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Alexandra DuPont Calls Bullshit On AMERICAN TEEN!!

First by JOHNCONNORS_FORESKIN_CAMEO	Aug 8th, 2008 12:27:00 PM

And yes... by JOHNCONNORS_FORESKIN_CAMEO	Aug 8th, 2008 12:27:51 PM
This is bullshit. Posting First I mean.
The documentary you didn't ask for... by Heckles	Aug 8th, 2008 12:38:19 PM
...about shit you don't care about.
Teenagers Are BORING by LaserPants	Aug 8th, 2008 12:39:36 PM
Yes, we get it, they're cliqueish, vulgar, obnoxious, oblivious, self-obsessed, irritating, often depressed, hormonal, directionless, tacky, garrish, stupid, and HAVE NO IDEA that they are these things. We get it. Really, we do. Thankfully most of us grow up and out of this morass, though some seem content to stay there forever. I have absolutely no desire to see this. The thing thats so funny is how stuff like Whedon's shows or Juno, portray teens as if they were witty, literate, snarky adults. I'd love to see someone do a fictional show that exposed the epic idiocy and mundanity of the actual teenager, rather than a hyper-idealized / fetishized one. Perhaps I will make that film. Nah, who am I kidding. Maybe a comic or too.
No thanks!! by Harold-Sherbort	Aug 8th, 2008 12:41:57 PM
It looks like shit.
first largely meative review I've read by mefrog	Aug 8th, 2008 12:45:00 PM
and an extremely interesting one at that. Now my interest is only a bit higher bit I will go in expecting more bullshit. And that girl megan sounds like a big 'ol bitch.
nobody cares you were first by ArcadianDS	Aug 8th, 2008 12:45:03 PM
and your handle stinks.
I mean 'negative' by mefrog	Aug 8th, 2008 12:46:11 PM
Fucking iPhone. Fucking lack of an edit button.
Wow This is a really bad review by erichaislar	Aug 8th, 2008 12:52:07 PM
You really did go out of your way to trash this film. I would like to know how you would have made this film any different. That sounds just like the high school i remember. Stereotypes are Stereotypes they exist because they are biased in reality for the most part. I am sure alot of what happened in the film feels forced i am sure it is but these kids did it on purpose because they have cameras following them. You can only make the film out of what they have given you. and I am sure it was the best way to tell the story.
I'd already decided I'd rather eat my own shit than see this by Drunken Rage	Aug 8th, 2008 12:54:26 PM
just based on the clearly-staged footage in the trailer. Ms. DuPont, you have very effectively listed the reasons why no one should see this. Fuck fake reality.
American "White" Teen! by lb_12	Aug 8th, 2008 01:00:12 PM
You would think that 2 decades later that the "all american teens" would at least warrant 1 minority kid. Ahh, the token character... sigh...
"...or yelled at by evil Bill O'Reilly" by Angry White baby	Aug 8th, 2008 01:01:50 PM
Quite funny, considering that most of the questions Alex asks are questions Bill would ask... before he started yelling. >:) Speaking of fetishizing teenagers, I wonder if there are those who would consider O'Reilly rants a fetish?
I didn't like my high school... by samuraiyao	Aug 8th, 2008 01:04:30 PM
It was boring as fuck.... I'll catch this when it hits Netflix or something...
BAH! by VictorVonDoom	Aug 8th, 2008 01:05:20 PM
DOOM called bullshit on American Dream long ago! To hell with alternate Marvel Universes!
Finally, an honest review by Garbageman33	Aug 8th, 2008 01:08:48 PM
Which they probably held until their contract was up on the banner ads.
are we surprised by this? by Cedar_Room	Aug 8th, 2008 01:09:13 PM
aren't all documentaries focusing on real people in "real life" situations fundamentally bullshit? No real life situation has you followed around by a camera crew. The whole thing is fundamentally unreal. As for this film - sounds like something you'd see on MTV i.e. something I wouldn't watch on MTV.
My local "alternative" free paper had the same reaction. by OBSD	Aug 8th, 2008 01:14:27 PM
So Ms. DuPont isn't the only one. I almost wished they had gone super-meta on this one. Show the "scene" and then show the director, via hidden camera, manipulate the "spontaneous" scene several times. Like a guerilla documentary of this "documentary".
Just great by MJDeViant	Aug 8th, 2008 01:15:40 PM
"Reality" has already ruined TV and now it comes to the movies. If you went to high school then why would you even need to see this? If you watch MTV why would you even need to see this? All they run is crap like this. I swear, media in general has been falling ever since "The 'Real' World" aired. People, they're the worst....
OBSD by LaserPants	Aug 8th, 2008 01:22:11 PM
I like your idea.
Kids are manipulative as shit by Garbageman33	Aug 8th, 2008 01:22:58 PM
Generally, they can get their parents to do anything they want. You don't think that maybe, just maybe they could manipulate a camera crew the same way. Let's face it, these kids could portray themselves however they wanted. The bitchy girl probably saw "Mean Girls" one too many times and thought it'd be cool to be the Rachel McAdams character. As for Hannah, I loved the part where she refused to come out of her room all week, and yet, she had no problem letting in the camera crew. Yeah, that's pretty realistic.
did I miss something? by Datascream	Aug 8th, 2008 01:25:05 PM
but I thought this chick "retired". Does she just come back all the time too keep herself relevant?
I LOVE this review... (everything I was afraid of) by TheSeeker7	Aug 8th, 2008 01:30:55 PM
After reading over the main story of this film in the latest Entertainment Weekly issue, I was getting the same sort of vibe from this whole enterprise that Alexandra is now spelling out, so I'm glad to see I was possibly on the right track. Plus, I find it very interesting that her (even spoilery) review tells NOTHING about the "Heartthrob" kid Mitch, and yet all the marketing I've seen for the doc (including the EW piece) is selling this like it tells 5 main stories equally, not 4. Finally, I loved the link to the article on the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl", it had never occurred to me how rampant such a thing is in films, and yes, it seems like Hannah is getting sold as just another one of these.
Does the Jock look like the Nerd to anyone else? by Squashua	Aug 8th, 2008 01:33:54 PM
Man, that basketball guy has a lot of hornet nests in his video game dungeon.
TheSeeker7... by Alexandra.DuPont	Aug 8th, 2008 01:35:13 PM
Mitch isn't in the film NEARLY as much as the marketing suggests. He starts dating Hannah late in the film. Total supporting character. I think they just needed someone to round out that "Breakfast Club" poster (and BTW, Mitch is NOTHING like Judd Nelson's character).
CecilBenedict... by Alexandra.DuPont	Aug 8th, 2008 01:36:46 PM
... There's a big difference between making an honest documentary and making a reality-TV show that BILLS itself as an honest documentary. I'll leave it at that.
