Bowling for Columbine

Release Year: 2002

Director: Michael Moore

Review: When 'Bowling for Columbine' was first released I remember being heavily influenced by it.  Michael Moore is notoriously a very divisive film maker, and that is much more evident going back and watching the film with some years since its release.  Now that you know his methods of manipulation the film is less effective.  Despite this, its still remarkably persuasive.  I might already agree with what he is preaching, but he is a master at unraveling the argument in such a way that its tough not to get swept up in his cause.  The staggered flow of the film, streaming together stories, archive footage, cartoons, and the like, all help keep you engaged and gradually build up steam until it forces you to a boiling part.  Manipulative?  Sure.  Effective? Absolutely, and this is exactly why Moore is a master at his brand of documentary.
Rating: 4/5