Whether you're a major film buff or just an average joe watching the Oscars, there's no way you can't know who Michael Moore is and about his massively controversial documentary, Bowling For Columbine. Many have raved about both the director and the film, while others (namely Stupid White Men) have protested its claims about guns in America. With all of this hemming and hawing over one film, I knew that at some point I had to obtain a copy. Amazon.com wasn't very helpful at first, since the only VHS copies of the film cost upwards of $33, but eventually I struck gold and found one for a cheap twelve bucks. Let me tell ya, it was money very well spent. This is one of the best movies I've seen in quite a while, so wonderfully crafted that it strikes the perfect balance of humor, horror, and anger. The blanket theme of Bowling For Columbine is how America has become gripped with fear and armed itself with millions upon millions of guns. Mr. Moore attempts to convince viewers that because of the mass media, which obsesses over every single murder/scandal/threat that will improve ratings, U.S. citizens have turned into worrisome, gun-toting psychos who kill each other with guns more than any other nation on the planet. Some very troubling facts, stories, and statistics are presented here, like how while murders in America have decreased by 20%, media coverage of murders has gone up 600%. All of this research really strengthens Moore's argument, and by the end of the film I was totally convinced that our country has gone down the toilet. There are also many fascinating interviews with various celebrities and everyday citizens, such as the brother of the Oklahoma City Bomber, Charlton Heston, and Marilyn Manson. Sometimes the documentary literally shook me or made me cry, like in the timeline sequence where we are shown the many horrors America has suported throughout history (put to the oldies tune "What A Wonderful World," ironically), or when Columbine High School's security camera footage is shown in its entirety. Aside from those chilling moments there are also many hilarious scenes, like the animated cartoon that details the history of America. Filmed by the men behind the wonderful South Park series, this short segment is filled to the brim with laughs (that is, if you're not insanely conservative). After seeing this movie I have become a strong supporter of Michael Moore, and have picked up his two latest books, Stupid White Men and Dude, Where's My Country?. If you think that this "great" nation of ours needs some serious work, then I suggest you try and find a way to see Bowling For Columbine. It's a sharp, witty look at violence in America that will get you thinking, laughing, and crying all at the same time. 4/4 stars
Review of Bowling for Columbine
