Trailer Blazer: 'An American Carol'

Doug Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 10:13 PM EST

It's refreshing to know real Americans still love some comedy once in a while. It's Ok to make fun of one another, in good taste of course; although I have come to realize that liberal thinkers are without a doubt narcissistic, obnoxious, whinny, and loudmouthed. As a result of this adolescent behavior to some extent, liberals are in the most part unreasonable. It’s a fact when liberals are caught in their slipshod ways it’s always someone else’s fault. I think a new word should be proposed to Merriam-Webster i.e., the word liberals known as “narcisissies”. Let’s ask a liberal what they think of this idea?

SANDY Tue, Oct 7, 2008 at 03:45 PM EST

So many of us want to see An American Carol but the closest theater showing it is 1 1/2 hours away from Paducah, KY. and many cannot make it that far. Why is it not showing in all areas?

Caroline Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 10:54 PM EST

Ooh, Gary. That Fox logo comment was brilliant. Can't put anything over on you. Bet you could write satire AND parody.

Raymond Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 07:22 AM EST

Why am I not surprised that Susman did not think this film was funny? "An American Carol" may have hit too close to home for those on the far left to find humorous. I saw the film Friday night in a theater with more people in it than probably saw Mr. Moore's last fim in total. I heard lots of laughter and no boos.

Teresa Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 05:42 PM EST

I've wanted to see this movie from the first time I heard it was out, today I got the chance. Absolutely hilarious! David Zucker pegged the 'undead ACLU lawyers' PERFECTLY! Rosie O'Donnell's personality was satired 'spot on!' The college professors were accurately portrayed as the INdoctrinationists they REALLY are...that should have been part of "Scary Movie"! While the plot may be satirical and the gags funny (yes, some were flat)...they told a story...and delivered a serious messgage: this country IS heading in the direction portrayed if we don't WAKE UP! I think this a movie for everyone to see..liberal left, or right wing conservative. It swings the pendulum the other direction from the anti-American swill we've been fed as the norm from Hollywood. BRAVO David Zucker! BRAVO!

sfwarrior Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

Gee idon't recall critic Susman negatively criticing any one of the 2 dozen anti-american films that Hollywood regurgitated in the past 2 years. I don't even reall Susman referencing a leftist slant in those movie reviews!

Rhonda Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 01:13 AM EST

I have to add to my first comment that my husband is a Republican and found the movie downright stupid. I thought maybe I hated it because it was done with a Repulican slant, but even he thought it was shallow, poorly written and boring.

Rhonda Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 01:04 AM EST

I am a lifelong (40+ years) democrat--but I have to say that this movie was soooo bad that if Obhama says he liked it, I'd see that as a sign of poor judgement and switch to the Republican ticket. It was THAT bad.

Trimelda Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:04 PM EST

I thought it was a typical Zucker comedy filled with gags that were gentle chuckles to flat out laughing. The Christian Terrorists were a hoot. (The real Rosie DID inspire that stupid term.) I loved the zombie ACLU lawyers. They're as stupid as that in real life, (YOU deal with these creeps!)
So as an African American woman who votes Republican like Dr. King did, I really laughed at the Plantation skit. You know why? Because most liberals are racist bigoted bastards. I say that because I knew the former head of Feminists for Life who was a Black woman with many children who saw abortion as genocide. Yet when she expressed this to a "nice" liberal politician she was told she wasn't "Black" enough and removed from said politician's office. The only position a Black person can have with so many white liberals is a Puppet position like Obama who supports the 13 million murders of unborn Black children. So, yes, knowing the kind of sick hypocritical views of the left wing-I enjoyed the film

Colleen Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 05:18 PM EST

I saw "An American Carol" today and it was funny and awesome! I think everyone should go see it. There are some thought provoking messages in this movie that hopefully will make some people think, especially the "way left" liberals. I laughed a lot watching this movie, which is what is needed right now.

right man Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 04:20 PM EST

J-bird, start swimming we were here first pinhead.

Bugsy Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 04:00 PM EST

I just saw it. I am bewildered why people on the left or right have to get bent out of shape about the content. Scary Movie 3 & 4 (also from Zucker for instance) is filled with alternately hysterical or flat gags. On the whole, these movies are funny and they entertain. It is no different with An American Carol. Michael Moore fancies himself a documentarian with cinema verite and satirical overtones. Great. That's his right. It's Zucker's right to lampoon him...and he does. There are many laugh-out loud bits and some that fall flat. In short, a Zucker movie! I saw the first showing of the day and there was a healthy turnout given a matinee audience. PEOPLE LAUGHED. THAT'S ALL - NO ONE GOT INTO ALL OF THIS DEFENSIVE POSTURE, YOU'RE MAKING FUN OF MY POLITICS, B.S. Lighten up and enjoy it. It ain't perfect; but it's funny.