Squashua... by Alexandra.DuPont	Aug 8th, 2008 01:38:58 PM
That was a photo error. Herc just fixed it for me.
"You dumb bitch". by Garbageman33	Aug 8th, 2008 01:41:12 PM
That's a great phrase to throw into your argument, Cecil. It really increases your credibility. In fact, Pauline Kael used to use that phrase all the time. You dumb bitch this and you dumb bitch that. And that's why she's considered the preeminent film critic of all time. Nobody called other critics a dumb bitch like Pauline Kael did.
Well thanks for chiming in, Alexandra by TheSeeker7	Aug 8th, 2008 01:41:15 PM
And the thing about Mitch, now mind you, I'm a guy who has the capacity to recognize when another guy is very good looking, but honestly, this "Heartthrob" looked to me like a significantly less attractive version of the Cedric Diggory character from Harry Potter. And ok, this is more of a sidenote, but in that EW article, the main "current" photo they published of Hannah (where she was at this cast get together eating at a table with Mitch) was quite disgusting, the cameras flashed as she was literally in mid-chew and had bits of food falling from her mouth because she was laughing so hard. ewwww.
"The idea that documentaries can be completely objective is..." by grungies	Aug 8th, 2008 01:41:37 PM
"conceptually retarded." -Werner Herzog I'm paraphrasing here, but that's the jist.
Also in the EW article, regarding the marketing... by TheSeeker7	Aug 8th, 2008 01:45:20 PM
Something that Hannah was quite upset about -- apparently for their respective summers in LA, each of the kids were apparently made to drive around in a car given to them that's got posters for the film plastered all over its sides. No joke. Are you kidding me? Fuck, I would've relied on public transportation before I ever stepped foot in such an embarrassment.
Alexandra by Squashua	Aug 8th, 2008 01:47:19 PM
Well, someone's gotta point those out. Stupid documentarian; couldn't buy that kid some damn ProActive.
Teen agers suck by MJohnson	Aug 8th, 2008 01:52:33 PM
Next.
Wow, a new Dupont review every week! by Nasty In The Pasty	Aug 8th, 2008 02:02:32 PM
Along with Mori, she's been consistently the best reviewer on this site, offering honest, frequently funny attacks on movies (even the lame elements of good movies like Dark Knight). Good to see you back, Alexandra!
Thanks for the HEADS UP... by hollywoodsummers	Aug 8th, 2008 02:05:29 PM
I was curious about it but now going to skip this one. I can't stand anything that even resembles THE HILLS.
Best review I've read here in months. by theredtoad	Aug 8th, 2008 02:06:12 PM
Because it's true.
This Entertainment Weekly feature on 'American Teen'.... by Alexandra.DuPont	Aug 8th, 2008 02:06:27 PM
... kind of confirms a lot of things I suspected: 'Lights! Camera! High School!' http://tinyurl.com/6sauuu
I've read a few negative reviews by Larry of Arabia	Aug 8th, 2008 02:07:34 PM
NPR, for example, goes after it for the exact reasons Ms. DuPont does here. Compare this film to some of the great Teen documentaries like the perfect "Hoop Dreams" or near perfect "Jesus Camp." Those are real movies about kids just doing their thing. Christ, this one shot of a girl alone thinking by a picnic table in "Jesus Camp" is far more real than this could ever hope to be. Go further and compare it to other documentaries about normal people. "Harlan County, USA," the more recent "the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" or "The Bridge." In ever one the camera is an aferthought. There is one, or maybe two following people around or getting their shots. In this film there are so many they can get just the right angle, or they choose to recreate something that happens so it looks good. These kids are so, so aware that they are stars they use it to get girls, shame others, and choke under the pressure. I wonder if the movie reviewers have ever seen the latter years of Real World or Survivor where everyone learned that to get screen time they needed to play a "type." That's whats going on. Meghan knows that the stars of the reality show are the mean ones. There is a damn good movie to be made of this material if she had bothered to be invisible or go deeper instead of surrounding her kids with so many cameras that they were conspicuous. It's a wasted opportunity.
Thank you ADP... by MCVamp	Aug 8th, 2008 02:09:57 PM
I got the bad vibe during the trailer and you have validated every bit of it. Why didn't they call it "My So-Called Documentary"?
This whole reality TV thing... by OBSD	Aug 8th, 2008 02:15:04 PM
I hate all reality TV. Although my girlfriend makes me watch Project Rungay, I still hate the idea that between endless remakes and reality television we have no creativity left in our entertainment anymore. What's funny is that there were two "prophetic" films that came out right before the reality craze hit: Series 7 and The Truman Show. So here's the question: Now that reality has been a staple for over 10 years, which film better describes the future of reality television, the gameshow for murder like in Series 7, or a man whose entire life is secretly filmed for the enjoyment of the rest of the world, like in The Truman Show?
Affirmation by RenoNevada2000	Aug 8th, 2008 02:18:12 PM
Thank god I'm not the only one who didn't like the staginess of this film. Honestly, with the long shots of the kids looking sadly into the sunset, etc., I thought I was watching freakin' Dawson's Creek.
Evil O'Reilly? by Cash907	Aug 8th, 2008 02:20:21 PM
He's not evil honey, he's irish. We like to shout sometimes, it's kinda our thing. The most bill is gonna do is call bullshit on this movie the exact same way you did. While the director isn't as tasteless and evil as that fat bastard Moore tearing apart an old man with Alzheimers for the sake of his film, she did jump the shark, and showed poor judgement on multiple levels.
great review ADP by Tarl_Cabot	Aug 8th, 2008 02:22:02 PM
My friend's wife, who's now over 40, wants a baby...but she doesn't want a teenager.Hmmmm...
Evil and Irish... by OBSD	Aug 8th, 2008 02:23:11 PM
aren't mutually exclusive.
Bias... by WS	Aug 8th, 2008 02:28:26 PM
All documentaries are biased, because the film-makers have a point of view and they're naturally going to express that point of view through the choices they make during editing...however, there's a big difference between being biased and being a fucking liar...and if anything that's being alleged against this movie is true, (that the film-makers staged scenes, provided alcohol for the kids, encouraged them to act out) then I think you have to call it what it is: exploitation.
this shouldn't be called a documentary... by im nar	Aug 8th, 2008 02:29:54 PM
awesome review, in this day and age it is virtually impossible to do any documentary on high school teenagers without them acting for the camera. kids these days grow up on "reality" tv. also andrea, overweight jonas brothers looking geeks are the trend right now. look at all the newest axe commercials. everyone looks like an chubby italian version shaggy now.
RE: OBSD by Larry of Arabia	Aug 8th, 2008 02:30:22 PM
I'd forgotten The Truman Show. Good call, but it's the flipside of what we've become. He's totally unaware of the cameras while the current subjects are 100% aware. Still, good call and a seriously great movie.
