Wake up America!

Rating: 10/10 (13 June 2011)

I will seldom take time to write about anything I didn't absolutely love or absolutely hate. I'm a self appointed movie critic, who gives almost everything a 6-8 because pretty much everything I see is average (enough to make a movie out of, or at least enough to get the funding for it, or it'd not likely be a movie to begin with nor would I be watching it...but not significant enough that I'd be likely to watch it again). I don't have time to talk about the average movies I've seen, but ones I really love, I want to tell people about. And those I really hate, I want to save at least a few from wasting a precious two hours of their lives for, considering they might otherwise be doing something productive during that time, like mowing their lawn so we don't have to look at it or wonder what's going to come out and grab us as we drive by.
This movie is one of those I really love, particularly given a strong interest in both Sociology and Psychology. The movie itself is largely based around day to day events for random people, but it encompasses many of the stereotypes for each based on today's society...even pulling out some of the tiniest bits of a few typical ideas that people don't consciously realize they hold as the movie unfolds.
It is rare that a movie can take a person through so many emotions in such a short period, and at the same time make even those most set on their opinion about the "way of the world" want to change it and make it a better place. The difference in the impact of this movie vs 9/11 in America (outside of one being real and the other a pulling together of non-verified, but real life events) is that the day after 9/11, there seemed to be a coming together of people for a common cause, despite their differences. And after allowing yourself to be engulfed with this movie, there is a wanting to come together in total appreciation of those differences, as opposed to just being in light of them.
Despite it's occasional violence and brief scenes of a sexual nature, I think this is a great movie even for "mature" younger audiences. For those who've lost hope in this country (the US), it's an eye opener in that the changing of the pace here, the heightened aggravation and lack of understanding we have in one another is often related to the additional struggles that we all face, as our "normal" here has changed so much in such a short period of time. As for the rest...for those who've not lost hope, it's a reminder of why it's not only held onto, but also sought after as the American dream, as well as what so many go through to see it their lifetime.
If you've not yet seen this movie, go get it, because there's something in it for you, no matter who you are.