Review of An American Carol (2008) by Kevin P — 02 Oct 2008

This movie was hilarious. It was so refreshing to see a movie that didn't bash America, Christianity, or the reality that true evil has never been vanquished by treaties. Yes, free speech is supposed to be for everyone, not just liberal elites who are so much smarter than the rest of us.

Beyond the conservative "yes America is a good country" ideology and patriotism, the movie is a funny spoof on the Michael Moores and Rosie O'Donnells of the country. It takes a fresh and creative look at the issues of our day through 4 lenses: (1) Through the transformation of "American hating" documentary maker Michael Malone into someone who starts to get the "real America"; (2) Through the patriotism of his nephew who is a proud military man who volunteers to fight for our freedom; (3) Through the plot of a jihadist group bent on exploiting Malone's "hate America" work to attack us from within; and (4) Through the lense of historical figures and historical good vs. evil battles in our history. It uses a formula like "A Christmas Carol" to accomplish this.

One of my many favorite parts of this film is when Malone gets to see what America would look like today if he had his way and Lincoln used "diplomacy" and not war with the south, allowing the evil institution of slavery to continue to the 21st century. It was hilarious and sad all at once, because the idea is so absurd--everyone should be free. The refrain from his large group of slave hands of "please don't beat me massa like you did yeserday" really woke him up to the fact that, hard as it was, that fight had to be fought and won. Another favorite scene is when Neville Chamberlain polishes Hitlar's shoes while Adolf sings "Kum Bia Yah" and signs his treaty. Yep, diplomacy worked there. Diplomacy really is the answer whenever 2 or more rational groups are at the table. But some groups will stop at nothing to kill innocent people, and we better defend our freedom or lose it.

This is a must see for anyone who loves America, whether or not you consder yourself a conservative, independent, or liberal. It's funny and deals with issues like no other film has.