Oh, and after reading that Blank Slate article by Cash907	Aug 8th, 2008 02:39:59 PM
I think I actually like these kids. I think Jim Carrey summed it up best in "The Majestic" when asked "In what capacity were you in attendance at that young communists club?" (or some such, it's been a few years) to which he replied "As a horny young man, your honor." Most guys I knew in college that went to political rallys or clubs were there because liberal girls tend to put out more then the conservative ones. Not always, but it's a pretty general rule of thumb. Getting mad at these kids for looking at all the fervor and madness of the East and West coast, roll their eyes, and go back to trying to keep their grades up so they don't lose their scholarships and by extension their opportunities to really be something more then themselves is a pretty asinine move. The people in my life that I see changing the world aren't doing it with picket signs or political hate blogs, but rather through volunteering, educating, and just generally being decent people that affect others around them simply through their good and caring nature. And no offense, but in regards to the author of that blog, someone who is too young to remember the gas lines of the Carter administration, or the garbage strewn smog choked highways of the 70's, really has no business saying the world is going to hell in a global warming handbasket. The world we live in today is a hell of a lot more blissful then it used to be, the fact that we can get so worked up over such minutia proving that beyond a shadow of a doubt, even if it does come at a 4 dollars a gallon premium.
Don't forget Louis 19 and its remake EdTV by MCVamp	Aug 8th, 2008 02:42:12 PM
Those movies were about guys who knew they were on reality TV...and then the producers decide to spice it up.
I thought we all knew this wasn't on-the-level. by Lenny Nero	Aug 8th, 2008 02:51:53 PM
Seriously, every article talks about how false a lot of it seems. This is not news, but thanks for the review, I guess.
I hated High School the first go around.... by The Dum Guy	Aug 8th, 2008 02:53:01 PM
Why would I want to view it thru someone else's life.
ADP > Scriptgirl by DOGSOUP	Aug 8th, 2008 02:57:47 PM
In every fucking way.
I wasn' t interested in this film by #1 Zero	Aug 8th, 2008 03:04:55 PM
This is the first review I've read by DuPont and I thought it was a pretty good. I've only heard about this movie sporadically and it really didn't seem interesting at all. When it is revealed in the review that the director has a lot of connections in the NYC film scene it just made me think of this as an opportunistic movie that as the review said may give the director some cred, but is probaly mostly staged. It's as if she filmed the teenage crap and then went back to her NYC cabal and said, "Look what I just did. Isn't this important?"
yeah this sounds really sucky by Rupee88	Aug 8th, 2008 03:18:07 PM
anything that sounds too much like "reality" TV is a big turn off. Even "King of Kong" seemed a little staged when I watched it and apparently much of it was. This sounds like it takes it to the extreme. FAIL.
I'm probably not the first to mention it... by rock-me Amodeo	Aug 8th, 2008 03:21:12 PM
but I think we're going to see even more blurring of the lines between reality and documentary. Media-savvy kids indeed. What will it take to really touch the heart of those teens when they make it to adulthood? More and more shock and exploitation? I think I need to go home and hug my children.
I'd hate to see my awkard phase on film... by drewlicious	Aug 8th, 2008 03:39:19 PM
Which still continues to this day unfortunately.
Ebert called the staginess of it pretty well by strosmer	Aug 8th, 2008 03:56:25 PM
He says, "But many scenes seem suspiciously staged. Why would Megan, the "most popular" girl in school, allow herself to be photographed spreading toilet paper on a lawn and spray-painting "FAG" on the house window of a classmate? Is she really that unaware? She's the subject of disciplinary action in the film; why didn't she tell school officials that she only did it for the movie?" A documentarian is supposed to document and then find the story in the footage. Sure, the documentarian has his/her biases, even some sort of agenda in making the film, that's fine, but for fuck's sake, you don't stage anything. I'll give this one a pass, thanks.
Alexandra, you're one of the best we've got by Midnight Thud	Aug 8th, 2008 04:17:05 PM
Reading your review was like having a boil lanced that's been building up for the past few weeks since seeing this edited-to-hell film posing as a documentary. Odious as that analogy is, you honestly hit upon every egregious point I had against this film, and you're 100% in the right for bringing the context into the forefront with your review. It's been disheartening to see so many people use the words "brutally honest" and "true" for a film where the length of character's hair will shift within the span of a scene, or where elements within the film are actually digitally altered in post (you think that's the latest Zelda that Jake is playing? Nope, think again... he's not even using the right system for that... Jake was actually playing Wind Waker, but the filmmakers didn't think that was "current enough" according to him). I actually had the privilege to meet the actual subjects at an AICN brunch, and suffice to say there was a lot we learned about how much the film was cut out of context. They even omitted the fact that Hannah was EXPELLED from school. Ecstasy of truth my ASS! how does something that major end up going out the wayside? Also, Meghan's actions may not be excusable, but there's a much deeper backstory as to why she defiled Erica's reputation (note: it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment act of cruelty). Anyhow, thanks again for your review. It's been helpful... clearly there's been some PTSD on my end from this whole experience...
Alexandria's Due Points...However... by loserguy3000	Aug 8th, 2008 04:22:36 PM
Not looking to interject much here, but as I've been known to witness more than I'd like to admit, today's kiddies are indeed influenced by the boob-tube far more inconspicuously than they are by most other media. Is this film a matter of art imitating life, or life trying their best to "American Idol" their chances are stardom? I saw a commercial on the old telly the other day that (and I kid you not) had the spokesman introduce himself as "the dentist on Extreme Makeover". Anyone else remember when Monica Lewinski was the spokesperson for Jenny Craig? Its stretching 15 minutes into an entire career...yet none of which seem to have much steam. The problem with these cookie-cutter celebrities is that people expect a cookie, and not just the cut. As for Alexandria's review...I sense a bit of hostility here, to the point where it would be interesting to analyze the girls' misgivings about the whole affair. She's always struck me as the 'other' girl at pep rallies, who would rather by studying than partying. You know, the 'ugly' chick who wears glasses and is like, really smart. High school was never much fun for these people, at least that's what the thousands of television shows about 'real high-school teens' tell me. But its never fun to be on the outside looking in, when even the creamy center (that you know is bad for you) tastes much better than wheat bran. Anyway, a bit too harsh a review for someone who seems to think that all high school runs along the same cultural track. Sure video cameras make us act differently (and should), but how are video cameras any different than the decades of Yearbook Photos that we're used to? Anyone ever look back at their old books and wonder "what were they thinking?" That's what touch-ups and re-touching are for. That's why we dress up real nice for professional shots, or for job interviews. We put on airs, we create a fiction to help us remember what sets a day apart from any other. High school is high school...most of us were lucky to survive the artificial pressure that our grown-up selves would laugh at now, just as pre-schoolers are terrified of the big, nasty slide in the playground. Its this process of learning that makes life just so damn good, and unfortunately all too often corrupted by the entertainment elite. So this film is fake...who cares? So was Dawson's Creek, My So Called Life, and any number of supposedly 'fresh and raw' high school drama. But they're real enough to someone who created them. That's how it works, and that's how it will always work. For my vote, The Wonders Years is the best-ever school show. Anyone agree?
p.s. about documentaries by loserguy3000	Aug 8th, 2008 04:24:59 PM
Hey Guys, just wanted to add a little something-something. Since when are you all even surprised that a documentary can be 'staged' yet sold as real? Aren't we living in a world that gives away Academy Awards and such to Michael Moore and funds Bill Maher? Hell, even Ben Stein wants a piece of that sweet, sweet pie. You want to know the 'best' documentary I've seen in years? The King of Kong...seriously. I know its a bit manipulated, but damn it was fun! Peace out.
