Bowling For Columbine
Let's start with this startling fact: In Great Britain, France, Germany, Canada and Australia, the number of annual gun-related deaths ranges from 60 to 350. Now, do you know how many people kill each other with guns every year in the United States? More than 11,000 -- 30 times the number of the next-highest country on that list. What's the reason for this disturbing statistic? That's the question at the heart of Michael Moore's superb new documentary, Bowling For Columbine.
The film strives to get to the root of America's ongoing obsession with guns and violence. In a hilarious opening sequence, Moore opens an account at a U.S. bank that gives away free guns to every new customer! "Don't you think that's a little dangerous?" asks Moore. The look of complete befuddlement on the bank employee's face is priceless.
Cut to a clip of comedian Chris Rock performing a stand-up routine. Rock has figured out the solution for reducing gun-related murders, he reveals. It's simple: Instead of charging chump change for bullets, he suggesting upping the price of bullets to $5,000 a pop. "I would kill you," Rock mugs, "If I only had the money."
Moore has a serious political agenda, but he's the rare left-wing figure with a sense of humor. As a result, his film is consistently entertaining despite the heavy themes he addresses. He also doesn't settle for easy liberal solutions to problems, digging deeper beyond the traditional argument that Europe has less gun murders because they have fewer guns to reveal that Canada has nearly the same gun-to-citizen ratio as the United States -- but 50 times less murders.
In addition to the film's humorous tone, Moore also keeps the movie interesting by mixing in celebrity interviews (ranging from South Park creator Trey Parker to NRA President Charlton Heston to shock rocker Marilyn Manson), animated sequences, historical footage, and much more.
At the heart of the film is the Columbine tragedy. Moore interviews the key players -- fellow students, teachers and community leaders -- to dig beyond the media's shallow coverage and discover deeper truths regarding this horrific act. In a harrowing, devastating sequence, Moore splits the screen into four quadrants and uses Columbine High surveillance cameras and 911 calls to recreate this terrible event. It's a deeply disturbing scene that will linger with you long after you're done watching.
At times, the film takes off on tangents that are barely connected to the main guns-and-violence plot. And Moore's in-your-face style occasionally becomes overbearing. But it's easy to overlook these minor lapses in the general scheme of things, especially when Moore's bullish attitude, coupled with pleas from two Columbine survivor, convinces Kmart's corporate headquarters to change its policy regarding bullet sales at its stores.
Regardless of your political affiliation, Bowling For Columbine is an absolute must-see. Already one of the top-grossing documentaries of all-time, this is no stodgy snoozefest. It'll have you laughing your ass off one minute and near tears the next. One of the best films of 2002, this one is highly recommended.
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Although far more humorous than the usual documentary, this still doesn't qualify as a drinking flick.
If they're interested in politics or documentaries, your date might be impressed. Otherwise, there are probably better date flicks around.
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