The books that shaped the movie "America: Imagine a World Without Her"

Happy 4th of July!   I'm including the following from my movie review blog here because of how big of a role books play in this movie, as well as in the cultural thought process of Americans today.  Check out the list of books that were featured in this movie at the bottom of the blog.

Movie Title:    America: Imagine a World without Her

PG-13, 1 hour 43 minutes

Grade:  B+

In a Nutshell:   Timed perfectly for the 4^th of July weekend, this documentary-style film asks the question: “What would the world look like if America did not exist?”   As the movie begins, you see a blacksmith hammering steel letters to spell out the word “America”.  The movie then goes on to illustrate how America was literally forged out of fire to become the great nation it is today.

Worried about the future where this country is headed, polarizing director and writer Dinesh D’Souza picks up where 2016 Obama's America left off, explaining that “Seeing these predictions come true makes me scared for America.”  D’Souza presents several indictments that are currently being made against America and then offers evidence that disproves the false claims.

Liberals have already declared this movie to be full of idiotic jingoism and D’Souza’s attempt at payback for being indicted in New York on charges that he violated campaign finance laws (he pled not guilty and was released on bail).  Conservatives believe D'Souza was targeted for his attack on Obama and praise both films for their thoughtful presentation of ideas.  Towards the end of the movie, D’Souza is seen in handcuffs, issuing a warning to all Americans to fight for the freedoms and liberty that have made this country great.

If you’re interested in learning more about it, go to www.AmericaTheMovie.com

Uplifting theme:  The movie starts out with a quote by famous French statesman, Alexis de Tocqueville who toured colonial America to find out why it was such a success: “America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”  The questions hang in the air: "Are we still good?  Are we still great?"

Things I liked:

• D’Souza tries to present both sides of each issue fairly, giving equal time for both.
• There are some powerful images that should leave you in awe of the miracle that America was ever created. A single sniper's shot to George Washington during the Revolutionary War could have ended everything before it even started.  George Washington is one of my biggest heroes ever and is featured in the beginning of the film.  He was willing to put his life on the line for an America that didn’t exist yet. He could have easily been king of this new country and establish his own royal lineage, but instead, he insisted on a new government that would make his descendents as socially equal as anyone.  Where ARE his descendents?  Great question, right? 
• D’Souza also tries to present the important question “What would the world be like if America recedes in importance?” Is she now? How can we prevent it?
• It’s not a sequel to 2016 Obama's America where Obama is painted as a villain who hates capitalist America, but a film with a hero, not D’Souza, but America itself.
• D’Souza tries to show that the principles of 1776 which founded this country still work.

Things I didn’t like:

• A lot of issues were unaddressed, but then again, the film would have been much longer.
• Some of the reenactments could have been better.  A few were used over and over again, but from different angles.
• I thought some of the people D’Souza chose to interview were odd choices, but it was still interesting to hear their view points on various issues.
• The film could have been much grander and greater, but feels like a TV Special.

Interesting lines:

• “America is an idea.  It was the first country to claw itself out of darkness and put it on paper.”  - Bono
• “The Revolutionary War was the struggle for the creation of America.  The Civil War was the struggle for the preservation of America.  WWII was the struggle for the protection of America.”  - D’Souza
• “Capitalism works through the consent of the people.”  - D’Souza
• “The wealth of America isn’t stolen; it’s created.” – D’Souza
• “America isn’t the problem; it’s the answer.”  - D’Souza
• “I chose this country. This country does something truly unique – it allows you to write the script of your life.”  - D’Souza
• “Obama didn’t create this movement; it created him.”  D’Souza

Tips for parents:  Young children will be very bored.  It plays like a History Channel documentary.  If you have older children who are interested in some of the material presented, check out the following books and videos which were mentioned in the movie: