God Bless America (2011)

starring Joel Murray and Tara Lynne Barr

written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait

If you are familiar with comedian Bobcat Goldthwait, it should come as no surprise that this film is as wild as his high-pitched antics. The story begins with indifferent divorcee Frank (Murray) who finds out that the source of his frequent migraines is not because of his obnoxious neighbors, or asinine co-workers, but in fact because of his fatal tumor. Feeling defeated by a lack of civility in society, Frank opts to kill himself, but first decides he must do away with the spoiled teen reality TV star Chloe. Impressed with his work after witnessing him shoot her, young Roxy (Barr) convinces Frank that their work is not done, and that her and him must eliminate the depraved members of American society. A gory and wild rampage ensues, as the two travel across the country gunning down parodical versions of real American icons. Goldthwait’s farce is slightly implausible, with Frank and Roxy facing few consequences for their homicidal tendencies, but the realism becomes unimportant. The piece is a scathing farce, highlighting the vulgarity of modern media, and general social decency. God Bless America pulls no punches, a bloodbath of gore and social commentary. The dialogue serves its purpose, if not feeling somewhat preachy at moments, in facilitating its very blatant and headstrong message, summed up by Frank with “Why have a civilization anymore if we no longer are interested in being civilized?” God Bless America has a clear indie film vibe, taking chances with unconventional cinematography and an Alice Cooper heavy soundtrack, but at the end of the film, its fairly obvious that the movie acts as a vehicle for the message, and to appease the indignation of those frustrated by the hateful exploitation, and mindless consumerism of modern day America. It’s a film with voice, and one that ought to be heard.

Final Score: 4.0 out of 5