" IS NOT a comedy. Yes, it has laughs and funny ironies, but it is not a movie you go to for a good happy laughing experience. This is a documentary film with a focus on gun control and gun violence, which also includes segments on racism, the media, and other politics. This is not a movie you just shrug off and giggle at - this movie should not be called "hilarious" because it never comes near it. It is also not for the faint of heart because there is footage of actual shootings, Security camera video from the Columbine High School, and also footage of the second tower of the World Trade Center being attacked. How anyone could call or expect a film with this footage to be a comedy is beyond me. I don't consider myself to be a liberal or conservative, but the facts are the facts and yes some things in this film are a little biased and maybe even over exaggerated, but the people who Moore interviews speak for themselves. Moore isn't "making them look bad", they make theirselves look bad. All I see Moore doing is asking questions...he's not accusing them of anything. The way they respond is up to them. I don't have a problem believing these enormously rich famous people like Heston and Clark are represented realistically in this film. Why should they care? These guys are so far removed from reality its not even funny. I love Heston fumbling with words trying to justify why he, a rich movie star who lives in a gated fortress probably with his own security team, has to have loaded guns in his house. Even better is the part with Dick Clark (I won't ruin it). Another scene involves a TV reporter who "acts" emotional when covering a story about a murdered child on the air and as soon as the camera is off he starts laughing and worrying about his hair...as soon as its time to go back on - he puts his "sad" face on - priceless. In scenes like these and many others Moore doesn't have to say a word because these people bury themselves. I wish this kind of footage would be shown more often - footage showing what people are really like when the camera goes off. Marilyn Manson has one of the best and most intelligent comments in the film about what he would say to the victims of Columbine - Everyone who dislikes Manson should hear what he has to say in this segment. I'm not really even a fan of his, but he made more sense in 5 sentences than most any other famous people interviewed in the film. Also of notable mention is Matt Stone of South Park fame who actually attended Columbine High. His statements are also important - especially the one about High School seeming so important when you're going through it, but when it's over...its really over. The real stars of "Bowling for Columbine" are the non-famous people who either have had first hand experience or just voice their opinions. These people actually live in the real world...not in some mansion surrounded by guards & yes-men. I think people are going to be mad at this film because its too much to handle and accept. I'm not saying that everything in this film is all true, but most of it obviously is and I think the people who hate Moore and call him "Anti-American" or "Communist" actually just hate the idea of admitting there is truth here about our Country. It's alright to be an American, a "good" American, and still be aware and critical, even angry at the injustices and stupidity that goes on around you. People who think Moore is "Anti-American" should watch his film "Roger & Me". That film is for Americans and about Americans. The film centers around the closing of a General Motors plant in Flint, Michigan and the devastating effect it had on that town and the thousands of people who lost their jobs. "Bowling for Columbine", like "Roger & Me", presents some hard undeniable truths and if people are not ready to deal with them, maybe they should go see something else...better yet, maybe the perfect time to see this is when you're not ready. This is a very important film, if for anything because it makes you think and form opinions. Moore doesn't tell you what to think at anytime in his films. You see what you see and interpret it. If you're angry when you leave the theatre or emotionally overwhelmed...you should be.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Good film, THE definitive film on US gun insanity
Review: Michael Moore's latest film "Bowling for Columbine" is an in your face expose on the insanity of gun violence plaguing the US. It uses Moore's cutting edge humor to get the point across well: our gun laws or lack thereof are insane. The film's title comes from the fact that the Columbine shooters went bowling right before their rampage. And this film includes actual surveillance video of the rampage inside the school. Another bowling connection is that militias use bowling pins for target practice. Michael interviews some Michigan Militia in action and find they are just normal people...with some abnormal hobbies. Then he interviews the brother of Terry Nichols (the Oklahoma City conspirator) and we see a true lunatic in action; among other things he takes his loaded .45 from under his pillow and puts it to his own head...even Michael gets nervous. Brother Nichols shows his worldliness when Michael asks about Ghandi. "I'm not familiar with that." He then interviews a Littleton defense worker about Columbine and tries to draw the connection between the world's biggest arms manufacturer and the school shootings. The worker says "well we don't bomb someone just cause we don't like them", and the film cuts to the whole long list of US backed coups most progressives are familiar with. This makes the point in a flawed way, as we didn't "bomb" some of the countries we overthrew, so it comes off as a bit preachy and propagandistic. We then see that most countries in Europe have annual gun death rates of under 100, while US average is over 11,000. Then we're in Canada, a very low crime gun culture where people leave their doors open...literally! Michael interviews Charlton Heston and challenges him on his NRA exploits. This causes Heston to walk away, but HEY, he did at least do an interview...what Dick Clark does in this film is Despicable. We end with Michael bringing 2 Columbine victims to Kmart to get them to stop selling bullets. A small victory in an ocean of gun insanity. Every American should see this film and then write your Congressman if you've had enough of gun violence in the country.
