Review of Slacker Uprising (2007) by T.a. P — 26 Sep 2008

Michael Moore serves the first ever (legally) free film for download... and it's no surprise why he chose this. Reminding Democrats (and the rest of the world) of George W. Bush's re-election in 2004, Moore paints himself quite broadly as an agent of change, sparking passion in the youth demographic, the "slackers" meant to reinvigour American politics.

Slacker Uprising actually premiered at TIFF in 2007, but "saved" (dare one say "shelved" or "jettisoned") for 2008, most likely because it has no popular theatrical appeal.

As such, its popularity on the internet is of note, although the narrative of Moore giving the film away for free is somewhat disingenuous, although laudable (insofar that one can BUY it if so inclined).

Slacker Uprising is a cheerleader piece of filmmaking that actually reinforces the notion of Moore as a narcissist (a claim I have disagreed with regarding the rest of his work, where I see him as a cipher.

.. a cipher with an agenda, sure, but his films aren't ABOUT him, they just INVOLVE him). Furthermore, given the nature of shooting over 60 rallies relevant to an election cycle four years ago, it is a limp effort of relevancy in the face of populist politics driven by the Obama movement (the man himself leaves something to be desired from this reviewer, but I digress).

Still a fan of Moore's films (Fahrenheit 9/11 especially), but this one can be avoided easily without missing much of slacker Mike's overall themes.