Albert Brooks had it right by ballyhoo	Aug 8th, 2008 04:27:13 PM
All the BS regarding the idea of "capturing real life as it happens" is right there in 1979's Real Life.
If only Heisenberg had known... by DarthCorleone	Aug 8th, 2008 04:29:57 PM
...that the Uncertainty Principle would one day be analogized and see its most popular application through the fakery of reality television and "documentaries."
American Teen: Inglewood vs. Whittier by conspiracy	Aug 8th, 2008 04:30:58 PM
Now THAT, would be worth watching! Probably better action scenes than a dozen Rambos! Best of all they do their own stunts and no special effects. Why? Cuz they ain't PUNKS..them fuckers use REAL bullets!
It's a matter of degree... by DarthCorleone	Aug 8th, 2008 04:35:08 PM
Y'all claiming that "all" documentaries are bullshit and thus this isn't a valid critique are full of it. There are obviously degrees of how involved the filmmaker gets involved with his subject. Take a look at something like Hoop Dreams, and then take a look at something like The Hills. As far as I'm concerned, the first clue that a "documentary" has crossed the line is when a scene obviously has the camera coverage that could only be caught via staging. The Hills is loaded with that.
And by the way... by DarthCorleone	Aug 8th, 2008 04:39:41 PM
...you're not a genuine high school "loner" if you're getting dates. What a load of crap.
She's Back. Again. Kind of Like Favre... by KosherWookie	Aug 8th, 2008 04:41:47 PM
...She knows how to use up goodwill and make herself unwelcome. More of her snotty, supercilious and overly-referential prose... Just what I need! Will you PLEASE JUST STAY AWAY, you self-important self-indulgent hack! Don't you have a boyfriend, girlfriend or in fact any friend at all that you can inflict yourself upon? Does nobody at the Pizza Hut listen to you babble? Can't you pay a hoimeless guy five bucks to pretend he's listening to you instead of irritating the rest of us?
Horrible Review by Turd Furgeson	Aug 8th, 2008 04:45:39 PM
Really bad... I keep giving her a chance to get better and figure out what her style is but all her reviews are just terrible.. I gave her a pass after that aweful TDK review but this is quite possibly the worst review i've ever read. Just because you were still in high school less than 5 years ago, you're not an expert on the high school experience.
Also, the idea to do a film in the vein of American Teen and Sym by Midnight Thud	Aug 8th, 2008 04:45:47 PM

authenticity on documentaries by mutombo	Aug 8th, 2008 04:46:41 PM
OK; this discussion is as long as documentaries exist. What are the limits a documentary filmmaker can go to tell his story? Some filmmakers want ZERO involvement in the world, being the perfect fly on the wall. Most filmmakers change at least something; go stand there, take this out of the shot, can you repeat that last sentence because a plane flew over, etc. Then some filmmakers stage things their subjects don't know anything about, ie: this wedding is piss boring but won't be if I pull the fire alarm. Documentary filmmakers seek story as much as fiction filmmakers do. I don't really care if a filmmakers stages their stuff or not, and it's futile to keep thinking about the authenticity of everything when watching a film. It's about the authenticity of the story that makes something a documentary, and when that's in jeopardy then the doc's in danger. Sorry for this long post, just wanted to point out this very point is THE arbitrary point and THE 'vision' about documentaries that is in dire need for change, especially with the whole 'youtube authenticity' used in fiction films like cloverfield and such.
by Midnight Thud	Aug 8th, 2008 04:46:46 PM
American Teen as done in the vein of Symbiopsychotaxiplasm Take 1 would be pure gold. I can't wait to see that!
regarding my post by mutombo	Aug 8th, 2008 04:48:47 PM
i didn't make a fucking point and i guess that's my point.
thanks for updating the bibliography alexandra by greenstyle92	Aug 8th, 2008 04:58:48 PM
haven't read this review just yet, but as a fan I'm happy to see the bibliography is up to date.
The DuPont Bibliography... by KosherWookie	Aug 8th, 2008 05:08:22 PM
...Or, as the rest of us refer to it: BOOKS THIS SNOTTY KID HAS HER NOSE STUCK IN WHEN SHE SHOULD INSTEAD BE MAKING SURE SHE DIDN'T FORGET THE TWO-LITER BOTTLE OF SODA THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SENT WITH MY PIZZA.
Makes me think of Storytelling by djbmike81	Aug 8th, 2008 05:10:30 PM
The whole time reading this I could only think of the non-fiction segment of Todd Solondz's movie, Storytelling.
I"m from Indiana so I'll see it by jccalhoun	Aug 8th, 2008 05:20:16 PM
I also interviewed for a teaching job at Warsaw high school about 10 years ago so I will also see it. regarding being apolitical. It is Indiana. Indiana has gone Republican in every presidential election since 1964. The presidential candidates from both parties regularly ignore us for "battleground" states (although wouldn't there be more battleground states if you campaigned in more of them?). So it doesn't really do much to inspire anyone here to feel as if their vote matters. No matter who I vote for the Republican candidate will win Indiana by a landslide.
Craptastic. by Uncle Stan	Aug 8th, 2008 05:33:09 PM

jccalhoun by cesaria	Aug 8th, 2008 05:47:19 PM
indiana represent! i'm from fort wayne, but have visited warsaw many a time.
"...dorks who look like overfed, under-exercised Jonas Brothers. by Sir Loin	Aug 8th, 2008 06:03:46 PM
LOL. Quote of the YEAR, my friends! Extremely well-thought-out review, too. May your awesomeness never be equalled, Ms DuPont :D
...and FAST TIMES did it better anyway by Sir Loin	Aug 8th, 2008 06:10:06 PM
back in 1982, when I was in 8th grade. That film made me really wonder what I was in for the following year in high school, yikes.
