comment #1

Sabina E says ...

the BREAKFAST CLUB ripoff poster was a real TURN OFF for me. So instantly I thought "American Teen" was a parody of teen documentary films like MTV's "True Life" or something like that.

imagine my surprise when i read the reviews and learned that it was a REAL documentary. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the scenes were faked, though.

anyway I refuse to watch it because it's all 100% middle class white suburban "American" people, with no sight of blacks, Latinos, Arabs, Asians or Indians. Yeah, no thanks, morons!!!!

comment #2

Sabina E says ...

on another note, I refuse to believe that these teens claim they have no interest in voting.

I'm 26 and I can tell you that I know PLENTY of young kids (who can't vote), high school teens (on the verge of voting) and college-aged kids (about to vote for the first time) are excited as hell because of Obama, and this election is somewhat historic, being that we have a woman VP candidate and a mixed/black President candidate.

so I;m with you on that, Jeffrey.

comment #3

Nick Plowman says ...

I HAVE TO SEE THIS ALREADY.

Sorry, but I've been waiting so long, stupid SA distributors.

comment #4

The Playlist says ...

The second reason is a valid one to be frustrated about, certainly, but not to discount it as a film. More importantly, fake or real, the overall quality of American Teen wasn't that great. And it's basically like a greatest hits episode of The Real World when the show didn't entirely suck. There's not a ton more depth there and those animated sequences don't even help and stick out like a sore thumb.

comment #5

Josh Massey says ...

So because of the undesirable qualities of a documentary's subjects, you're going to discount the film? I'm guessing you shrugged off Grizzly Man because Timothy Treadwell was a loon?

comment #6

The Playlist says ...

@JMassey. Case in point.

comment #7

The InSneider says ...

I'm sorry Jeff but WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU TO DECIDE WHAT IS WRONG AND WHAT IS RIGHT? I'M NOT VOTING. HOW IS THAT IRRESPONSIBLE, LET ALONE WRONG? YOU DON'T HAVE TO CONDONE MY BEHAVIOR BUT YOU DON'T JUDGE A FILM BASED ON THE POLITICAL BELIEFS, OR LACK THEREOF, OF ITS CAST/CREW/DOCUMENTARY SUBJECTS, ETC. I love your blog when you write about movies but I want to punch you in the face whenever you get on your pedestal and preach about politics. I mean, don't you respect other people's opinions at all? Forget Obama/McCain, would it make you happy if I showed up at the polls and voted YOU as write-in president. Or is that just a silly waste of time? November 4 can't come fast enough because you are driving me fucking crazy and this is the INTERNET!

comment #8

dixiedugan says ...

Christ, high school is just four years out of your life. And later in life you realize how unimportant it was and how dumb you were. I hated high school, and everything I have read about this film smells of scripted angst. No thanks, been there done that over it, and besides I'm living it with a teen in the house.

Man, I'd much rather see that Harry Nilsson doc. I wish that had some sort of distribution via dvd.

comment #9

gruver1 says ...

Wells to The Insneider: For deciding to stay home and not participate in a major election as a matter of philosophy or lifestyle choice or whatever, you are in my eyes a disreputable person. You absolutely do not have my respect because of this. You're here, you're alive, you're working and struggling along with the rest of us, you're an American citizen, this election is do-and-die and massively important and there's just no excuse for sitting on your ass and not voting . It is an asinine and thoughtless attitude you're espousing, and you really need to drive out to the desert, put on your hiking shoes, take a long walk over hot sands and have a re-think. Don't even look at me when we see each other at the next screening because I will not acknowledge you. If you get your head straight and decide to participate, please let me (and everyone else) know. But until then, you're dead to me.

comment #10

slutsky says ...

This movie is great. Even if Burstein did manipulate events—and I'm not saying she did—everyone loves it Werner Herzog does it.

comment #11

alynch says ...

If you're uninformed, then you shouldn't be voting. That's simple enough. At the same time, if you understand where the candidates stand on the issues and in some manner prefer one over the other, then you're kind of an imbecile if you don't vote. Additionaly, you void any right to complain about anything that happens in the country for the next four years.

comment #12

Edward says ...

I prefer this take on the Breakfast Club poster..

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B001COV9C6/sr=8-1/qid=1224712878/ref=dp_image_text_0?ie=UTF8&n=1055398&s=home-garden&qid=1224712878&sr=8-1

comment #13

alynch says ...

If you're uninformed, then you shouldn't be voting. That's simple enough. On the other hand, if you're an informed citizen who understands where the candidates stand on the major issues and in some way prefer one of them over the others, then you're an imbecile if you don't vote. Additionally, you're relinquishing any right to complain about the state of the country for the next four years. That's also simple enough.

comment #14

alynch says ...

Sorry for the double post. The server told me that the first post was rejected.

comment #15

drbob says ...

