Franken;Al God Spoke

This was very funny; it begins with a whole bit at the front about how God spoke to him. Although it is really a documentary about the evolution of Al Franken specifically the why and how of his journey from writer and sketch comedian on SNL to humorous political pundit and satirist.

It shows his mission to give the voice of liberal dissent an outlet via Air America Radio and his contemplation of running for the senate in '04 after the death of Paul Wellstone. What was interesting for me was the glimpse into conservative radio and TV personalities and by that I do mean personalities not broadcast journalists including Hannity, O'Reilly, Michael Medvid (former movie critic) and Neal Boortz (contender for the title of Right Wing Megalomaniac). Then there is Ann Coulter, the Heidi Fleiss of the right; too bad All Franken did not know at the time she plagerized her columns and book or it would have been a more intense encounter.

This was fun and revealing because you get a glimpse in to Franken's private life and meet his wife and get to see him in his off time. If you are a Franken fan and want a humorous glimpse in to his life this is for you.

I feel as though I must start this review by saying that I am not American. I am Australian, a Democrat supporter (or should that be, a Bush basher?), and love reading or watching evidence which shows your current Administration in their true light. That is, liars, self serving, incompetant, embarrassing and arrogant.

I am a fan of Franken, and as we also receive the Fox News channel down here, I have come to despise O'Reilly, Hannity, Coulter, and company. This is why I was hoping I could highly rate this DVD.

I found it extremelly slow and at times, simply boring. I have laughed with delight at Franken's books, together with an array of his TV and audio commentaries.

The official Amazon review states, "The filmmakers, longtime associates of cinéma verité pioneer DA Pennebaker, take a fly-on-the-wall approach towards Franken's activities around the time of the 2004 presidential election and afterwards as he explores a run for the US Senate in 2008."

True. However, when I think "fly on the wall" approach, I usually think about interesting items which the public don't usually get to see, and which help to show the true nature of a person or situation. It seems their version of this simply means following Al around with a camera and recording nothing of any great value.

One of the main selling points of this DVD for me, was this line. "They look at the (unsuccessful) lawsuit Fox News filed against him for swiping their tagline." I would have loved to have seen the true story behind this, however it was simply mentioned, not discussed at length.

Also, "and his dust-ups with Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Michael Medved, and Bill O'Reilly, who describes him as a vile human being." Disappointed again. Anyone who is a fan of Al, or indeed a fan of the other players mentioned, would already know about the fueding. Although I learnt nothing new, it confirmed to me that O'Reilly and Hannity are annoying, insignificant pests, and that Coulter indeed belongs in an institution. I was reminded a couple of times during this film how disturbed Coulter is. If she was not a 'long legged blonde', would anyone even listen to her?

Although warned in the review, "... there isn't a ton of new material here, but this "fair and balanced" profile represents an entertaining introduction to a multi-talented individual." I was still disappointed. Not so much at the lack of new material, but really at the lack of anything.

24 hours later and I am still waiting for a light bulb to shine over my head, and to realise what I have missed. So far, nothing.

Keep up the great work Al, I'll forgive you for this one.

I chuckled through this entire documentary - which was simply a couple cameras following him around on his book tours, during the launch of Air America, at debates with Ann Coulter, and interspersed with archival footage of his Saturday Night Live days. But beyond his comedic genius, is his concern for justice. He not only defends the middle class, but the poor as well, from the endless propaganda of those who are serving power and privilege - Bush, Cheney, Rush, Sean Hannity, Neal Boortz and others.
I also appreciate his emotional honesty. When he's angry, it's a righteous indignation. And he doesn't mask his sorrow when speaking about the loss of his father, or facing the re-election of Bush in 2004.
Few people in politics or show business will let a camera into their lives during such vulnerable moments. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

Franken's book Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot was a desperately needed counter-shot to the PR machine that is Limbaugh. And his tireless touring for that book, and the books that have followed, have lifted the spirits of many liberals who were feeling isolated by the Wizards of our corporate media Oz. Manufacturing Consent - Noam Chomsky and the Media Franken has also endured all sorts of challenges, endless flak from the right-wing lynch mob, the near collapse of Air America, the loss of his friend Paul Wellstone, criticism from centrist liberals who think he's too radical, criticism from radicals who think he's too liberal, among other trials and tribulations. But Al is indefatigable. It seems as though he has an inner "Stuart Smalley" reassuring him that he is "good enough, and smart enough, and that people like him."
I like him, and I liked "God Spoke" a lot, and how it ended on the promising note of his campaign for Senate in Minnesota. It would be great if he won, he could lighten things up a bit among all those corporate suits pretending to be the people's representatives.
Hostile Takeover: How Big Money and Corruption Conquered Our Government--And How We Take It Back
If he doesn't win, he'll no doubt rebound with another book of truth and jokes, or another radio program, or any number of things that this dedicated public citizen can apply himself to.
In the meantime, I'm going to send him a donation for his current campaign. It's the least I can do for all the laughs and all the insight he has provided me.