As long as there are people, there are going to be differing opinions. Occasionally, these opinions reach levels of obsession, and even more occasionally these obsessions clash and can turn violent. All because if differing opinions. Michael Moore has been called a documentarian, a satirist, and over the years a lot more things I can’t print here. In Moore’s films (“Roger & Me”) and TV shows (“TV Nation”, “The Awful Truth”), he purports himself to be speaking for the ‘everyman.’ Where there’s a wrong to righted Moore is there. When corporations raise their ugly heads Moore is there. In the past Moore has gone up against politicians and insurance companies, never backing away from exposing the ‘truth’, or at least his version of the truth. In his Academy Award winning documentary, “Bowling For Columbine,” Moore faces one of America’s most interesting attractions… the gun nut.

That’s right, Moore shows us the face of those involved with the NRA, school shootings, and all those wacky Americans who are obsessed with violence.

As far as filmmaking goes, “Bowling For Columbine” is a brilliant piece of work, no matter how you slice it. Moore has a way of combining camera use with stubborn bullheadedness and shrewd editing techniques to produce a documentary that easily sways most viewers in the direction he wants to take you. And herein lies the one minor problem I have with the film, and that is in referring to it as a documentary.

Generally speaking, documentaries are supposed to give an objective look at a subject. Here it is folks, exactly the way it is. Well, the thing about Moore’s films is that they are usually far from objective. They are for the most part, very opinionated and one-sided. Now don’t get wrong, I love Moore’s films. They have given me hours of entertainment value, as well as exposing me to issues that I may not have known existed. But, where I can tell the difference between what is fact and what is supposition, most people buy into every word, hook, line and sinker, regardless of whether or not they agree with him.

It is these people I feel the most sorry for. They watch the film, believing fully that it is a straightforward documentary, and form immediate opinions on the subject without really thinking it through or questioning what they are seeing. Then after those uneducated opinions are formed, they clash with people with other uneducated opinions and Voila, violence erupts.

Anyhow, those of you who do think for yourselves should give “Bowling For Columbine” an evening of your time. Moore presents his version of the issue, and though not everything you see can be believed, the entertainment value alone is worth your time.

There are enough extras available as to warrant a second disc, much to my surprise. And if you’re interested enough in the issue, or the film itself, there’s not a one that wastes your time. And, if you’re curious, yes they do address the now famous Academy Award acceptance speech, in which Moore referred to the President and the War as being fictitious (which is in fact not too far off the mark). This speech became almost more famous than the film itself. It still amazes me how many people there are who want so much to have free speech, yet are quick to condemn someone else’s right to that same freedom. And whether or not he was right, it’ll certainly sell DVDs.

Directed by: Michael Moore
Extras: Exclusive Michael Moore Interview on his Oscar Win and Acceptance Speech, Personal Introduction by Michael Moore, “Return to Dener / Littleton” Featurette, Interview with Michael Moore by Former Press Secretary Joe Lockhart, Audio Commentary by Receptionists and Interns, Teacher’s Guide, Segment from “The Awful Truth II“ – Corporate Cops, Michael Moore’s Action Guide, Film Festival Scrapbook, The Charlie Rose Show with Michael Moore, Marilyn Manson’s “Fight Song” Music Video, Photo Gallery and Original Theatrical Trailer
Specifications: Widescreen (1.85:1) Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions
Studio: MGM
Release Date: 8/19/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (Some Violent Images and Language)
Website

We'll give Bowling for Columbine an A.