MichaelMoore Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 02:14 PM EST

Gee what a surprise - it's getting bad reviews. Think Ill go see it right away.

Chris Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 02:35 AM EST

Are you American "conservatives" dense or do you just not understand basic logic? America can improve does not equal America is evil. I'm Canadian, I love America, I have your flag on my wall. Canada can always be better, I want someone to tell me "Here's how we can improve." America can alway be better. It's not black and white, either we're Godly or evil, and you need to take a more mature and, frankly, smarter, approach. It's not us vs. them. That got you involved in the illegal and wrong Iraq war. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 other that he offended your president's dad. Grow up, America. This right wing, I'm right you hate America bs is the reason your country is facing collapse. Do you believe your country's perfect? Where has "America #1!!"! gotten yourselves? Two steps back.Defensiveness is a sign of immaturity.The fact that this will strengthen you support for the right speaks to the Maury Povich attitude that is destroying your country. "Screw you guys I do what I want!"

Tom Thu, Oct 2, 2008 at 01:24 AM EST

This looks like a good one!

BungeeRight Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 10:00 PM EST

Ok, I am going to go see the movie. This review is ridiculously left. If you don't like the movie, say so. Be honest though if you are bias. There have been so many left wing movies it's nice to see a change. I am right wing. That does not mean I will like this movie. I do believe a majority of left wing peopl are hypocrits about violence. The right is a bunch of war mongering pigs, right? You are the same people who protest our convention and spit in the face of cops who are ordered to keep you seperate. You know the ones who volunteer to protect your house, your life, etc. Show some respect. You don't want to watch it, ok I respect that not gonna shove it down your throat. But don't be mad when I choak up the crap you do try to shove down mine.

J-Bird Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 09:32 PM EST

Republican....humor. Two words that go together like peanut butter and jelly. You GOP puppet dimwits need to look around...I suggest investing in Greenland. You can start "AMERICA", as you know it, all over again.

Brian N Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 04:12 PM EST

Yeah, the usual suspects with all the silly hate comments. Nice to see some libs able to give thoughtful comments. Hats off to you guys.

Most of all, I enjoyed reading the comments condemning how the movie stereotyped certain groups, when right behind those comments were stereotypical comments about how the right has no sense of humor, how they are narrow minded, evil, etc... Once again, it makes all open minded people on EITHER side SO DAMN REFRESHING!!!

raizor Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 03:17 PM EST

you puk libarels are to stupid to know when you see this!!! because the gun stopping baby killers dont want to see a movie that tells these fun!!! like hokey-mom will stop the baby killing libarel freeks so to this movie will stop puk maker morre from his puk making republic of the freedom hating you-know-who owners of hollywood!!!!

Scott Whitt Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 11:31 PM EST

I laughed at the trailer however the funniest thing are the comments. the reviewer is is too liberal because he did not like it. Some of the others are dumb because they liked it. It is just a movie, calm down. It will have a decent opening because the conservatives will rally around it. If the left is smart they will ignore it. If they make a stink about it, they will pull a "Last Temptation" and make a small movie a huge hit.
In the end, it looks like a good DVD rental.

Mike Moore Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM EST

Hey Susman, when I say PU you say SSY.

An American Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 05:37 PM EST

This movie looks great! Anyone who's interested in it should definitely check out these two websites:

www.americancarolers.com

This is the republican networking site for the film, giving people with conservative views a chance to meet and interact with others who are interested in it.

www.moovealong.org

This is a humor site with a really funny blog that's also directly connected to the film, the less advertised. It's got some really funny stuff on it!

Everyone should go see this movie to show Hollywood that there is a market for films with conservative values, and to have a good laugh expense of the left!

Michigan-Matt Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 04:06 PM EST

Hey Gary Susman, critic from the Left, glad you could drink down that gallon of New York Times koolaid bias and write a fair review. Like lots of others here, I too thought it was funny. Glad to see the nuttyLeft get skewered for a change. I hope a few conservative spirits find you at rest someday.

StephenMartin Wed, Sep 24, 2008 at 07:35 PM EST

I'd disagree. The trailor has some classic Zucker comedy. Looks like it might be fun. I'm thinking you don't like it because you might be offended that someone would make fun of Moore. If that is the case, I would say you are small minded.

