Review of God Bless America (2012) by Evangelos C — 08 Jun 2016

'God Bless America' definitely fills some blanks in cinema as a whole. Not that much because it put the idea of killing someone for justice (in very few words) on screen; which was a bold move and central selling point. It managed to get across brilliantly collected and sane criticism on the modern culture that dominates the very lives and thoughts of so many people worldwide. An egocentric, anti-human reality, where self is placed above all, people can be un-nice, etc, etc, etc. The subject has titanic proportions, but 'God Bless America' skilfully handles and analyses a great chunk of it. It is true that the story and dialogue (often reaching 'monologue' levels) can become a touch tiring. Anti-cinematic, perhaps. But such is the film's character, not definitely a flaw. You can say it contains lecturing, yet with so much to tell, such delivery would be unavoidable. Thinking of the target audience- the part of it that's satirised in the film, you can't really deny the need for straightforward advice. Even when things turn violent and bloody, or comical, the film retains a tranquil, serious tone, as if it pleads that you watch it with interest and concentrate on its messages.

'God Bless America' doesn't need to and doesn't want to shine too bright; to dazzle you with action and unusual characters and whatnot. 'God Bless America' distinguishes itself as an honest orator amongst the filth it reveals. Much like some (also satirised in the film) try to do by showing others seemingly worse than them. Remember that every film is about ethics, but with gunfights and other 'cool' stuff they can lose some essence. But this one is pretty well balanced. Certainly a worthy title, if not a 'must'.