Rating:
Summary: See it in Theaters
Review: Theater owners were cynical about the popularity of this movie so you have to seek it out from newspapers. It's sad that we're only getting DUMB movies these days, like there's no room for improvement. This film received a great response however, far better than anyone expected. It has to be seen.
Rating:
Summary: Bowling for Columbine
Review: The BEST ever, I hope some people will learn something from this realistic truthful brilliant movie loved it best
should see it,
its must
Rating:
Summary: Easily one of the most important films of the last decade
Review: Ah, isn't it ironic that our society of the spectacle gets to be slapped by a...spectacle like this film?
"Bowling for Columbine" is beyond being "just" a very good film, it is a very IMPORTANT film. I dont think i have ever seen a more caustic, more sarcastic, and more piercing political film that this. Do keep in mind that this is actually a documentary, and yet, it keeps putting up incredible numbers at the box office.
In Europe, 5 weeks after its release you still had to call to reserve tickets for it, as it was sold out everywhere! For a documentary?? Now why would that be?
Michael Moore takes the issue of guns in America and puts it in its true -gigantic- proportions. Most would (????) see that guns in america perpetuate the violence. But would they be able to connect the dots, or, would they know even where the dots are? Michael Moore not only does, but he does so with astonishing humor in an age where political correctness "rules".
Moore sets out in America interviewing scores of people about the gun issue and he manages to bring out everything else that lies behind it: the arms industry and how it massively influences american politics (especially foreign politics), the politicians and their ties to the forementioned industry, the impact on the social web, and the downright insanity of american politics in general.
If a country has over 11.000 people (yes, the figure you read is correct) dead per year due to gun shot wounds while NOT being in some kind of (official) civil war or isnt attacked by someone then this country is dealing with a severe problem.
The director poses the questions and because he often poses them to people who ARE part of the problem he doesnt always get the answers from them but he does achieve something way more effective: he lets you, the viewer, see the answer(s) for yourself.
For the millions of Americans who have been victimised by the culture of daily fear promoted by the media (incredibly depicted here) this will be somewhat of a shock as the only person besides Moore who makes sense in the film is Marilyn Manson when he gets interviewed about Columbine!!! Ah, Manson, and of course one of the two creators of South Park (also interviewed).
Speaking of which, you get a 5 minute cartoon on American History which contains more truth than possibly all the school books you've read together on the subject multiplied by a 1000.
The true art here is that Moore lets people speak for themselves on an issue they think they understand and yet they make fools of themselves because they obviously dont - or, have no intention to-... The parts where the NRA is concerned are sheer gems.
Some people said that this astonishing documentary didnt provide "answers". I do believe these people were either not watching or saw some other film. "Bowling for..." comes short of actually fingerpointing the culprits to you, but hey, those responsible for the disastrous effects of the gun policy in the U.S are being mentioned in the film, interviewed, or refered to openly. What more could the director do? Publish their telephone numbers?
Another thing that certain people obviously failed to understand was that the issue this documentary deals with is tragifunny on its own and all Moore needs to do is add simply his personal touch to make it even more of a laugher which in turn makes it even more tragic! Which, subsequently, indicates the tremendous political irrationality involved.
