"Slackers" Motivate Millions
a Michael Moore's Slacker Uprising film review
The year was 2004; the country was at war and still reeling from the events of 9/11, not to mention the fact that the American people had all been lied to by its government. The United States was torn apart, divided into colors of red and blue. Two contenders were vying for the position of leader of the free world: seated president, George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry. Heading into the final weeks before the election, one man took it upon himself to win over the demographic that was ignored, the citizens who were not considered, the “slackers” who, historically, did not vote. But, he was about to change all that, and this is his story…
With his latest commentary on the lackadaisical youth of our country, Slacker Uprising manages to stir feelings with an unmistakable Michael Moore sense of urgency. Whatever your view of the controversial documentary filmmaker (great patriot or Anti-Christ), one thing is for certain – this guy really knows how to motivate. In an effort to get young people (ages 18 -22) and other non-voters to actually head to the polls on November 2, 2004, Moore launched a 62-city tour through the battleground states in hopes of changing the course of the election.
Moore’s usual mix of music montages, news clips, and written pop-up factoids throughout the film provide entertainment as well as interest. On top of that, it’s his in-your-face comments that are sure to create a surge of energy whether good or bad. More importantly he speaks to a generation that is lost to the political mumbo-jumbo that is constantly shoved down their throats. This generation of “slackers” needs a wake-up-call, a vigorous jolt. Where the 60’s youth culture had their ideals challenged by radical musicians like Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, this modern generation has the voice of Michael Moore.
Speaking at colleges and universities across the country the number of people attending Moore’s speeches grew, as did the opposition of the Republicans. The long powerful arm of the GOP threatened to cast a looming shadow over the film crew as they toured several university campuses whilst displaying despicable moral behavior by offering bribes to students or putting pressure on faculty responsible for organizing the rallies. But even this did not stop people from wanting to attend. In fact, for example, when Moore was barred from speaking at Cal State – San Marcos, the students opted to find a different venue. As it turned out, instead of holding an event for 1400 students, Moore sold out a stadium to over 10,000 attendees. (As a side note to all who protest – when you make something “taboo” by boycotting it, it creates WAY more interest than it would if you would have just left it alone. So, in some respects, Mr. Moore owes the Republican party a debt of gratitude for getting so many people to come to his rallies. And it is to you we say, thanks!)
One might find it funny though not pertinent to point out that if the Republican Party believes Moore to be nothing more than a peddler of lies, then why go through the trouble of denying people their first amendment right to free peaceful assembly? Could it be that they are afraid of what he has to say? Now, certainly, this is only one aspect of the film. After all, how dare he provoke the young, impressionable youth of this country into actually thinking for themselves, making educated decisions, putting themselves through school, and VOTING for a better future?
The consistent thing about movies and documentaries by Michael Moore is that he gets some sort of reaction out of you, whether it is anger, compassion, outrage or humility – something every great documentary does. Slacker Uprising is no exception. It’s the message itself that propels us. And as another election draws closer, the need to get out and vote is paramount.
Moore’s movies have always motivated change. Whether or not people agree on the direction of the change, we cannot dispute the necessity and value of the message: Listen. Weigh BOTH sides. Participate. And most importantly DO something.
~ Catherine Moore & Leilani Bustamante
www.filmbytheslice.com
With his latest commentary on the lackadaisical youth of our country, Slacker Uprising manages to stir feelings with an unmistakable Michael Moore sense of urgency. Whatever your view of the controversial documentary filmmaker (great patriot or Anti-Christ), one thing is for certain – this guy really knows how to motivate. In an effort to get young people (ages 18 -22) and other non-voters to actually head to the polls on November 2, 2004, Moore launched a 62-city tour through the battleground states in hopes of changing the course of the election.
Moore’s usual mix of music montages, news clips, and written pop-up factoids throughout the film provide entertainment as well as interest. On top of that, it’s his in-your-face comments that are sure to create a surge of energy whether good or bad. More importantly he speaks to a generation that is lost to the political mumbo-jumbo that is constantly shoved down their throats. This generation of “slackers” needs a wake-up-call, a vigorous jolt. Where the 60’s youth culture had their ideals challenged by radical musicians like Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, this modern generation has the voice of Michael Moore.
Speaking at colleges and universities across the country the number of people attending Moore’s speeches grew, as did the opposition of the Republicans. The long powerful arm of the GOP threatened to cast a looming shadow over the film crew as they toured several university campuses whilst displaying despicable moral behavior by offering bribes to students or putting pressure on faculty responsible for organizing the rallies. But even this did not stop people from wanting to attend. In fact, for example, when Moore was barred from speaking at Cal State – San Marcos, the students opted to find a different venue. As it turned out, instead of holding an event for 1400 students, Moore sold out a stadium to over 10,000 attendees. (As a side note to all who protest – when you make something “taboo” by boycotting it, it creates WAY more interest than it would if you would have just left it alone. So, in some respects, Mr. Moore owes the Republican party a debt of gratitude for getting so many people to come to his rallies. And it is to you we say, thanks!)
One might find it funny though not pertinent to point out that if the Republican Party believes Moore to be nothing more than a peddler of lies, then why go through the trouble of denying people their first amendment right to free peaceful assembly? Could it be that they are afraid of what he has to say? Now, certainly, this is only one aspect of the film. After all, how dare he provoke the young, impressionable youth of this country into actually thinking for themselves, making educated decisions, putting themselves through school, and VOTING for a better future?
The consistent thing about movies and documentaries by Michael Moore is that he gets some sort of reaction out of you, whether it is anger, compassion, outrage or humility – something every great documentary does. Slacker Uprising is no exception. It’s the message itself that propels us. And as another election draws closer, the need to get out and vote is paramount.
Moore’s movies have always motivated change. Whether or not people agree on the direction of the change, we cannot dispute the necessity and value of the message: Listen. Weigh BOTH sides. Participate. And most importantly DO something.
~ Catherine Moore & Leilani Bustamante
www.filmbytheslice.com