"American "White" Teen!" by smackfu	Aug 8th, 2008 06:28:54 PM
While I'm sure it may seem a little 'politically incorrect' to some to not have a minority represented, it actually gives me a bit of hope for humanity that it's still possible to produce a reality show, or show in general, without any tokens. Sorry if that offends you, but when say...CBS is casting a Big Brother or Survivor or whatever, they don't just happen to land a black guy, black girl gay dude and a grizzled old man with hidden wisdom by accident. Those are REQUIRED casting choices, because if they don't have a black guy and girl in the house the show is racist, and if they don't have an old geezer they're prejudiced against the elderly, and if they don't have a gay guy they're homophobic. It's basically affirmative action for tv, and it disturbs me that producers are so on eggshells about upsetting groups with 'vocal' representation that we're all not allowed to upset, heaven forbid, that they make casting decisions based on these fears. Affirmative action for tv. Always makes me wonder how many great actors/contestants we may be missing because there were 3-4 slots on the show that were reserved for political correctness sake. "Oh, you're great, damn I really wish we could cast you, but there are only 2 spots left and if we don't give them to black people we'll be in hot water with a lot of people."
But....... by Loosejerk	Aug 8th, 2008 06:39:21 PM
were there blood stains on Megan's pillow?
Attn: OBSD and anyone that is sick of reality TV by Jabroni	Aug 8th, 2008 06:47:28 PM
Hey OBSD! There is a great film much older than The Truman Show. It's a great Albert Brooks comedy from I think 1979 called "Real Life". This movie was made in 1979 and despite the clothes and hairstyles the theme is EXACTLY what we are seeing with reality shows these days. Anyone on this board that wants to see a real prediction of TV in the future should check out Albert Brooks "Real Life" it's funny now because we can all relate, I am sure it was funny then because people would never dream TV would go so far. Check it out!
Damn It Alex, Get On The Ball!!! by KosherWookie	Aug 8th, 2008 06:52:57 PM
Stop blathering about the minutiae of pop culture like some irritating Kevin Smith wannabe and get back to work! Customers are stacking up and the Twisty Bread isn't gonna make itself!!!
Rent Kirby Dick's "Chain Camera" instead. by themikejonas	Aug 8th, 2008 07:00:44 PM
Said it before, I'll say it again.
BRAVO! Fuckin Great Review! by jah_kingdom	Aug 8th, 2008 07:13:22 PM
I love the way she dissected the film and called bullshit but I also respect the way she backed it up with thoughtful insight and questions regarding authenticity. BRAVO!
necgray by smackfu	Aug 8th, 2008 07:14:43 PM
FYI, there are 4 people in charge of casting Big Brother. All are 30s-40s, 2 are women. I could only find pictures of 2 of them, and one of those was Darren Toon. I'm not sure what he is, but he's not white. So yeah, you kind of have your foot in your mouth there. Your whole arguement is based on an assumption that's not true, so I guess it's pretty much without merit. What I'm saying, what most people against affirmative action say, which for some INCREDIBLY ironic reason no minorities seem to grasp, is that making casting choices that are consciously based on race, IS RACIST. I'm not saying I want an all white cast, you racist conclusion-drawing fuck. My complaint applies just as equally to a scenario where say, 5 asian people are really great, off the wall candidates, and they don't make the show because there are 'race slots' that are to be filled by, yes, a specific number of white people, a specific number of black people, 1-2 old people, a gay guy, and room for maybe ONE asian. And just for the sake of curiosity, do you believe shows in Africa should always have 1-2 white people in the main cast? Are you outraged if they don't? Probably not. I wonder why? Perhaps you can think about that for a while.
"something I'd expect to see dumped on PBS" by oisin5199	Aug 8th, 2008 07:43:17 PM
except for there was a show on PBS almost exactly like this that was actually pretty good and, I felt, pretty honest, and didn't seem manipulative. It was called American High, and I can't believe more people haven't called 'ripoff!' It was so good that Fox cancelled it because it was more like a documentary than a reality show and it finished its run on PBS. It was even filmed in a Chicago suburb, and students were actually given cameras, so it was totally aware of how teenagers 'perform' for the cameras and made that a point. The American High folk should also be calling bullshit about this movie.
Hey Alexandra DuWhore - I'll answer these questions for you by geraldbeans	Aug 8th, 2008 08:10:53 PM
Before anyone cries plant, look at my posting history. I've been posting for 3 years. Now, I'll answer your questions. a) So she edited the footage to cut out all the unnecessary bullshit and focus the story. How is this a crime? *** b) So is she supposed to find an Amish town where all the high school kids have never watched TV before? * c)Oh my god! They planned shots in a documentary!??? When is the last time that happened? Hmm, maybe... IN EVERY SINGLE DOCUMENTARY THAT'S EVER BEEN FILMED!? * d) OMG! B-roll! How could a filmmaker dare commit this sin??!! e) I don't even understand this question. * f) Beginning of the day? (gee, that one was hard) * g) I'm starting to wonder if you've ever seen a documentary before. * h) Maybe. But so what? That's the culture we live in now. The audience isn't stupid enough to at least ask the question and Bernstein clearly knew it was a possibility that they would ask. What's your solution? Have the cameramen wear camouflage? * i) Oh right, because it's not hypocritical to call certain moments too staged and then cry shock and outrage when they're genuinely following a real moment. Can't have it both ways sister. j) Because you're pushing whatever movie you hoped to see on a movie that was something else. It's about following four interesting people going through high school. It's not trying to be anything more. And in that, it succeeds tremendously. * k) Are you retarded? Seriously. Placing the moment where it was made you rethink everything you thought you knew about the girl. Oh, and by the way - EVERYTHING IN MOVIES IS MANIPULATIVE YOU STUPID BITCH. *** l) Are you honestly this dumb? Seriously. Do you know anything about marketing departments? Once the movie was bought, the marketing department tries to sell the movie to the public on its own! Bernstein had little if any say on the matter. Do me a favor, go and learn how to watch movies. Then come back and review this.
"And if he doesn't get a basketball scholarship, he doesn't go t by Pop_aristocrat	Aug 8th, 2008 08:17:30 PM
Its called student loans, guy, and its how 80% of America funds their college education. Athletic scholarships are a one in a million shot. I though families realized that college = debt ages ago. This documentary sounds more like a Disney channel cliche with every review I read.
Geraldbeans by Garbageman33	Aug 8th, 2008 08:58:53 PM
Are you the guy who called this the best documentary you ever saw? Not sure where to even begin with that one.