The facts and numbers and fugures you will be confronted in "Bowling for.." are overwhelming and do not involve only gun deaths but other issues as well which for most belong to the area of the unknown (and there is a reason for that of course).
I dont think i have ever seen a film or documentary before where for days i was discussing its highlights with other people that saw it. In fact it's been 2 months now and it still pops up in conversations often.
All the praising epithets i could find for it would be inadequate. Absolutely essential to see. Easily one of the most important films of the last decade , and that, might be an understatement.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best films of last year
Review: Bowling For Columbine may be a documentary but it certainly makes its way into my top 5 films of last year. In it, Michael Moore tackles the potentially enormous and, ultimately unanswerable, question of why is there so much violence in America? Focusing on the tragedy at Columbine as well as the shooting of a six year-old girl by one of her classmates in Flint, Michegan, near Moore's hometown, with an eye to global terrorism this is a powerful film. Surprisingly there's a lot of humour to be made from the humour, although admitedly much of this is lamentable, laughter being focused firmly on the ridiculous and absurd rather than anything Moore says himself. He chooses his subjects carefully and lets them do the talking, and from a teenager who's upset that he didn't make No. 1 on a potential bomb-threat list at his high school to a hilarious cartoon take on the origins of violence in America, this will make you laugh out loud more than once. Of course, much of the laughter may be slightly uneasy given not only the subject matter but also because much of it is of the kind where you will be gasping because you can't quite believe it. Take for instance, the opening sequence where Moore opens up a bank account and receives a free gun with a background check that only appears to involve him ticking a few boxes. What came as a surprise to me though, although perhaps looking back at it this was naive, was how political this documentary is. Several interesting points are made, backed up by admitedly blinkered statistics, but they are still shocking nonetheless. Of particular note is Marilyn Manson's take on the matter, pointing his finger at world affairs rather than heavy metal music. Understandably much of the film's appeal may well lay in to what extent you agree with Moore's political views. However, the main point is that these were genuinely tragic events that Moore finds himself unable to find a satisfactory explanation for, although he explores several avenues. Such scenes as the security footage of Columbine at the time of the school shooting is some of the most horrendously affecting footage I've seen on film in a while. The lasting impression seems to be one of despair rather than hope, and this more than anything else, perhaps explains the desperation and violence inherent in society we live in.
Rating:
Summary: Courageous
Review: It's simply the best, the deapest, the most courageous american film that I have ever seen.
Getting out of the cinema I was really touched by this film, and finaly I realise that american nation is not guilty of is own violence but victim of fear and consumption. Every body should see this film.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating, funny, and very one sided...but who cares!
Review: I got a chance to see this in a local film festival before its release. As a native Briton, I was even more interested in the film b/c of the comparison's to Canada this film makes which - in terms of gun control - is very similar to Britain. When I walked out my mind was racing. So many issues to discuss, where does one start? Let me just focus on who should see this. If you're the type that's anti-guns, you've just got to watch this film, after-all, it's made for you. If you own an army-surplus store, you may want to avoid it. Moore has a knack for making people with a lot of power he wishes to target look completely stupid on camera, it's funny to watch frankly, but the point to take is that these folks he goes after truly do not know the magnitude of influence they have over many in this country. The best conversations happen with one of the creators of South Park and Marilyn Manson - click over to the website for this film to view the interviews - where they disect how they are individuals who are the target of much criticism when really they are as much against violence as anyone else. This film focuses a lot of fear that's instilled in us in from the media. Why is it we only hear bad news every time we turn on the tv? Why can't we have the opposite? He doesn't necessarily give answers to questions he puts forth but he does bring some interseting facts to the table to make you wonder why. Columbine also touches on race issues and how the media reports more "black" crime than "white". Interesting interviews with the producer of "Cops" touch on why that shows always seem to find a black guy with no shirt on getting in trouble. And how about the Kmart incident? This is a truly powerful piece of documentary making considering Moore achieves much more than he ever could from talking to a company. I won't spoil this, just watch it! Overall, a great film. It's obviously one-sided but hey, that's Michael Moore. Sit back, take it all in, and think about it for many weeks to come.
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