I’ve decided that I am going to watch several of Bobcat Goldthwait’s films and, after a film student strongly recommended God Bless America about a year ago, I thought it would be a good starting point. I knew this was going to be a dark comedy, which seemed to be a theme this weekend, and thought I would watch it while my family wasn’t home. I really enjoyed God Bless America giving it the rating Not Quite Golden, Ponyboy.
God Bless America is a true dark comedy.
Frank (Joel Murray) is really sick of American Culture and the obsession with putting the worst of us on pedestals. After being told he was terminally ill he decided to make his fantasy’s a reality and goes on a mission to rid society of its most repellent citizens. He is joined by Roxy (Tara Lynne Barr), who is a 16-year-old with similar opinions as Frank’s, after she witnesses his first mission.
Bobcat Goldthwait wrote and directed this film and there is some really great lines in the film. He compares shows like American Idol with the Roman Colosseum. It puts freaks on display to be ridiculed and mocked for our entertainment. Frank’s internal monologue shows his neighbors who lack “common courtesy”. It goes a step farther and his fantasy reveals how he feels. While I don’t condone killing, this film echoes many opinions I have about the way the culture is becoming so uncivilized and how we are glorifying the ones who act in uncivilized ways.
I was unfamiliar with both Tara Lynne Barr and Joel Murray but enjoyed both of them greatly. I felt Barr’s performance rivaled Chloe Grace Moretz Hit Girl in presentation and style. She was a powerhouse on screen and was a believable throughout the film. Murray was darkly funny and really felt like he believed what he was saying. His dialogue was delivered perfectly. I found myself more glued to this film when he was speaking then when the action or violence was happening.
A satirical look at the way the world currently exists
If you aren’t happy with reality TV and Trump running for president then you need to watch this movie. There are some graphic scenes of violence, or at least implied violence. As in you don’t see who dies, but you know they did. However, the message is ultimately a positive one simply asking that we be more considerate and care about helping each other rather than putting others down to lift ourselves up.
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