Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 14+
Political documentary is smug, sour, and sloppy.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this documentary -- which chronicles Michael Moore's 62-city, 20-state tour of "swing states" to get out the vote in favor of John Kerry for the 2004 election -- is a lengthy harangue against George W. Bush, the Iraq War, and the Republican Party. The political discussion is constant throughout -- issues from health care to Iraq are mentioned, as are the First Amendment, partisan politics, and the controversy over the Supreme Court's decision in the 2000 election. The level of discourse may be heated, but it's mostly civil, albeit one-sided. There's some strong language (including "f--k"), though it's not frequent.
- Families can talk about a plethora of political issues raised in this documentary, from the media's role in the lead up to the Iraq war to the history of political activism and dissent in America. Do you agree with any of Moore's arguments or positions? Why or why not? Do you think he accomplishes what he sets out to? Families can also discuss Moore's decision to make this film available for free over the Internet -- is this a striking example of new models of movie distribution, or a matter of simply giving away a film that no distributor wanted to play in theaters?
The good stuff
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Positive messages: The entire film is a chronicle of pro-Democratic political advocacy; there's extensive discussion of electoral politics and strategy and of "getting out" the "50% who don't vote." Moore is accused of bribery for offering noodles and clean underwear to entice non-voters to register and vote. Also includes discussions of the war in Iraq, the Patriot Act, the First Amendment, Army and National Guard casualties, health care, national security, the Kent State shootings, the Supreme Court decision on the 2000 elections, and more.
What to watch for
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Violence: Discussion of the war in Iraq, 9-11, and the Kent State shootings.
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Sex: Not an issue
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Language: Infrequent strong language (mostly from guest speaker Roseanne Barr) including "ass," "f--k," "s--t," "bulls--t," "jack s--t," and "bitch."
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Consumerism: Many news organization logos are visible in footage used in the movie; Ramen Noodles, Hanes underwear, and Fruit of the Loom underwear are visible; Moore's books and films are thrust toward him by autograph seekers. Many universities (the sites of Moore's tour dates) are named. Mentions of brands like Tostitos, Fox News, the National Rifle Association, In and Out, The Lord of the Rings films, and more.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue