Review: If you read my review of Roger and Me, you may already know of my general lack of interest in Michael Moore's films. After watching Roger & Me, I felt it was only right to rewatch Bowling for Columbine- because if you are going to say you don't like an Oscar Winning film, you better have reasons for it. I must also clarify that I have nothing against Moore’s political beliefs, and in fact, more often than not, I’d agree with him. OK, I think I’ve prefaced myself enough, on to the review. What I do applaud Moore for is attempting to take on one of the most powerful lobbyist groups in the country. With that said, I honestly do appreciate the first half of this documentary. The opening scene at the bank is hilarious and quite poignant and following Charlton Heston around as he promotes the NRA at cities where people have been murdered by guns is about as eye opening as you can get. However, the second half of Bowling for Columbine just starts to die out as Moore seems to become obsessed with winning smaller battles instead of the larger goal of gun control. He also starts to contradict himself and I started to wonder if there really is a specific reason for why American violence is so much higher than anywhere else in the world. He also has ignored some crucial facts (U.S. citizens have more small arms than every military in the world, etc) and instead focuses on making a KKK connection. Also, I question the use of interviews with comedian Matt Stone and Marilyn Manson. Both are excellent interviews, Manson in particular, but both are out of their element in this documentary. While Stone did grow up in the area, I really can’t place too much importance on the comments of a comedian. All of this pales to the problems I have with the final scene, where Moore confronts Charlton Heston at his home. I don't think I've ever gone from despising someone to feeling empathy and sympathy for them so quickly. I am referring of course to Heston and watching Moore place the picture of a gunshot victim at his front door was the first time I realized Moore's films are more about himself than his subject matter. Additionally, nothing is gained from the interview. We the audience aren’t even given the chance to hear how ridiculous Heston’s beliefs might be. Though I appreciate his technical gifts and his ability to create biting satire, I don't think I can ever truly recommend his films because they always seem to miss the point or get lost in his own opinions. Bowling for Columbine is certainly a great film for the first 45 minutes, but the remaining portion only hurts the foundation it started to build upon. Review by Matthew Abshire Informative: 3- Begins to put together a coherent argument, then starts side quests that contradict his original ideas. Entertainment: 3- Attack style filming does have its moments, but it's not my cup of tea. Technical: 4- As a director Moore knows how to shoot and edit sequences to support his argument. Overall: 3- first half of the film is great, but second half stalls and looses focus on smaller unconnected battles.
Bowling for Columbine
Format: DVD Year: 2002 Running Time: 120 Min Distributor: Dog Eat Dog Films and United Artists Producer: Michael Moore Director: Michael Moore Date Reviewed: 5-9-2007 Story: Famed filmmaker and left-wing political humorist Michael Moore tackles America's obsession with firearms in this Oscar-winning documentary. Focusing mainly on the Columbine massacre in April 1999, Moore also visits a Michigan bank that gives new customers a free gun, recites statistics for gun deaths in the United States and interviews folks ranging from National Rifle Association spokesman Charlton Heston to shock rocker Marilyn Manson (NetFlix).