FeistyUpper
If you don't like this, we can't be friends.
Megamind
To all those who have watched it: I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do.
Voxitype
Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.
DKosty123
"I hate Bush" is a one liner that should have closed out of town a long time ago. It is prevalent in this film which does not hide it's plot at all.The thing is that the roles in this film, the idea behind the film, & the concept are all very tired. In fact, it amazes me that this movie was made at all. There is nothing very creative in the film & nothing constructive in the film to challenge the viewer to a brain match with a nitwit. There do seem to be many nitwits in this one.The cast & acting are OK though the film done on a limited budget shows that shoe string. This is one of the later efforts to cash in on an issue that was showing lame duck status well before 2007.Canadian people ought to be glad this one is so worn out as they are not well depicted in this movie. Good thing this is a period film because as most folks are aware, some periods get over & are forgotten. This period film will definitely be one of those.What is really interesting is that now that Bush has left, so have all the war protesters, yet the war continues. Of course it is no longer called a war,& there are no protests. Guess that means these folks can move back from Canada?
very_soggy_cornflakes
The people who ripped into the movie for portraying a one-dimensional Canada or taking potshots at Bush are missing the point.Canada as a locale in the movie is merely a convenient shorthand-- it could have been Mexico or the UK or Australia, the point is that it's a foreign country. Calling 'Blue State' "anti-Canadian propaganda" is a bit like calling South Park's portrayal of egghead Canadians "anti-Canadian propaganda".And, it may be just me, but I felt that 'Blue State' pokes more fun at the Democrat zealot than of Dubya-- for a considerable portion of the movie, and when he's on tirade-mode, it seems to me that John is portrayed as a sad, almost ridiculous figure.That aside, the leads are believable and exhibit romantic chemistry, and make their characters likable. Especially Breckin Meyer-- as written, John is a self-important, uptight person for most of the film, but Meyer imbues his character with humanity.Overall a mild political satire and competent, heartfelt romantic road trip.
Jeff_Hayford
Eager to tell a story certain aspects of the plot and characters can take a back seat to a film's desire to push the plot.The film was successful, however, I feel like proper pacing and better character development would have helped.The political rhetoric, name and fact dropping get old after a while mostly because their analysis is only surface deep. A desire for more thought provoking facts could have helped validate the hero's desire.Overall acting felt tense and awkward which made the craft more noticeable and made it difficult to let go of the actor's fame.It's a unique film in it's story and arguably would have been better in a more independent circuit or with less known actors. An overall style or unique artifact was desired and severely missed.
jpolny08
I saw this movie at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2007. I think it won the audience award there. The atmosphere in the theater was electric (Anna Paquin, the director and producer were all there). It is a really great movie. I walked out of the theater feeling uplifted by the experience and in a better mood for it. Not only are the performances spot on (I think this is some of Anna Paquin's best work), but the movie manages the rare feat of being both funny, warm and thought-provoking at the same time. I would describe it as part road movie, part romantic comedy - with some acute political commentary thrown in for good measure. This is not, however, a movie that preaches its politics. The (few) political points it does make are balanced and more importantly very funny. The portrayal of Canadians and Americans view of them is hilarious. It's out on DVD and on netflix, etc. so go ahead and see it. You won't regret it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