Mike Wed, Sep 24, 2008 at 03:00 PM EST

Ok so here is another tactic that is so obvious that it should really scare you if it works. So Michael Moore has a movie out called "Slacker Uprising". It talks about his failed attempt to help Kerry win the election even though Kerry defeated himself. It shows how the republicans used religion to sway Christians to not vote for Kerry. Even calling Michael Moore the anti-christ. This is a very powerful movie and it will show everyone how these tactics fooled a lot of voters. Watch it here and spread it to everyone you know. http://slackeruprising.com/download/. Anyway so perfect timing for a movie to come out trying to discret Michael Moore. The movie is called "An American Carol" I have not seen the movie yet but the trailer looks like the movie is making Moore look like an idiot who protest against everything and doesn't even know what he's fighting against. Even though this movie already looks horrible, I ask everyone to boycott this movie. Let them know that they cannot trick us

Jim Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 03:11 PM EST

Finally, a comedy for those who were born without senses of humor!

pam niblett Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 01:15 PM EST

after decades of movies bashing any one close to republican, its nice to see a "rightwinged" movie. especially a comedy! I'll make sure to take my libera friends with me, and see how they like it on the other side!

Michelle Obamafarrakhan Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 12:50 AM EST

For the first time, I'm proud to be a movie goer...hehe

Jerry Sat, Sep 20, 2008 at 02:50 PM EST

I suggest you look up the word, "satire" in your Funk and Wagnalls. This movie looks hilarious. Also, it is not patriotic to support the enemies of the U.S, make up ridiculous conspiracy theories about the "real culprits" of 9/11, and try to eliminate any traces of Christianity in the USA. Nor do homosexuals have rights, only wrongs.

lynnc Fri, Sep 19, 2008 at 06:01 PM EST

Now I remember why I dropped my subscription. The magazine went too far left and let the writer's political opinions and biases interfere with decent reporting/reviewing.

This movie trailer has made me laugh several times. I will see the movie. And it will be the second movie I bother to pay and see this year. Usually I just wait for stuff to come to cable. However, like the Dark Knight...this looks like it's worth a trip to the movie theatre.

CHrizzel Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 11:46 PM EST

I find it funny you mention team america: world police. That is written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Who were given there breaks by Zucker and have always looked up to him....interesting isnt it.

Dr. Frankenstein Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 06:41 PM EST

If you honestly believe that the US is a vile, racist and sexist society than you deserve to made fun of- repeatedly- until you get a grip. Oh yeah, you guys are the only people that don't want pollution and war. I'm going to go beat my wife.

Adam Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 01:39 PM EST

That's pretty sad.

Gena Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 11:32 PM EST

As a Democrat who is not so happy with the recent decisions of my party I have to say that even considering those feelings this makes me mad. I am so tired of seeing people say that we are not patriots because we are not blindly following everything that is being fed to us. I love this country and its people, but because I believe in clean renewable energy, the end to the war, civil rights for women and homosexuals, that means I am not a patriot. It is infuriating.

I am not a fan of Michael Moore at all and it is ridiculous that because that that truth bending liar considers himself liberal, we are all anarchists? To suggest that the liberals and left of this country would support getting rid of Independence Day and wanting to "Destroy this Country" is outrageous and insane.

Both sides want better for this country and its people. We just have different views on how to get there.

Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 07:28 PM EST

Looks like a stupid film that consists soley of sterotypes and cheap shots.

Kevin Jarler Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 03:03 PM EST

Wow. with respect, it seems to me that David Zucker still holds a grudge because he was never able to get financing for his Davy Crockett movie. I guess this is his way of venting.

Anyone care to wager how many "Rzzies" this turkey will win?

Rich, Pittsburgh PA Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

The only people who will watch this are those who found things like "The Half Hour News Hour" funny - or enjoyed Sarah Palin's last comedy routine...

...wait that wasn't comedy? Oh...right...

CC Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 10:25 AM EST

TJ: The fact that you believe that the people being lampooned in this film are unpatriotic makes you as stupid as the Bush Administration thinks you are when they peddle that crap.

TJ Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 03:47 PM EST

The film's targets deserve everything it throws at them, and probably a good deal more. And yes, they're unpatriotic. That's why they'll hate this film so much.

Walton Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 02:12 PM EST

Re: Brian,

Oh no, we lefts love to be made fun of, we're open to anything, but it just ruins the right wing image when their answer to Michael Moore smells of Daddy Day Camp.

Not a lefty Sat, Sep 6, 2008 at 07:14 PM EST

You can see here a fine example of how the left likes to distort facts.

Read the movies introduction and you will see the line, "...Bill O'Reilly (playing himself), who tells Farley's character he just enjoys manhandling people. (Insert joke and Smoking Gun link here.)..." Now watch the video clip and see what Bill O'Reilly really says. This kind of distortion happens every day on CNN, Cumulus radio, Salon.com, NPR, Us magazine and a million other sources of information. Lefties are the facists!

Brian Sun, Aug 31, 2008 at 01:35 PM EST

Dude this trailer actually made me laugh several times. I guess it's not so funny to see left wing crack pots made fun of, eh?

