Review of Freakonomics (2010) by S M — 10 Feb 2011

Freakonomics is based on the highly popular book of the same name which attempts to take BIG economic ideas and apply them to everyday social situations. From what you name your child and whether it effects their success in life to incentive based rewarding and more. This is an interesting film that will probably satisfy most who are interested in social issues.

The filmmakers made this film in a cooperation method - utilizing 5 different documentary directors to helm a portion of the film. While its an interesting device, Freakonomics ultimately suffers. Initially, each of the segments offer a different viewpoint and feel like different smaller films, but the energy is vastly different from each vignette.

I haven't read the book, so I can't comment on the subject matter there. But I have a suspicion that the book is better. This was an average film, with an average outcome. Interesting, but limited in terms of audience reach.