Just because a "documentary" is rigged is no longer a reason for Oscar disqualification in the age of Michael Moore. I am a liberal democrat, but I cannot abide what Moore did to Charleston Heston in Bowling for Columbine, even if I disagree with Heston's gun control views.

comment #16

bmcintire says ...

As far as docs go, I had never heard of DEAR ZACHARY 'til the trailer showed up on Dark Horizons. Looks intriguing.
http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=49379

It may not hold up in comparison, but it looks like an out-of-the-blue curveball for the filmmaker along the lines of CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS.

comment #17

Devin Faraci says ...

haha, Sneider, why the hell are you so strident about being apathetic? Jesus. In about ten years you're going to hope all these comments sections get wiped off the face of the earth because you're going to be ashamed that you come across as such a callow clown.

comment #18

Deathtongue_Groupie says ...

Jeff, you should be thankful they aren't voting - they're from white bread, Republican-from-birth Indiana, fer chrissakes? Who the hell do you think they would be voting for if they were???

Because that old cherished Lefty chestnut of the "young people" being overwhelmingly for the Dems was disproved a few years ago: children pretty much mirror their parents voting patterns.

This year many young Democratic voters are energized to the point they put Obama over in the primaries they way they are going to help put him over Nov 4th. Let the "whatever" crowd from Warsaw (pop 13K) stay out of it. That's 5 votes McCain doesn't get and if any are for Obama then they will vote for him.

comment #19

Chapman Carruthers says ...

christ, even the most dense ignoramus knows what each party stands for and can spin the voting booth dial so it selects the "vote along party lines" options.

i hate people who are dumb enough to vote for people who don't represent their interests. but, i loathe assholes who believe they're exercising their freedom of speech by not casting a vote. the only thing you're saying is I'm a lazy fuck-off who thinks masturbating and writing on blogs is more important than being socially and politically active. or that you're disabled and had no way to get to the voting booth. if that's the case, InSneider, I retract all prior statements.

comment #20

BurmaShave says ...

He's a total joke. Forget it guys, it's Sneidertown.

comment #21

alynch says ...

Hey, you think if we keep bashing Sneider that he'll start bragging about the college he went to again? That was hilarious.

comment #22

DarkHorizons says ...

It has its moments but in terms of true realism I get the sense 'Teen' is as genuine about U.S. teens as "Survivor" is a genuine game of survival. If CBS were to retool that show to a more Lord of the Flies style deal with people dying of dysentry and in-fighting, then maybe you can sell me on the realism angle in the indie doco scene.

As for Sneider, send him over here to Australia. Here voting is a civic duty, not a right, and thus is compulsory with 96% turnout. Those who hate or show no interest both parties can leave their ballots blank in protest. The only ones who don't vote are the ill and the lazy, and the lazy get their asses fined.

comment #23

worrywort says ...

my favorite review for this came from the Filmspotting podcast. One of the host just no-holds-barred tears into it.

comment #24

frankbooth says ...

"...you are in my eyes a disreputable person. You absolutely do not have my respect because of this. "

Because of this? Well, better late than never.

I'm catching on to your schtick, Mira. You like to be slapped around, so you say stupid things. You're a born bottom.

Say it in a sultry voice for me : "Hit me, hit me!"

comment #25

The InSneider says ...

I'm dead to you, Gruver? Because I disagree with your philosophy? You do know what that makes you sound like, of course? I don't even have to say it because the connotation is so obviously implied, so I won't go there. I will say, and I know I'm not your only reader who thinks this, that you repeatedly cross the line with some of your posts. It's pretty much understood at this point that you can't stand people who are overweight, and you've taken completely out-of-line and unnecessary shots at Latinos and other minorities. I think you're a great writer. There aren't many bookmarks on my computer but your site is one of them and I enjoying leaving comments on your site and engaging with yourself and your readership. But as far as I see it, your behavior is completely reprehensible. What I don't understand is why it matters to you at all. Voting is not a responsibility, Jeff. It's not mandatory. It's a privilege and perhaps a civic duty but it is OPTIONAL. There are two ways to look at everything. One, by not voting, I'm not voting for McCain (not that I would since I'm from Boston and have only lived there, NY and LA, pretty obvious I'd vote for Obama if you put a gun to my head and made me cast a ballot). Also, I don't know those American Teens personally and I'm sure that movie is manipulative in several ways so I don't want to judge them but maybe they're reason for not voting, ignorance, is different from mine. I mean, I watch the same debates and Daily Shows and SNLs as you, so I'm (somewhat) informed. And I have come to the decision, the same way you decided to vote for Obama and others will decide to vote for McCain (people can disagree, that's the beauty of America) to exercise my right not to vote. I think the whole politics game is bullshit. I don't feel that my vote counts. I think it's largely irrelevant, especially here in California. And that's just how I feel. It's not worth the hour out of my day. I would feel that swell of civic pride surge through me as I affix my Obama button after punching the ballot. And would you react the same way if I was voting for one of the Independents, which is basically just wasting your vote since your party doesn't have a chance in winning. The whole system/process seems arcane to me and I'm an educated kid, Jeff. Still a kid but don't think that voting will make me a man. I'm as entitled to my opinion as you are and if you would really act cold to me at a screening because of my views and how I conduct myself one day every 4 years, then that's pretty petty of you. How many 24 year olds do you think have your site bookmarked? This is how a lot of people my age think Jeff, and it's a completely valid point of view. There is nothing you can say to change my mind because there's not even anything Obama could say to change my mind and in the end, it won't matter cuz he's gonna win and this country will no doubt be a lot better off. And I'll be happy for the guy and for this country. But I don't need to vote for him to feel like I'm a part of the team. I'm an American, same as you, and you should try and be a little more tolerant of other peoples' views.