As a matter of fact... by DiverseNerd	Aug 8th, 2008 09:53:00 PM
somewhere in the last three to five years it DID become cool to be the pasty, shaggy(or emo) haired, quiet, videogame playing nerd. Unfortunately this came about four years too late for this nerd. It's this whole "scene kid" mentality that's breaking out like a virus amongst kids 15-19 years old. I blame bands like Paramore. And if you don't believe me, check out stickam.com or any of the "popular" videos on live.yahoo.com between 11pm-2am CST. You'll see what I mean.
huh? by geraldbeans	Aug 8th, 2008 10:32:41 PM
"When did pasty, shaggy-haired dorks who look like overfed, under-exercised Jonas Brothers start getting the girls?" - this comment doesn't even make sense. Overfed? The kid's skinny as a rail. Dare I say this statement was only made for... dramatic flair? The very thing DuWhore accuses Bernstein of. ---- And Garbageman. Give me three that are better and I'll tell you why you're wrong.
Three? by Garbageman33	Aug 8th, 2008 10:42:59 PM
As if there couldn't possibly be three documentaries that are better than this very special flashback episode of "The Hills"? But hey, since you asked, I'd love to hear your explanation of why this is better than Hoop Dreams. Or Grey Gardens. Or Crumb. I'm hoping your response contains something as insightful and witty as Alexandra DuWhore. That's brilliant stuff right there.
I agree with Alexandria!!!! by kguy1326	Aug 8th, 2008 10:55:30 PM
Well put ma'am!!!! I have seen praise for this film here, but I long suspected this film being shit. Most recent films about teens are, documentary or not. To me documentaries are supposed to make you think, inspire you, educate you, and challenge you. This movie seems like it does none of that. Well, maybe it challenges you to watch it and not hate it.
Well done ADP by reflecto	Aug 8th, 2008 10:59:58 PM
I think you have stopped me from paying for this film tomorrow.
Megan's Feet and dork make-over coming.. by hoorayforeric	Aug 8th, 2008 11:05:27 PM
How does a cute 18 yr. old girl inherit her grandma's feet of today? And expect talk shows to do a make-over on the video game guy...they'll do the transformation and with that and possilbe sub-stardom from this...he'll get some serious poon!! He'll probably get it from this movie, anyhow...and get as much of that poon as possible!! As for the text breakup...what ever happend to the good old days of breaking up over email??!!
Hoop Dreams by geraldbeans	Aug 8th, 2008 11:16:02 PM
Hoop Dreams was a good film but gets way too much credit. The film is basically lauded for its filmmakers' endurance (staying with their subjects for so long). That's admirable, but doesn't make a great documentary. But it definitely shows where we differ in opinion. The ending of that movie is such a downer with what's his name playing at the end of the Marquette bench. And I get it. That's the point. Cause it's "real". But that's why I liked this movie so much. I didn't feel like I was being taught something. I was entertained. Each person set out to achieve a goal and they achieved it. Made me happy for them. I felt good afterwards. Wow, a documentary that makes you feel good after you watch it. What a concept. I wish I could go into detail about Crumb but the documentary was forgettable enough that the only thing I remember is the brother's death. Again, way too depressing for my taste. Haven't seen Grey Gardens but the imdb listing makes it sound mildly interesting if a little quirky. I'll check it out if I can find it. --- One more thing. I don't know if you did this but people, don't compare this to The Hills. Doing so makes you look ignorant as they clearly set up scenes in that show and that is not what Bernstein does here. This director is very well respected and understands the rules of documentary filmmaking. Yes she gets some B-roll shots but honestly, every single documentary filmmaker does that these days. Are you being manipulated? Yes. But I got news for you. You're being manipulated in every single documentary you watch. Show me a documentary that doesn't edit its footage together in a way to manipulate your emotions and I will give you a million dollars.
"...pasty, shaggy-haired dorks" by TopHat	Aug 9th, 2008 12:03:59 AM
...are you talking about Jake, Alexandra? Are you saying you're GLAD you missed a high school experience where a girl (like you) had to consider a "kind of awesome", "amusingly self-aware" geek who sports some "serious sack" as much as the tall-and-tan jock or the dreamy eyed pseudo-rebel-artist? Everyone pay attention to this ...it reveals women's TRUE feelings for the "nice guy".
And another thing... by TopHat	Aug 9th, 2008 12:12:28 AM
...How about some criticism of Hannah picking idiots to pine over instead of guys like Jake. Girls like Hannah always get a free pass when they only choose to be "friends" with the nice guys. Meanwhile, they fuck pretty much everyone else around them and become deeply depressed when that sterotypical guy they fell for because he was sterotypical, ACTS sterotypically.
Fuck Ya, Slay this shitty film! Aleaxandra, hats off to you. by Stereotypical Evil Archer	Aug 9th, 2008 12:31:27 AM
Miss DuPont, you see truth; thanks for sharing and allowing us to savve our money for more $4 gasoline.
TopHat et al: I wasn't referring to Jake. by Alexandra.DuPont	Aug 9th, 2008 12:39:17 AM
The sentence "When did pasty, shaggy-haired dorks who look like overfed, under-exercised Jonas Brothers start getting the girls?" refers very specifically to a kid in the movie named, if memory serves. Mike. Mike... SPOILER ... steals Jake's girlfriend right out from under him. Because Mike committed this heinous act, I will now describe him as basically looking like a tube of cookie dough with a mop-top during a scene in which he seduces said girlfriend in a swimming pool. That is all.
Wait... by Sidepocket	Aug 9th, 2008 01:13:14 AM
Gamer dorks can get laid now? ... When the fuck did this start to happen!?!
Hello Alexandra DuPont by Aeghast	Aug 9th, 2008 01:17:51 AM
You're my favorite AICN reviewer now :)
I'll Stick With Freaks & Geeks by Conrad Rooks	Aug 9th, 2008 02:36:14 AM
Dazed & Confused as well. I prefer my teen movies to be human. I remember high school vividly- it blew. I wasn't even someone who got the shit kicked out of him. It was just fucking boring. Everyday, I thank the-fuck-Christ I grew up and escaped. So much horse shit is flung that somehow your teen years are your best and once you graduate-get a gun, Kiddo, cause you'll wanna blow your brains out. Now, these little S.O.B.'s practically run the fucking country. Can't even go to the movies without Miley Cyrus shilling for Penney's. Teenagers always think the world revolves around them, but now that we're shoving cameras in their faces, they think that's concrete evidence. Well, I obsctruct in the face of the stupidity. Being an adult is wonderful for the freedoms I enjoy. I'd rather pay taxes than have to sit in a goddamn study hall. Hey, Hollywood: How about movies for adults? We'll pay if you make 'em. The kids aren't the only ones with money. Fuck teenagers (except the ones that have half-a-brain ala Sam Weir.)
If it's all being documented... by Orionsangels	Aug 9th, 2008 03:18:58 AM
then why should Erica care what Megan does to her. Since it's all being captured for the world to see. Megan is a fucking evil bitch! We're on your side Erica.
jccalhoun (re: Indiana) by eXcommunicated	Aug 9th, 2008 03:25:04 AM
I live in Fort Wayne dude. Have you been paying attention to the polls lately, bro? Obama is ahead. RealClearPolitics (a Right-leaning site) is calling Indiana for Obama so far. Stay tuned.
