Parent reviews for Bowling for Columbine

Bowling for Columbine Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 17+

Based on our expert review

Parents say

age 14+

Based on 13 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 20 reviews

age 15+

let's go Bowl

A look back at the Columbine shooting 20 years ago. Still actual 20 years later.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
age 16+

incomplete but still informative

I watched this movie looking for answers about what triggered this particular mass shooting. I didn't get an answer there like I was hoping to, but I did get some answers to the problem of gun violence in general. Michael Moore is not unbiased, as he is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. To see a member of the NRA strongly favor stricter gun laws is commendable all by itself. Moore obviously sees the gun issue from both sides. Watching this movie may or may not give you all the answers you're looking for, but it will give you some. This movie is depressing but needed.
age 10+

Good to watch with your children

I watched this with my 12-year-old son who is doing a school project on gun control. There was bad language but nothing he hadn't already heard. There wasn't as much violence as I had been expecting. It is mainly Michael Moore speaking to people about guns and was absolutely fascinating, especially as we are English (living in the US) and really not used to guns. Certainly a useful resource for the project and I had no problem with my son watching it. In fact, I would have been happy for my 11-year-old son to watch it and probably even my 9-year-old daughter because there was a lot for us to discuss. I would have drawn the line at my 7-year-old daughter but only because she wouldn't understand it.
age 14+

#1 Documentary for Teens of Today

Best documentary for the young people of today. Michael Moore does a fantastic job explaining why we Americans are the way we are. He asks questions and doesn't try to twist people's answers one way or the other. Purely informative. Teens viewing this will see both things they agree with as well as interesting facts about the world today that they might not have known before.

This title has:

Great messages
age 17+

Save for the older teens

A good movie, but I'm waiting till my kids are older to share it with them. Since my older son tends to be mature, I may let him see it before he's 17, but on average, I think waiting is best for most kids. There is one terrific conversation in the movie about how the miseries of high school don't matter after graduation. For any kids who feel out of place and/or bullied, it's a good message. And lots of good discussion material for kids as they approach graduation and going out into the world.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
not rated for age
This is a must see for all high schoolers. Although I think Micheal Moore is a little single minded and fairly rude, he makes a good documentary and a great point. This really goes in depth to show just how common gun violence is in America.
not rated for age

A must see for right wingers

This film is ingenious not only in its humor, but displaying the effects of gun violence on people. There are no explanations, just information and extremely powerful video. Micheal Moore is the king of attacking the right wing in an entertaining, ironic, and humorous way. He reminds me a lot of Abby Hoffman.
age 13+

BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE

A very strong sad but powerful documentary that shouldnt be missed. Sex-5: Sexual references Violence-10: Very graphic scenes Language-8: Some strong language
not rated for age

Propaganda

Very disappointing that the CSM reviewer fails even to mention Moore's agenda, his dubious use of footage and statistics, and his hostility toward those who disagree with him. This movie is pure propaganda and to show it to children is wrong. No one should make us his mind based on hearing one very slanted side--and shame on CSM for endorsing this very slanted and dishonest piece of work simply because they (apparently) endorse Mr. Moore's goals. Should make every visitor question the judgment and motives of CSM on any movie.
not rated for age