- Jeff Sneider

comment #26

The InSneider says ...

And Devin, way to keep that fire going and encourage free debate. A callow clown? I'm sorry I don't attend $5000-a-plate fundraisers for Obama. I'm a clown because I'm not going to vote? Isn't voter turnout like 50% in this country, and wouldn't insulting half the country be considered un-American? I don't believe not voting is lazy. Personally I think that thinking that you know who the President should be is a little arrogant. I mean, I love how much ink is devoted to dissecting these guys' every word when their televised words are written by speechwriters. I mean, the President is as much a role as it is a position. Certain behavior is expected from you. You're constantly acting, constantly under scrutiny. Politics is just such a dirty game, Jeff. I honestly don't feel I can trust these guys in these positions of power. They're all the same. Did you see George Carlin's last special. He talks about how the Government doesn't really give a fuck about you. And he's right, Jeff. I think to believe otherwise is naive. You're really the only one you can rely on in this life and it's not worth getting this worked up over because at some point during Obama's presidency, he will inevitably let you down somehow. So would any President, doesn't matter who they are. They all make promises they can't keep and never intended on keeping. It's a fact. Accept it. And stop lecturing those who aren't the bullshit. I'll reap the benefits when Bush leaves office and Obama turns this country around. I just don't see why I need to vote if I'm accepting the result either way. They say, if you don't vote then I don't want to hear you complain ever and I don't, haven't and won't. I'm politically passive and I'm not going to apologize for my convictions or lack there of. You needn't concern yourselves with it but have a laugh all the same. Whatever.

comment #27

The InSneider says ...

And did you see that video Joseph Gordon-Levitt made? He talks about how anti-politics he is but how he changed his mind after hearing Obama speak and realizing he's what the country needs. Are you saying that 6 months or a year ago, before JGL first heard Obama, he was a clown because he was apathetic or indifferent, but now that he's voting for Obama, he's cool with you. I mean, Jeff, is that all it would take for you 'forgive' me in your mind. A vote? Because I will seriously go vote for JEFFREY WELLS if all you care about is the act of voting and I will take a picture of the ballot with the write-in and send it to you and you can say you got a vote for President. I suspect that it's because I would vote for Obama if I had to, but instead choose not to, that pisses you off, since it's effectively costing him a vote. But wouldn't a vote for McCain be a 2-vote swing? Shouldn't you dislike Republicans twice as much as me. And I also love how everyone says now, this is the FIRST election that REALLY matters. Like, what is that shit? So the other elections weren't as important? How many more days til Obama wins so we can talk about the Oscars again and however entertaining an idea it is, Downey Jr. should not get nominated for Tropic Thunder?

comment #28

frankbooth says ...

Wow, did anyone actually read any of that? If so, maybe you can synopsize it for the rest of us.

comment #29

alynch says ...

frankbooth, I'll summarize it for you. Sneider believes that voting is arrogant. I'll let more intelligent people than myself point out how profoundly idiotic that is.

comment #30

Edward says ...

There are not just national issues at stake, but important local issues to care about. I guess Sneider doesn't drive a car, use public transportation, need the police or fire department or need a human service agency ever. He's young, educated and must be immortal.

comment #31

btwnproductions says ...

"Still a kid" at 24? The country is in worse shape than I thought if 24-year-olds still view themselves as kids, but fortunately I know plenty who have accepted adult responsiblities. All of the other childishness in his posts flow from that observation.

comment #32

joncro says ...

And let's not forget that the only wasted vote is one that isn't cast.

comment #33

Joshua Mooney says ...

This is truly one of the dumbest explanations I've ever heard.

INSNEIDER says: "Isn't voter turnout like 50% in this country, and wouldn't insulting half the country be considered un-American? I don't believe not voting is lazy. Personally I think that thinking that you know who the President should be is a little arrogant."

comment #34

Howlingman says ...

The 50% who DON'T show up to vote deserve all the insults that get thrown their way.

comment #35

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comment #36

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