Synopsis:

An examination of 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.

The Freak's Rating: C- : I started this DVD spinning and within seconds decided it would be a good one to watch with Jen.  We are a household that discusses economics quite a bit.  Whether it is deciding upon investments or simply coming to an agreement on spending money, we are open with our money.  In our house we have a $50 rule.  We are both allotted "fun money" each month, with which we can do whatever we want.  Then there is a small amount of money that we spend together each month (eating out, going to do things, etc...).  When we purchase, for example, a rice cooker, it comes out of this money.  With our personal money we can do whatever we want as I said, with the exception of spending over $50.  If it is more than $50, we must discuss it.  It has served us well so far.

Though an intriguing concept of boycotting shopping in America, What Would Jesus Buy? is simply too one sided to be a good documentary.  Blasting corporate America throughout, I was prepared to hear the typical "Wal Mart is evil" rants.  It has become rather popular to hate Wal Mart.  Though starting out like many other companies, WM has been blasted for employee treatment.  My cousin has worked at WM for nearly 10 years, has excellent benefits and has been promoted up the line.  So I kind of think ranting about how you hate corporate America, then shopping at Target, HyVee or Cub (all chains by the way) is pointless.  I was taken aback when I saw they were set to interview a Wal Mart employee.  Were we finally to see both sides of the Wal Mart argument?  Nope.  They found an employee to interview that was clueless when it came to answering questions about benefits.  I can't support anything that is so one-sided, no matter how positive the message is.

The only bright notes of the film are when financial counselors give tips about how to avoid being suckered into buying things.  Though I believe all people should take note of these, this isn't the best vehicle to communicate them.

Jen's Rating: C : This movie had a lot of good points but I was overall disappointed in it.  Their outreach approach was pretty wacky and out there that I think it turned more people away than attracted people.  It is very interesting that we as a society spend so much money and energy on getting the right gifts for our friends and family at Christmas that we truly miss what the holiday is about and what we're supposed to be celebrating...the birth of Jesus!!

We loved the shopping question card they mentioned in the film.  Here are some questions you should ask when you're shopping to help you consume less:

1. Why am I here?
2. Do I need this?
3. How will I pay?
4. What if I wait?
5. Where will I put it?

I would love to see a well made documentary about this issue, this one did not do it for me.

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