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Movies / On DVD / Bowling for Columbine
Bowling for Columbine

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Bowling for Columbine (2002)

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Reviews Counted:159

Fresh:153

Rotten:6

Average Rating:8.2/10

Consensus: Though it may not always convince, Bowling for Columbine asks important questions and provokes thought.

Runtime: 2 hrs 5 mins

Genre: Education/General Interest

Synopsis: Filmmaker and leftist activist Michael Moore asks some serious questions as he probes the depths of America's trigger-happy gun culture in the insightful and amusing documentary, BOWLING FOR... Filmmaker and leftist activist Michael Moore asks some serious questions as he probes the depths of America's trigger-happy gun culture in the insightful and amusing documentary, BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE. Guns in America are used to kill an average of more than 11,000 people per year. This death toll is obscenely out of balance with other first world countries, which generally average a total in double digits. Experts and analysts have pointed to America's bloody history as a reason, but how does that explain the lower murder rate in Germany? Violent entertainment has also been fingered, but how does this account for staggeringly low numbers in Japan, home of the most violent entertainment video games on the market. Moore's trademark comedic tone is razor-sharp as his quest leads him everywhere from Littleton Colorado's Columbine High School to the home of NRA President Charlton Heston. Moore, oddly enough a lifetime NRA member, makes his main target the news media, but also fires away at inefficient welfare programs, Dick Clark, and Kmart. The latter is even compelled to make a major policy change in their stores due to one of Moore's confrontational stunts. This exploration into America's obsession with guns is disarmingly humorous, but Moore also asks challenging questions and fearlessly seeks responsible parties, making the film an effective call for more social awareness as well. [More]

Starring: Charlton Heston, Marilyn Manson, Matt Stone, Dick Clark

Starring: Charlton Heston, Marilyn Manson, Matt Stone, Dick Clark, James Nichols, Jeff Rossen

Director: Michael Moore

Director: Michael Moore
Producer: Kathleen Glynn, Michael Donovan, Charles Bishop, Jim Czarnecki
Studio: MGM/UA

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Reviews for Bowling for Columbine

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1 - 20 (sorted by fresh rating; UK critics are listed first)
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Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
12/30/06
Empire Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It could change America, not only because it is full of necessary discussion points, but because it is so accessible that it makes complex politics understandable to viewers looking for nothing but energetic entertainment.

Full Review Source: UK Critic | comment Comment
12/10/02
Ian Waldron-Mantgani
Ian Waldron-Mantgani
UK Critic

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Full Review Source: ViewLondon | comment Comment
11/16/02
Matthew Turner
Matthew Turner
ViewLondon

This is a bold, blackly comic masterpiece -- everyone should see it.

Full Review Source: BBC | comment Comment
10/29/02
Nev Pierce
Nev Pierce
BBC
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N/R

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Full Review Source: Guardian [UK] | comment Comment
11/19/02
Guardian [UK]
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N/R

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Full Review Source: This is London | comment Comment
11/16/02
This is London
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N/R

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Full Review Source: FilmFour.com | comment Comment
10/06/02
FilmFour.com
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N/R

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Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
06/24/06
Time Out
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N/R

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Full Review Source: Shadows on the Wall | comment Comment
11/03/02
Rich Cline
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall

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Full Review Source: Apollo Guide | comment Comment
03/16/04
Apollo Guide
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A strike? Not quite, but a good score nonetheless.

Full Review Source: E! Online | comment Comment
10/11/02
E! Online
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Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/06/05
Film Threat
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Full Review Source: Hollywood.com | comment Comment
10/19/02
Hollywood.com
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I hope the movie is widely seen and debated with appropriate ferocity and thoughtfulness.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
10/10/02
A.O. Scott
A.O. Scott
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Here lies the charm of Michael Moore’s style, he uses guerilla style journalism to ask the questions no one seems to be asking, of the people no one seems to have the balls to ask.

Full Review Source: Trades | comment Comment
10/01/02
Alex Keen
Alex Keen
Trades

This one can't be missed.

Full Review Source: Juicy Cerebellum | comment Comment
11/11/02
Alex Sandell
Alex Sandell
Juicy Cerebellum

All in all, Mr. Moore has given us a lot to think about in Bowling for Columbine, and he has entertained us royally in the process.

Full Review Source: New York Observer | comment Comment
12/19/02
Andrew Sarris
Andrew Sarris
New York Observer

Even Moore's detractors, should they be inclined to see the film, will admit that he takes a refreshingly nuanced view of the issue.

Full Review Source: Washington Post | comment Comment
10/18/02
Ann Hornaday
Ann Hornaday
Washington Post

Will those on the right dismiss Moore as a propagandist? Will those on the left flock to the theater and accept Moore's word as gospel? Either scenario is depressing.

Full Review Source: Roanoke Times (Virginia) | comment Comment
11/18/02
Beth Jones
Beth Jones
Roanoke Times (Virginia)

With 'Bowling for Columbine,' Michael Moore gives us the perfect starting point for a national conversation about guns, violence, and fear.

Full Review Source: ReelTalk Movie Reviews | comment Comment
10/24/02
Betty Jo Tucker
Betty Jo Tucker
ReelTalk Movie Reviews
 
 
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Latest News for Bowling for Columbine

June 25, 2007: Michael Moore Talks "Sicko," Heath Care, Edutainment, Cuba
There isn't much middle ground on Michael Moore; his bromide-laden documentaries have earned him both an enthusiastic following from many on the left and unvarnished vitriol... More...

May 20, 2007: Cannes Wrap-Up: Michael Moore's Latest And Leo's Global Warming Doc
Michael Moore's latest doc, "Sicko," has stirred up more controversy for the Michigan muckraker. Is he onto something with his evisceration of the US healthcare... More...

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