Slacker Uprising (2008).

The Scoop:
Typically, new releases are outside the scope of the Movie Spot, but because today is election day in the U.S., we're making an exception.

Michael Moore's new film "Slacker Uprising" documents his national college tour in the run-up to the 2004 presidential election, trying to register new voters and raise awareness off the issues at stake. To get the college kids involved, he offers a number of slacker enticements, such as free Ramen noodles, clean underwear and musical performances from the likes of Eddie Vedder, Tom Morello and Steve Earle. In his speeches, Moore offers the same viewpoints and passion we've come to expect from him, along with some stumping for John Kerry. (Of course, Kerry's campaign was ultimately futile and poorly-run, something Moore was able to admit in hindsight in the editing process.) The tour took place in the wake of the release of "Fahrenheit 9/11" so there is also plenty of reaction to that film, and to Moore's credit he includes plenty of conservative criticism as well.

But at 97 minutes, the message begins to wear thin after a while. The terrific musical performances help the time go by, but there isn't much diversity in the storyline otherwise. Still, the message is important, and there are certainly worse ways to spend 97 minutes of your life.

Now get out there and vote!

Best Bit:
Moore's promises to a group of Republican hecklers about the fair treatment they can expect from a Democratic administration.

Side Note:
Not only is the film available as a free download, Moore has also given anyone permission to stage public showings of the film, free of copyright.

Companion Viewing:
"Fahrenheit 9/11" (2004) and "The Big One" (1997).

Links:
IMDb.
The official site, where you can download it for free for a limited time, or order a DVD copy.

Take a Look:
The trailer:


The full film: