I first saw this documentary a few years ago when my English teacher decided to show it to the class. I thoroughly enjoyed it and had fond memories of it being a very entertaining film, so a few weeks ago I decided to buy the film on DVD. I'm one of these people who has to buy the special edition, so I did. And it would seem I'm the first to review the special edition, so I'm proud as well!
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First of all, forget everything you may or may not have heard about Michael Moore. Yes, he's a little overweight but if you see this film you'll realise that he can make a damn good documentary. Bowling For Columbine is moving, entertaining throughout, surprisingly funny and always speeds along at a good pace so even those amongst you who don't want to watch people talking for 2 hours will be entertained.
The film revolves around the shootings at Columbine High School in which several students were killed and many more were wounded, some of whom were disabled. The two shooters apparently got up early that morning to go bowling, hence the title of the film and of my review for that matter!
This incident and others which you will hear about in the film inspired Michael Moore to create this documentary about the worrying level of gun crime in America. Over the 114 minutes run time (just about right for a documentary, in my opinion), Moore attempts to discover the reasons why America's gun crime is so much worse than any other country.
To do this he visits Canada and several small towns in America, one of which is his hometown of Flint, Michigan.
During the film there are several laugh-out-loud moments, whether it be coming from Moore's engaging sense of humour or the unimaginably stupid things that people he interviews come out with. Us Brits will realise that there are actually really stupid Americans out there. Some of course are very nice, but this film tends to hone in on the few eccentrics.
Not once stopping to allow the viewer to become bored, Moore keeps up the speed of the film whilst using video clips and at one point, a very funny little cartoon, to keep the audience amused and entertained.
Bowling For Columbine is pretty much flawless, except for the fact that it's a documentary. It'll make you think though, it'll make you really think hard about why America has such bad gun crime...
A great documentary film overall, you'd be mad to pass up the chance to see it.
------------------------------ THE EXTRAS ------------------------------
Disc One
Theatrical Trailer: Basic stuff, but it's interesting to see how they marketed the film and what clips from it they decided to put here.
According to the back of the DVD there's a feature commentary by interns on the film, but I couldn't find it, perhaps it's an Easter Egg. Anyway, Michael Moore does a short introduction to the film and explains that he didn't do a commentary himself because the documentary is kind of a commentary anyway, as it's talking from his point of view.
Disc Two
Michael Moore interview on Oscar win and acceptance speech: This is pretty poor material, it's just Moore talking for a few minutes about winning the Oscar. They couldn't even get footage of the event because the Oscar people wouldn't let them, so we get Michael talking to us outside and near to the end, a picture of him holding the Oscar on the night. *Yawn*
Michael Moore interview with Clinton press secretary Joe Lockhart: This is done at the US Comedy Arts Festival. It's interesting to watch for a while but Michael Moore is kind of boring when he's just talking politics all the time. Interesting if you're into that kind of thing though.
Return to Littleton/Denver after 6 months after release: This is probably the best extra, as you get to see Moore conducting a little rally of his own. The turnout at the event is huge, and Moore takes centre stage to deliver a powerful speech to all who attended.
Michael Moore on "The Charlie Rose Show": This is some kind of politics show in America, and it's kind of boring, though interesting in some places. Again, if you like politics and loved the film you'll enjoy this.
Marilyn Manson "Fight Song" music video: Kind of an odd choice to put on the DVD, but I suppose this was the deal Moore placed with Manson for the Manson interview, ie. "let me interview you and I'll put your video on the DVD". That, or Moore wants to show that Manson's music really isn't all that bad and couldn't possibly make teenagers want to shoot each other.
Photo gallery: This is a dull 3-minute affair of watching many photos of the cast and crew of the film flash up with their respective titles underneath. Only watch if you are really bored or worked on the film yourself.
Get the film - I would suggest not going for the special edition if it's a lot more money, I don't think it's worth it unless you're really politically minded and interested in how Moore speaks with other people.
The film itself is a joy to watch though - I suggest you watch it if you get the chance.
Colorado, Bowling for Columbine is film-maker Michael Moore's take on the culture of firearms violence that is, apparently, peculiar to the USA. Significantly, this is ...
Colorado,Bowling for Columbineis film-maker Michael Moore's take on the culture of firearms violence that is, apparently, peculiar to the USA. Significantly, this is no...
and all-round ass-kicker of those that need a boot in the behind... With his trademark charm and biting wit Michael Moore's documentary sets off on a rollicking jo...
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