Before we get this review underway, we’d just like to say that this review is presented by Galaxy Comics and Collectibles III in Brooklyn, NY.
For more information on Galaxy Comics III, you can go to their Facebook page here or call them at 718-623-1234. They also have two other stores- Galaxy I is located at 429 5th Ave, (718) 499-3222Â and Galaxy II is in Bay Ridge at 6823 5th Ave, (718) 921-1236. You can also e-mail them at [email protected].
Morgan Spurlock has made a name for himself over the past decade as a director and writer of such classic documentaries “Super-Size Me†and “Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden,†but his newest documentary, “Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold,†may be the best.
Hilarious yet extremely educational throughout, Spurlock exposes the world of product placement in the film industry. After a quick history lesson on product placement, he discusses how important the ad companies are in order to get your movie seen by the masses. He then goes through the process himself, in order to get his movie out there.
This is where the film shines. Taking the viewer into the boardrooms and meetings with him, it’s interesting to hear him say, “This is the movie, right now,†as well as the companies’ reactions to his antics. Even more interesting is watching him “discover his brand†and learn about everything advertizing companies do in order to ensure their products are seen in films.
The amount of work and pressure Spurlock has on him during this process cannot be understated. Many of the companies involved, such as JetBlue airlines, Pom Wonderful, Sheetz and Ban, all have stipulations in their contracts with Spurlock that need to be met before he can be paid.
This pressure plays nicely alongside “the mindful and playful†mindset Spurlock has while going through this incredibly difficult process.
Considering that, this is a topic that albeit fun, could be slightly heady for someone who doesn’t understand the movie or media business. However, Spurlock is completely down to earth, and hilarious throughout, as he approaches big companies such as Nintendo and Ford via telephone to no avail. Being able to see the step-by-step process of getting your film paid for is a wild ride.
It is also filled with passion and heart and is much more than charming. You can see during several conversations with his lawyers and staff over the course of the film that Spurlock is concerned with how his artistic ethics will be looked at once the film is completed. Fearing “selling out,†Spurlock engages several Hollywood directors including Quentin Tarantino and Brett Ratner, among others on the topic. He also enlists the aid of Donald Trump, Norm Chomsky and Ralph Nader, so they can put the topic in clearer classification with the audience. Hearing all three of these men discuss product placement and seeing them so comfortable with Spurlock adds an extra element of depth, intrigue and support to the film.
On top of that, all three are all funny in their own way and bring out the witty, cheeky Spurlock any fans of his work over the years have come to love.
Overall, this is the type of documentary that non-fans of the genre will love, while doc-geeks too will fall in love with both the concept and Spurlock’s delivery of the subject. Able to maintain an education, yet carefree duality through, Spurlock’s newest documentary is one of the best this year.
Just in case you forgot, this review was presented by Galaxy Comics III in Brooklyn , NY. For more information on Galaxy Comics III, you can go to their Facebook page here or call them at 718-623-1234 They also have two other stores- Galaxy I is located at 429 5th Ave, (718) 499-3222Â and Galaxy II is in Bay Ridge at 6823 5th Ave, (718) 921-1236. You can also e-mail them at [email protected].
*Note: ReviewFix.com was not swayed in any way to write a favorable review of this film, in spite of the plethora of Mane and Tail Shampoo, Sheetz plastic cups and Pom Wonderful products they were given after the critics screening this past Tuesday.
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