By Dave Montalbano
AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com
Eight years ago, Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 911 earned $222 million, thus becoming the highest grossing documentary of all time. It should be noted that Moore received $666 million in free public relations from the major news networks, while American troops were fighting two wars against al-Qaeda in Iraq and Afghanistan.
With far less support from the mainstream media, 2016: Obama’s America is quietly filling theater seats across the nation.
Lacking Michael Moore’s artistic flair, directors John Sullivan and Dinesh D’Souza present their case in a no nonsense style. Not trying to press emotional buttons, Sullivan and D’Souza challenge the intelligence of the ticket buyers.
The first half of this film provides a good history lesson for people not familiar with the malaise of Jimmy Carter’s presidency. The second half of the film predicts what the world could be like if Obama wins a second term on Nov. 6. One premise seems certain – that Obama’s policies are not about helping the poor, but stripping the wealthy.
Michael Moore and his sycophants are not likely to watch 2016: Obama’s America, but those seeking an informed opinion may want to catch this flick at a matinee price. When the film concluded, people applauded. While the credits rolled, a man shouted “Vote Romney” and the Monday afternoon crowd applauded again.
Despite some amazing blockbuster performances from Marvel’s The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises, the summer of 2012 will be remembered for the loss of many fine actors with connection to South Florida: Ben Gazzara, Ernest Borgnine, Celeste Holm and G-Star teacher Ron Palillo, best known for his work on Welcome Back, Kotter.
The latest loss is Michael Clarke Duncan. Best known for his Oscar-nominated performance in The Green Mile, Michael was a big man with a basso profundo voice utilized for many television commercials and animated features, most notably Brother Bear and both Kung Fu Panda movies.
Like a big kid, Michael loved being associated with action movies, especially comic book adaptations like Sin City and Daredevil. These roles made Michael more approachable to children. While receiving his award from the 2004 Palm Beach International Film Festival, Michael visited Palm Beach schools and encouraged students, “You can do anything.”
