Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Scruffy, mature story of Hunter S. Thompson, politics.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Fear and Loathing in Aspen
What's the Story?
In FEAR AND LOATHING IN ASPEN, it's 1970, and writer/journalist Hunter S. Thompson (Jay Bulger) is living in Aspen, Colorado, with his wife, Sandy (Emily Garnet), and young son, Juan (Lincoln Nemeth). One day Thompson notices that a factory is dumping waste into the river where he and Juan fish. He attends a town hall meeting to do something about it but finds no help. So he decides to run for sheriff in the upcoming election. Local newspaper reporter Peggy Clifford (Amaryllis Fox) signs on as his campaign manager, and they learn that, because of particular Colorado voting laws, anyone staying in Aspen for at least a month can vote without proof of address. Currently, Aspen attracts a mix of wealthy ski vacationers and hippies; if Hunter can harness enough "freak power" from the latter group, he has a chance to win. But conservative Mayor Eve Homeyer (Cheryl Hines) will stop at nothing to keep the status quo.
Is It Any Good?
Though it lacks the production value of other movies about Thompson, this loose, zany tale of sound and fury signifying nothing has just enough sheer, scruffy invention to please true Gonzo fans. Formerly titled Freak Power: The Battle of Aspen, Fear and Loathing in Aspen is a clever mix of real, archival, documentary-style film footage blended seamlessly with similar-looking but fictional footage, plus split-screens and new, widescreen footage of events as they're happening. This has the effect of drawing viewers into that time and place without much production design.
As Thompson, Bulger can't quite compete with heavyweights Bill Murray (Where the Buffalo Roam) and Johnny Depp (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and The Rum Diary). But, working with actual Thompson prose, he lands the writer's trademark deadpan snarl and devil-may-care delivery and sells the role effectively. At the helm, Bobby Kennedy III -- grandson of the late Senator Bobby Kennedy -- makes his directing debut, presumably bringing his own knowledge (and cynicism) of American politics, as well as his own perspective. An admittedly fictionalized version of actual events, Kennedy's movie creates a kind of chugging suspense as the election grows closer, even if it can't seem to find much meaning in the outcome. Fear and Loathing in Aspen ends with a bit of a thud, but its parallels to modern politics still make it a decent candidate for a viewing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Fear and Loathing in Aspen's depiction of drinking, smoking, and drug use. Are they glamorized? Are they made to look cool? Are there consequences for using? Why does that matter?
Several movies and documentaries have been made about Hunter S. Thompson. What's his appeal? Do you consider him a role model? Why, or why not?
What's the movie's message? Is it a good thing for outsiders to try to stand up against the system when things are wrong or unfair? What if they can never win?
Who's right in this story? Are the hippies harmless people simply expressing their freedom, or are they a hindrance to local business? Can both be right? How?
What is voter suppression? What are some examples of it in the movie? How does this relate to current events?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 23, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : August 31, 2021
- Cast : Jay Bulger , Amaryllis Fox , Cheryl Hines
- Director : Bobby Kennedy III
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Shout! Studios
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 24, 2022
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