Dupont, your reviews are a fun read by Nickytea	Aug 9th, 2008 04:10:40 AM
but the opinions and observations always tend to be heavy on your intuitive responses and well-spoken verse, rather than solid analysis.
"Nightmare on American-Teen Street." by bobbyjoe	Aug 9th, 2008 05:03:16 AM
HERE'S how they should do the next "Nightmare on Elm Street." The film begins as some obviously way-too-"Hills" documentary like "American Teen." But suddenly weird shit starts happening and all the whiny teen angst-y storylines start turning into horror scenarios. By the end of the film we realize it's Freddie making the documentary inside everyone's nightmares. Actually, they could just re-shoot the second half of "American Teen," and there you go.
Geraldbeans by Garbageman33	Aug 9th, 2008 06:12:18 AM
Oh, so you only like happy documentaries. In that case, may I suggest March of the Penguins. It has some really cute, cuddly penguins in it. By the way, the reason The Hills comparison is apt is that the director of this "documentary" clearly reshot some scenes. You can tell by a lack of continuity in hairstyles and backgrounds. I'm not saying those scenes were staged, I'm just saying she clearly did another "take" to make sure she got what she needed to tell her story. But you're right, it all ended on a happy note. And really, geraldbeans, isn't that what documentary filmmaking is all about?
What do you mean The Office isn't real?!!? by Larry Sellers	Aug 9th, 2008 08:18:39 AM

I'd never in a million years watch this tripe by Itchy	Aug 9th, 2008 08:50:41 AM
, as teenagers are boring, self-indulgent, turds and make me want to puke, but based on everything I've seen and read, I wouldn't mind subourning that Hannah chick into the exciting world of internet porn.
Thank you for confirming what I already suspected. by rbatty024	Aug 9th, 2008 09:13:59 AM
It's about time someone gave this film the drubbing it deserved. I don't know why the AICN guys have been sucking up to this film for months now. Hopefully this is the final chapter when it comes to American Teen (read: bored, privileged, white kids).
Ahhh, my apologies then, Alexandra... by TopHat	Aug 9th, 2008 09:43:49 AM
...but, was there any moment where Hannah could of chosen Jake? Were they friends? How could she get to know Mitch and not Jake? Damn our society! Jake deserves Hannah! Now Hannah's in film school falling for some guy who has Chinese characters tattoos and wears black-rim glasses who really "gets" the "metaphors" in Sam Fuller movies.
"Now Hannah's in film school falling for some guy who has Chines by Alexandra.DuPont	Aug 9th, 2008 11:09:57 AM
Ha! I don't recall that it's even clear that Jake and Hannah know each other.
Had me up until "hate crime" by ZombieHunter	Aug 9th, 2008 12:04:16 PM
So fucking lame. It's either a crime or it's not. To say it's even more of a crime because it's against an individual who thinks they deserves special rights and laws is just asking for it.
The reaction to American Teen by The_Fredo	Aug 9th, 2008 12:22:04 PM
may turn out to be far more interesting than the movie itself. Everywhere I've seen or heard a review of it, there's a major split between those who loved this movie and those who despised it. And both sides seem to take very personally the other's existance. I can't remember the last movie to do that. Passion of the Christ? Matrix Reloaded? Fight Club?
I support Alexandra by oisin5199	Aug 9th, 2008 01:07:28 PM
because I think she actually knows how to write and be intelligently critical, unlike many of the reviewers here, and certainly unlike the majority of talkbackers. Especially geraldbeans who couldn't state his opinion without being a total sexist asshole and using phrases like 'stupid bitch' and Alexandra 'duwhore.' So clever, you. Would you have been so condescending if it was a man reviewing it? Fucking prick.
I SUPPORT THE WRITERS ON THIS ONE by ironic_name	Aug 9th, 2008 01:31:00 PM

that J.C.penny commercial by Zozma	Aug 9th, 2008 01:31:31 PM
pisses me off
This is all well and good, Alexandra, by kevshindig	Aug 9th, 2008 01:46:26 PM

but.... by kevshindig	Aug 9th, 2008 01:47:05 PM
where's the review of "Crystal Skulls"?
whatever by geraldbeans	Aug 9th, 2008 01:49:24 PM
March of the Penguins may have been one of the worst documentaries I've ever seen. The reason I liked this was because it was good AND had a happy ending. All this stuff about reshooting scenes - stop being vague and give me specifics. When? Where? I know Bernstein admitted to reshooting stuff but what does that mean? That could mean she went back and got establishing shots of the town. Instead of vague IMDB rumors from disgruntled Warsaw kids who didn't make the final cut, give me some cold hard facts. Hairstyles being different? Where? What scene in particular? What were the circumstances? Did these "reshoots" (if that's what they were) manipulate the truth and tell a false story? Did she put lines into her subject's mouths that they would never say? Give me some facts and stop speculating from the tired obvious story that comes out after every good documentary ("IT WAS ALL STAGED!") I mean seriously, find a new story --- To people who haven't seen this movie. I understand that it's AICN tradition to form an opinion about a movie you've never seen (I'll be the first to admit that I'm guilty of this) do not avoid this because of this girl's review. While she's able to come up with some wild whippersnappers and witty quips, her analysis on this movie is dead wrong. She wanted to see American Teen - the Bowling For Columbine version. This is not that. But it's an excellent look at four very interesting people with simple dreams. As an explanation for why "The Hills" analysis is way off, I would rather skin myself alive than watch The Hills. That's how much I hate that show and everything it stands for. And I loved this movie. Go figure.
Thanks by trotsky37	Aug 9th, 2008 02:59:37 PM
Thanks for calling bullshit on this movie. I wanted to call bullshit on it just because in my gut i felt like the audience was being played like a piano. I know documentaries haven't been doing well this past year at the box office so by trying to play on people's nostalgia for high school and seeing themselves up there on the screen in one of the kids's personas they think they can turn this into a hit while playing it off as a documentary.
kevshindig... by Alexandra.DuPont	Aug 9th, 2008 03:11:50 PM
... I might sneak a mini-"Crystal Skull" review into a writeup of "Clone Wars." But here's the really short version I sent to a couple of people who e-mailed me with the same question: Saw it once, and kind of liked it. Thought the warehouse opening was semi-cool. Didn't hate the action scenes. Thought Ford was more energetic than he's been in years. Found Shia more tolerable than expected, etc. Wasn't knocked out of my seat by any stretch, but it wasn't the horror show I was fearing (except for that bit with the monkeys). Then I saw it a second time, and REALLY found myself wanting to apologize for kind of liking it the first time. IMO, its pleasures are very thin, and its problems (passive characters, smiley Marion, too many characters, tepid action, monkeys) get very, very pronounced on a second viewing. I recommend giving the Darabont draft of "Indy 4" a read, if you're interested in what might have been. It's far from perfect, but it nails the Marion/Indy relationship in a way "Crystal Skull" can barely imagine, and there are a couple of insane action set-pieces. Also, no Mutt. So I guess I'm ambivalent-to-disappointed. It's a movie that passes up a lot of opportunities to develop an idea into something with bite, there are a couple of nice bits and a lot of stupid jokes, and ultimately it struck me as a movie in which a bunch of people walk around looking at stuff until they finally walk up to something that spins and flies away.
