Freedom Fries: And Other Stupidity We'll Have to Explain to Our Grandchildren (2005)

Documentary. A thought-provoking and (thanks to "Rev." Billy) gospelacious examination of what happens when would-be patriots promote cheap words and empty symbolism instead of courage, character, and meaningful sacrifice in an effort to bring about real change. Without taking political sides, this film starts by comparing the Freedom Fries brouhaha and other Bush administration pettiness with historic events of real social and political symbolism (Boston Tea Party, World War II victory gardens and industrialization, Rosa Parks bus boycott) and proposes what it would take to become truly oil independent. Instead, our society's version of living free has now become reckless and conspicuous consumerism: Shop, travel, spend, and buy gas-guzzling SUVs to adorn the bumper with a Support Our Troops bumper sticker. What ever happened to previous generations' version of living free: Save, invest, spend conservatively, buy locally? How about giving up gas-powered vehicles for a year like Rosa Parks and her compatriots gave up riding the bus for a year? Excellent food for thought. I really liked this documentary and its production values. It showed integrity in the accuracy of its presenting of the corporate side of things as well as a lot of inventiveness in its spoofs of corporate behemoths like Starbucks, Wal-Mart, etc. Almost one-third of the movie was filled with "Rev." Billy's preachin' an' a-prayin' -- some may think him a buffoon but he and his "congregation" at the Church of Stop Shopping have the evangelistic schtick down pat and I think their gospel music is great! Change-eluia! Don't miss the iPod ad parodies called iRaq during the closing credits. 4.5 stars.