Bonnie Honigberg Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 03:00 PM EST

I’m of the school of waiting to see something before criticizing it. Based on the trailer, this is more a movie I’d watch on cable than see in the theater, unless I heard it was really great. The best thing about the film is that we live in a country where someone can make it, as well as make the choice whether to see it or not.

Dana Ryan Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:39 AM EST

David Zucker is a hack and the films he made with Abrahams and his brother are overrated. This film he's made is about his outrage at paying higher taxes.

Kerry Lindro Sun, Aug 24, 2008 at 07:22 PM EST

And it should be noted that this opus has tested poorly with audiences. Whether they were conservative or liberal, they just didn't like it.

Steve Sat, Aug 23, 2008 at 08:15 AM EST

The trailer is meant to just hit the basic, slapstick humor and doesn't expose much of the satire in the plot of the film - and yes, the film has a plot. (Not so subtly copied from Dickens, by the way.)

I've been following many of the comments all over the web and find it hilarious that the left is so offended. One comment asked if "librul commies" were ever slave owners and why this movie portrayed them as such. The answer is, yes, "libruls" were slave owners in the American past, just as conservatives were. And some would argue that "commies" are slave owners -- or at least slave users -- by definition.

For those of you so offended that you wish to leave the country on Opening Day (October 3rd), I encourage you to do so. And, please consider staying out of country until the movie's run is complete, which probably will be sometime in mid-November.

Further protests by ignoring this year's election would also be appreciated and respected!

AM Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 06:19 PM EST

Sussman, your review is so slanted politically you can't even evaluate this without hyperventilating. While I may not agree entirely with the politics of the movie, it looks funny. And Michael Moore is long overdue for a roast of this sort.

Bobby Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 03:53 PM EST

I watched the full trailer and think it looks hysterical. I mean, reading real news articles about what the ACLU is up to is hilarious to begin with... well, until it’s sinks in that it’s real.

sjh Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 01:08 PM EST

Frankly, Chris Farley wasn't funny to begin with (just a louder, more vulgar, less inspired version of John Belushi and John Candy), and it looks as if his brother is just a rip off of him. Satire requires going beyond the mere surface, as in suggesting the way to control overpopulation is to eat the children, as in "A Modest Proposal", or by showing how a fear of having our bodily fluids impurified can lead to the destruction of life as we know it, as in "Dr. Strangelove". Now it is entirely possible for conservatives to make a funny film, but this doesn't look like it. Merely pointing out that lesbians are masculine-looking, or that liberals are self-indulgant, isn't enough. I will admit ending the 4th of July could be funny, but it depends on the motivation. If it is because liberals hate America, it doesn't go far enough. However if it is because the Declaration of Indep. is insensitive to English people and the 4th is not historically accurate, then you got something.

vw Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

why are you even reviewing this sussman? you're liberal, of course you wouldn't find this funny. only conservatives will find this funny. i say what goes around comes around and liberals can't have it all their way. there are voices other than yours which have every right to be heard too.unfortunately there are people who enjoy this type of humor on both sides. the left has shown tons of it, i guess it was time for the right to do so as well. i can't wait for the day when people will stop bashing each other all together, left or right, and stop all these outlandish digs. to the left and the right,just because someone disagrees with you and your political views does not mean they are extremists, stupid, or unintelligent. sometimes i look around and wonder how we even make it each day. but i will say saddleback gave me a glimmer of hope that there might still be a grown-up or two out there.

Big_Lib Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 12:48 PM EST

I am a big liberal and from what I can see it looks very funny. Liberals are open minded and have no problem laughin at themselves. Anyone too idealigically driven to see something new doesn't deserve to be called a progressive.

Daniel Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 12:39 PM EST

Hey, I liked "Scary Movie 3". And if I remember correctly, EW's own Owen Gleiberman even gave it a B+. (Yup, just double-checked.)

foo Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 11:54 AM EST

In spite of your politically motivated review (we're reviewing trailers now!), much of this actually does seem funny. There's no reason why you can't agree with Michael Moore's politics and still see that he's a complete douchebag who warrants a sendup.

mark in nyc Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 10:05 AM EST

Being conservative and funny just does not work. why? cause when you are the ones in power, the ones with all the money, you are not laughing with anyone, just at them.
I mean what is gonna be in this movie? Look at those lesbians with their short hair....don't you see they should not be allowed to marry the person they love?
How bout those poor people with no health care? What's the problem? Once they die...no more problem! RDRR!

Sarah Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 09:55 AM EST

I'll probably only see it because it stars Kevin Farley. Long live Doug! Linus.

Heleno Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 08:03 AM EST

Waow, xenophobia, ignorance AND it's not funny. Where do I sign up?

I feel the same way about this as I did about Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11: with such an easy target, how can you miss? Similarly, if you are right-wing and you want to attack Moore, how can you do THIS bad a job of it?

Jim Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 07:53 AM EST

Epic Fail.