Bowling For Columbine

DVD Bowling For Columbine.jpg

This is an interesting and powerful documentary about fear within the United States. Michael Moore (Roger & Me, Stupid White Men) brings to light an obsessive desire for security which has evolved into the need to be surrounded by firearms. Moore questions the reasoning behind the large percentage of violence in the States. He quickly eliminates rock music, movies and history by giving stats and examples. Somberly, he plots more solid ideas and sets off to get answers from those in pertinent positions. Some interview highlights include: a damaging conversation with the brother of an Oklahoma City bomber, Terry Nichols; an uncomfortable sitdown with NRA President, Charlton Heston; and a standup with Lockheed Martin. Moore's documentary takes him to two victims of the Columbine massacre. Some footage from the Columbine High School security camera is shown – absolutely surreal – and the talks turn into more action. Michael takes the two kids to K-Mart headquarters and questions their easily accessible ammunition policies. The result? So astounding, even Moore is left speechless.

This is the kind of movie we need to see made more often. His political views may be unabashedly leftist and, in my opinion, a bit off center. But his voice on this issue is a powerful wake up call. Extras include commentary, a "Return to Littleton" featurette, teacher's guide, action guide and Marilyn Manson's "Fight Song" video. [MGM / David Allen]

Ratings:
Obscenities: 05
Graphic Violence: 01
Nude Scenes: 00
% Spiritual Relevancy: 75

This DVD review was printed in ISSUE 104 of HM Magazine. To buy this issue, go to our online store and click on Back Issues.

DVD rating key:
Obscenities (fka: BL (Blue Language)) # of “blue” / cuss words.
Ideal rating = 0
Graphic Violence (fka: BG (Blood ‘n’ Guts)) # of scenes with graphic violence.
Acceptable rating = <50
SC (Spiritual Conversations) An arbitrary rating based on the ease of starting a conversation on spiritual things.
Ideal rating = 50+
Nude Scenes (fka: NP (Naked People)) # of nude scenes.
Ideal: 0 (A rating of less than 1 signifies questionable scenes)

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