Boys State

It's like the MUPPET BABIES version of D.A. Pennebaker's THE WAR ROOM...

The scariest movie of the year is a documentary. This film demonstrates the logical consequence of teaching kids that debates and politics are games in which you have to conquer your opponent instead of something where people should work together to achieve a common goal.

A fantastic portray of American failure.

I have no earthly idea what part of this was supposed to be insightful or endearing. The film would be disturbing if it's contents weren't already played in pieces on cable news every day of the week.

A bittersweet perspective on what politics might look like in 20 years.

It's interesting to see how these teenagers get sucked into the political landscape, and how they naturally gravitate towards being different types of politicians... it's very easy to think of these teens as politicians we have seen before and compare them. But I think I expected more from this than what I got. It's a doc so you can only document what you're given, but the way it which its pieced together wasn't always satisfying. Sometimes it felt manipulative. But mostly sound.

One of those documentaries with a strong, driving narrative and great characters, offering a biting, charming, and terrifying glimpse into the U.S. political culture of its time.

Say what? This is what a documentary should be, some up a complicated situation, without bias. Robert's progression, Steven's rise, the battle of the chairs.. It is such a great microcosm of reality.. I wished it were series of many other states also. A really well put together documentary on something very interesting with great characters.

If I ever meet anyone who's been through a Lord of the Flies or Battle Royale type experience, I'll try to be sympathetic to whatever psychological damage they've suffered. If I ever meet anyone who's been through Boys State, I'm walking away fast, hopefully with a crucifix in my pocket. Not their fault, but I can't risk giving them the benefit of the doubt.

oh boy this was brilliant.

It’s easy to think of politics in abstracts, but Boys State gives you a good look at the fundamental mechanics and relationships that actually drive the process.