I just save eight bucks by reading this. by Kurutteru Yatsu	Aug 9th, 2008 04:34:12 PM
DuPont, don't leave again. We need more of this kind of review. Also, geraldbeans is clearly the JackNanceRevenge to the director's ScriptGirl, and ZombieHunter is a frustrated white man who think the mynoroteez and the homo queers are what's ruining this country, thank god for real Americans like Hannity and Dubya, ayup. shudder
okay sure by geraldbeans	Aug 9th, 2008 05:07:33 PM
yatsu, keep forming opinions about movies you've never seen because some internet persona you have a crush on gives a review long on style and short on substance - the very thing she criticizes this movie for being. if that doesn't clue you in that she's the embodiment of hypocrisy, I don't know what will. --- I'll say it again people. Write whatever you want here about how bad you think the movie will be. But I'll bet my left ass cheek that you'll enjoy it more than any movie that's out right now. That's a guarantee. Again, yell and scream at me all you want cause I'm a dick. But keep that in mind when you're choosing what to see this weekend. You'll end up thanking me.
geraldbeans by Zozma	Aug 10th, 2008 12:11:21 AM
nonononononononononoNONONONONo NOnONoNoNONo
no crush by trotsky37	Aug 10th, 2008 02:26:19 AM
yes thank you gerald beans. we all have crushes on blogger just because she is female even though some of us don't even know what she looks like and could be a 55 year old 300 pound shut in. Not because American Teen set off our full of shit detectors and we were getting sick of all the praise and fawning this film has been getting in the media and certain quarters of the film community.
zomza by geraldbeans	Aug 10th, 2008 02:54:43 AM
thank you. I also say "no x 100" to this review. Trotsky, I also find it strange that this girl has never revealed what she looks like. I actually sense that the reason she doesn't like this film is probably because the girl she most easily identifies with (the artsy girl) is a lot more attractive than her. Either way, bullshit detectors on a film desperately trying to get noticed in a sea of films with 100x the marketing budgets when you have no clue yourself if the film is any good or not isn't exactly the best way to judge a film. I mean, I guess if your cup of tea is The Mummy Returns (again) and National Treasure 8, then you're right. You won't enjoy this. But if you like any good cinema at all, you'll like this movie. For every review like 300 pound gorilla woman's here, you'll find another gushing over it. Don't believe me? Go to rottentomatoes and read some yourself. A lot of these people are actually really respected critics who - gasp - loved the film because they weren't expecting Schindler's List High. The kind of critics that like the same movies as you do. They can't all be wrong, right?
Are American schools really this hellish? by Giant Ape Balls	Aug 10th, 2008 08:11:45 AM

geraldbeans, you are a douche by Drunken Rage	Aug 10th, 2008 08:40:35 AM

geraldbeans - you're a caveman. by ZeroCorpse	Aug 10th, 2008 10:12:07 AM
So how a reviewer looks has something to do with the quality of their reviews? Do you not say that about male reviewers, or do you think Roger Ebert, Richard Maltin, and Gene Shallot are hotties? I'm betting it's the latter, you twat. Reality shows suck, and "documentaries" that try to look, act, and sound like reality shows are contrived pieces of crap. I'm usually the first to pick apart the positive talkback response DuPont's reviews, but you're being a douche about it, and so this time I have to side with DuPont and her supporters. This film looks like shit, and it's strictly for the under-30 crowd who were raised to think MTV's "reality" crap is quality entertainment. This is about two shades away from being "My Super Sweet Sixteen" or "The Real World".
Nice having you around so much these days, AdP. by PotSmokinAlien	Aug 10th, 2008 11:12:35 AM
Always a pleasure.
I like it when AICN has credibility. by chiahead	Aug 10th, 2008 12:54:06 PM
"it struck me as a movie in which a bunch of people walk around looking at stuff until they finally walk up to something that spins and flies away." this totally kicks my ass. Alexandra DuPont needs to write more on this site.
zerocorpse by geraldbeans	Aug 10th, 2008 01:56:59 PM
uhhhh, okay? I'm not sure what your point was there but point taken? as for this stupid MTV comparison, how do you explain that I haven't watched an MTV show in over ten years and still liked this movie? Oh wait, let me guess. Cause "you're a douche". Clever argument. Come back when you have something to say. Next.
yes, that's what I thought by geraldbeans	Aug 10th, 2008 07:48:09 PM
I will now only be engaging with people who have seen the movie. If you haven't seen the movie and you have decided it sucks because a third-rate critic on a movie website didn't like it, then you're an ignorant moron and not worth my time. I'll be happy to debate the movie with those who actually understand that which they're arguing about.
This movie sounds A LOT like a book written just a few years ago by rock-me Amodeo	Aug 11th, 2008 10:20:28 AM
It was called Living Crazy Like Fly, and it was written by Caryn Suarez, and followed the lives of four teens in Warsaw Indiana. What are the odds? Hmmm....
Hey they let ADP's review speak for by Borgnine JR	Aug 11th, 2008 11:19:16 AM
itself rather than pile a crappy fawning introduction on top of it. Good move brohans! DuPont doesn't need your hype, just a forum.
From my talkback forensics I have deduced that geraldbeans has.. by PsimonSez	Aug 11th, 2008 02:40:09 PM
...never seen any of the documentaries that garbageman posited to him. He did IMDB them and came up with ambiguous topics like, "...sad ending..." for HOOP DREAMS and "...so boring all I remember is brother dying..." from CRUMB. Get real. Yeah you have been posting for 3 years yet you act as if you know not of Ms. Dupont, our resident trustworthy reviewer who left us sometime back for greener pastures. (on that topic, do you write for Geek now Ms. Dupont? The illustrations is very similar to what is on AICN.) You come at zerocorpse with backward ass logic when he asked real questions, of which you did not respond to. I do have a real question for you: Could you please name me three documentaries that you feel are on the same level as the movie that Dupont reviewed here? And God help me if you list F is for Fake... Well since that is a good documentary you probably won't like it so I have no fear.
That's the thing, Psimonsez... by Garbageman33	Aug 11th, 2008 03:49:12 PM
According to him, nothing is on par with American Teen. It's the single greatest documentary in the history of cinema.

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Alexandra DuPont Calls Bullshit On AMERICAN TEEN!!

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