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What Would Jesus Buy? (2007)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:53
Fresh:32
Rotten:21
Average Rating:6.2/10
Consensus: WWJB is an eye opening doc about consumerism that manages to be both funny and informative.
Runtime: 1 hr 31 mins
Genre: Education/General Interest
US Box Office: $122,530
Synopsis: From producer Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) and director Rob VanAlkemade, “What Would Jesus Buy?” examines the commercialization of Christmas in America while following Reverend Billy and the... From producer Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) and director Rob VanAlkemade, “What Would Jesus Buy?” examines the commercialization of Christmas in America while following Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir on a cross-country mission to save Christmas from the Shopocalypse (the end of humankind from consumerism, over-consumption and the fires of eternal debt.) The film also delves into issues such as the role sweatshops play in America’s mass consumerism and Big-Box Culture. From the humble beginnings of preaching at his portable pulpit on New York City subways, to having a congregation of thousands – Bill Talen (aka Rev. Billy) has become the leader of not just a church, but a national movement. Rev. Billy’s epic journey takes us to chilling exorcisms at Wal-Mart headquarters, to retail interventions at the Mall of America, and all the way to the Promised Land on Christmas Day. The Stop Shopping mission reminds us that even though we may be “hypnotized and consumerized,” we still have a chance to save ourselves this Christmas. --© Official Site [More]
Director: Rob VanAlkemade
Director: Rob VanAlkemade
Producer: Morgan Spurlock, Stacey Offman, Peter Hutchison
Composer: William Moses
Reviews for What Would Jesus Buy?
This funny, yet thought provoking film asks many questions that have plagued consumerism for decades. While much of the ground tracked over is old, it fits perfectly into the modern economic situation.
Reverend Billy is a charismatic presence, even if his shtick is too silly and the documentary too unfocused to motivate any serious change in the nation’s holiday spending habits.
Seeing WWJB? in a theater is not necessary, although seeing him and the choir hijacking a mall in person would be better than Beowulf in IMAX.
These bits of information could have been shocking in about 1940, 1980 and 1990. But by now, Americans who don't know couldn't care less.
The good reverend and his crew do their best to get busted at assorted corporate shrines (Disneyland, the Mall of America), but their media-driven antics serve only to underline Spurlock's add-water-and-stir approach to political documentary.
Having illuminated the many dimensions in that vast universe between the flat affect of creative depression and the modish affectation of emo posing, Corbijn manages Control with elegant, understated veneration.
While the movie may be a good vehicle for Rev. Billy's points, it's too tied to his point of view.
Genuine and meaningful provocateurs like Talen are vital, and his message is a glad one to anymore who abhors the WalMart-ification of America.
And as far as sermons go, it’s a good one. You just wish the director had found someone else to deliver it.
Obvious or not, heeding Reverend Billy's anti-Shopacolypse gospel could make your holidays a little simpler, sweeter, and saner.
Latest News for What Would Jesus Buy?
November 17, 2007:
Super-Size Jesus! ![]()
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November 15, 2007:
Critical Consensus: Beowulf is Certified Fresh; Magorium Short on Magic; Cholera is Under the Weather
This week at the movies, we've got epic poems come to life (Beowulf, starring Ray Winstone and Angelina Jolie), a magical toy shop (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, starring... More...
November 05, 2007:
Trailer & Poster review ![]()
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