I agree with Robert Rich on virtually all points, so I enjoyed this quite a bit. But, I'm not sure his case is articulate or compelling enough to convince those that actually need convincing. And shouldn't that be the goal here? Otherwise, it's just self-reassuring of ones' own worldview and self-congratulatory, but altogether pointless nevertheless.
In objective terms, this documentary is solid, but not quite on par with the much higher bar being set for this type of film these days. We're living in a time where a documentary like this one can't just be the video equivalent of your run-of-the-mill opinion piece in the Times... they need to be truly gripping, smart, and utterly engaging. I have to be either learning or entertained (preferably both). Otherwise, why am I watching this... I already know most of the information and I don't need persuasion. You need to hold the attention of those who don't have the information and to make your presentation and approach effective enough that those disinclined to agree will have their views sufficiently challenged to second guess their assumptions.
In objective terms, this documentary is solid, but not quite on par with the much higher bar being set for this type of film these days. We're living in a time where a documentary like this one can't just be the video equivalent of your run-of-the-mill opinion piece in the Times... they need to be truly gripping, smart, and utterly engaging. I have to be either learning or entertained (preferably both). Otherwise, why am I watching this... I already know most of the information and I don't need persuasion. You need to hold the attention of those who don't have the information and to make your presentation and approach effective enough that those disinclined to agree will have their views sufficiently challenged to second guess their assumptions.