 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
- Review Date: April 20, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Documentary
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Funny, insightful docu reveals product placement tricks.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this documentary from Super Size Me filmmaker Morgan Spurlock unmasks how companies push their brands by way of film and television product placements -- and how media companies work with them to raise money to get their projects made. It’s an enlightening, exhilarating, and often hilarious look at the mechanics of consumerism and advertising that's likely to be a conversation-starter for teens and adults. Expect some swearing (including "s--t" and "f--k") and plenty of footage from commercials.
What's the story?
In POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS: THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD, documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (of Super Size Me fame) examines how pervasive product placement truly is by making a movie funded entirely by corporate sponsors. He takes viewers from pitch meeting to branding sessions to strategy conferences in his attempt to sign as many firms as he can to back his project and see it marketed heavily to the public. Along the way, he asks questions about how product placement affects entertainment: Can you still be creative? Can you still make the movie you want to make?
Is it any good?
In one scene, Spurlock consults an analyst to see what his “brand personality” is. He’s told that he’s “mindful” and “playful,” a description that fits not just Spurlock the filmmaker, but this movie. A fascinating, whimsical whirlwind of a ride, The Greatest Movie Ever Sold nevertheless does serious business, lifting the curtain off of the mystery that is product placement and partnerships and encouraging viewers to question the system.
It’s discomfiting: Even as we watch everyone involved -- Spurlock, the advertisers, other directors -- discuss the inner workings of Hollywood, we’re keenly aware that Spurlock is part of it as well. He is, after all, trying to get his documentary made. So as he drives home his point, he’s selling a product, too. Then again, perhaps discomfort is just what we need when we discover that our entertainment is no longer simply that.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about product placement. Were you aware of the practice before this film? If so, did you know how pervasive it was? If not, how does finding out about it affect your views about entertainment?
How does it make you feel to know that companies have been targeting you through the movies and TV shows you watch?
Should product placement be banned, or is it the cost of doing business? How can people become savvier about the practice?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
WeIrD
this documentary from Super Size Me filmmaker Morgan Spurlock unmasks how companies push their brands by way of film and television product placements -- and how media companies work with them to raise money to get their projects made. It’s an enlightening, exhilarating, and often hilarious look at the mechanics of consumerism and advertising that's likely to be a conversation-starter for teens and adults. Expect some swearing (including "s--t" and "f--k") and plenty of footage from commercials.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
well done
Fantastic concept, well presented and entertaining. A must watch as an eye opener for kids and adults alike. This was a great reminder of the times we live in. It provides kids with an understanding how movies are reliant on the product placement to even be viable and how much they actually pay to get there. Great conversation starter with good debate as the movie progressed.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Wow CSM
Of COURSE there's product placement. That's what this movie is about! Good movie, watch it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Too long. Way too long.
O.K- I would actually rate it a 2.5 stars- but this only comes in full stars, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt. It would be good entertainment for, maybe, 30 minutes? But when it is an hour and a half, I spent most of the time watching my fingernails grow. BORING. Good concept, too long. If you are willing to buy it for the first 25 minutes and last 5, then fine. But DON'T except a quality movie.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
March 21, 2012
AGE
Super size me 2
I know what your thinking.What is 10 year old(actully 9) doing
watching a PG-13 movie?I STILL don't know.This movie is about
Morgan Spurlock tring to make a movie about product placement
by getting sponcers witch are product placement people
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Sony Pictures Classics |
| Director: | Morgan Spurlock |
| Cast: | Morgan Spurlock |
| Genre: | Documentary |
| Run time: | 88 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 22, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | August 23, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some language and sexual material |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
vote now
Will you see POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold?
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
