Is This Is America Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1977)

📖 The Core Premise

This Is America returns to the screen in 1977, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Inspired by shock-documentaries like Mondo Cane, this film looks at the wilder side of life in America. Starting off with the bloodier side of the American car culture by showing a series of crashes at race events, the film then goes on to lesser-known sexual practices. Included among these is a porno movie award show, a nude beauty contest, a sex therapy session, and a detailed explanation of where dildos come from."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Norman Rose feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is This Is America worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, This Is America misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 97 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.