Dynamixor
The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.
Tobias Burrows
It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.
Gary
The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.
santiagocosme
Documentaries are very smartly done these days. They know how to really come up with a flashy name, they add a few famous people in the credits (although they happen to be just the narrator), they create tension in their story telling it as if it was a movie, and the result is that you spend an hour and a half listening to things you have heard a thousand times, but they do it in a way to make it sound like it's the most ground-breaking documentary ever.In this documentary about drugs, pretty much all of the above is true. You don't really learn anything new but since the subject is interesting, and you're bored on a Sunday afternoon where your only option is to stay in because the weather is awful outside, then you watch it and try to convince yourself that you just watched a compulsory viewing documentary. But nothing could be further from the truth. Time for a hit! Sorry, a nap!
jmduffy1
For a long time I've wondered about the so called war on drugs. It always seemed sort of manufactured to squeeze money out of taxpayers. This documentary confirmed my suspicions.Whoever directed this film did it with genius. I wasn't sure what to expect and watched it fairly late at night. The story is about every part of the illegal drug trade. The risks and rewards, the hypocrisy of the politicians, and ignorance of the public.If you watch it you won't be disappointed. I came into this thinking that maybe illegal drugs should have penalties reduced and perhaps some decriminalization. Not anymore. This drug war won't end until illegal drugs are legal and people are informed (especially children )about the consequences of drugs on ones life. As I child I was taught that heroin was extremely dangerous and wouldn't have thought of trying it. It wouldn't matter if it were legal or not. I know what it can lead to and have no interest in it.If you get the chance to see this film, watch it. It is one of those rare documentaries that will change your mind after you see it. If you don't think drugs should be legalized, you WATCH THIS DOCUMENTARY your mindset will be moved.
in1984
9.1 of 10. Starts out feeling like a comedy, a faux documentary, in part because of the title, but also because the opening few minutes mock the opening of any "how to get rich" or "how to be successful" TV/video nonsense. Then the alternate reality shifts into reality, but continues with the quick pace and fun attitude for what is a tragic look into the past and present of drugs.It's essentially The War on Drugs documentary for Colbert Report and Daily Show fans, maybe even South Park fans. About the only thing it does wrong is not provide enough charts and data. What it does provide are seamlessly integrated into the film. I would have also like the part on Portugual explored a little more deeply.But wait, there's more! No need for a gun, you can make money by selling drug fear too! This is more than a literal look at how to make money by selling drugs. It gets into the many different ways politicians and corporations are profiting from drug prohibition.
Richard Last
There's only one way to say it.... with a title like "How To Make Money Selling Drugs" it takes balls to put this film out on the big screen. Kudos to you!This is an issue that effects us all... your either directly related in some way or indirectly related by paying your taxes...etc. Its relevant, always has been but especially now in 2012 the election year!!I'm not going to spoil the film, but what I will say is that if you watch docs or you don't this is going to grab your attention and hold it. Yes there have been many other drug films, many! But not done like this, its high value and beautifully shot! Filled with great interviews and several celebrities that are directly influenced or effected. This is a film is worth buying. I know documentaries are becoming more and more popular but in my own opinion most of them are just plain boring, or just not visually interesting at all. This is not the case here! Right from the start, great characters, great story and very informative! A great angle on the drug war and one that felt balanced on both sides. There are some deep moments but the theme keeps this one from getting too dark, which I personally liked. I hate the empty hopeless feeling from some docs....uh.However definitely stay till the end as the initial hook is much deeper set and the film continues past the opening eye candy of reeling in large dollar bills. There is a message for you.Certainly a deeper appreciation was felt for people on both sides, how quickly we have been to judge in our society or get behind polices that just sounded good, but no one cared enough to see who is affected.Hope this review is helpful to those in doubt. Obviously I liked the film and I know its hard to tell from a good review whether to watch but if your in doubt on this one...don't be! How To Make Money Selling Drugs is fun, driven and very entertaining. Go for it!
