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| Movie Review: An Unreasonable Man Alternate Title: Patriot or Pariah
Story: This documentary about
the rise and fall of Ralph Nadar is presented in a
fair and balanced (not in a Fox News way) manner. Filmmakers Henriette
Mantel and Steve Skrovan review the comlicated
life of this public advocate who may have saved your life. The first hour is devoted to his good deeds
and his relentless battle to fight large corporations, government and
the system that does not have the little guy built into the equation
(using some terrific file footage). The second hour is devoted to why
he ran for President and why you probably hate him. In a nutshell he felt he had to run because everything
he had fought so hard for during four decades was systematically being
unraveled by both political parties. Why should you care about this complicated man?
He inspired hundreds of young activists in the 60's, who came to DC
to help him with his projects. They were known as "Nader's Raiders."
Led by Nader they investigated corruption throughout government. publishing
dozens of books with their results. They investigated successfully,
the Federal Trade Commission, National
Air Pollution Control Administration, Food and Drug Administration,
Interstate Commerce Commission, nursing homes, water pollution, congress),
punishment of whistle blowers, corporate executives, Federal Aviation
Administration, corporate lawyers and the destruction of ecosystems
worldwide. In 1971, Nader founded the NGO Public Citizen
as an umbrella organization for these projects. Today, Public
Citizen has over 140,000 members and numerous researchers investigating
Congress, health, environmental, economic, and other issues. Take time to view his amazing work at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Nader Was this a fascinating film? Indeed. Did I learn something? I did.
Am I still a little pissed at Nadar? Yes, I am. Acting: Not applicable in a documentary.
Predilection: I am a political junkie.
Opening Titles: I don't remember.
Theater Audience: A handful of people.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: Reviewing the 2000 and 2004 elections
makes me squirm
Drift Factor: I did not drift for a second.
Predictability Level: Sadly, high.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Soap Box: I learned that the Presidential Debate
Commission is no longer run by the League of Women Voters but is a private
entity supported by large corporations. They, and only they, decide
who gets to be in the all important Presidential debates which is why
Nadar was shunned, even though he was on the ballot in all 50 states.
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine.
Length: two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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