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American Gadfly

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1:57

American Gadfly

2021

1h 36m

Documentary

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4 Reviews

100%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

After decades of quiet living, 89 year-old former U.S. senator Mike Gravel comes out of retirement when a group of teenagers convince him to run for president. Through Senator Gravel's official Twitter account, the Gravel teens embark on an unlikely adventure to qualify him for the Democratic debates in order to advance an anti-war, anti-corruption, and direct democracy agenda in the 2020 presidential race.

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Ben Kenigsberg

New York Times

Wallin presents the correctness of Oks and Williams's cause as a given. If you can get past that ingenuousness, "American Gadfly" is enjoyable as a chronicle of teenage idealism and its frustrations.

Jan 4, 2022

Full Review

Stephen Silver

Splice Today

Fascinating as an inside story of the political process and what goes on in a long-shot presidential campaign, even if that effort was essentially a footnote in the 2020 campaign.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 28, 2022

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Benjamin Franz

Film Threat

Of the crop of documentaries I’ve seen in the past few years, American Gadfly stands out as extraordinary. Seek it out if you like political histories or just want a great laugh. You will not be disappointed, either way.

Rated: 9/10

Jan 20, 2022

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Carla Hay

Culture Mix

It's a very gimmicky, one-sided documentary about smug, teenage left-wing Democrats ... [The movie] lets its 'stars' off the hook too easily when it comes to many problematic issues [choosing male-only campaign leaders] ... The hypocrisy is disgusting.

Jan 16, 2022

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Audience Member

I highly recommend for anyone interested in politics - regardless of your political leanings! A very entertaining, funny and insightful look into the political world in a digital age. Provides an intriguing perspective on a fascinating less-known political player, and some of the young activists and the ways they see the world and play a political game.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A must see documentary full of hope and aspirations in an uncertain world.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

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Audience Member

I liked this movie so much I watched it again immediately. Great story, high quality production. Fun to watch. Congratulation to everyone involved.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

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Audience Member

I have recommended this movie to everyone I know, it is spectacular. Especially for teens, girls and boys alike, who are craving a role model of a loving, strong and wise man who treats others with respect and dignity. This goes beyond political ideology; this is about what being a truly good human is all about, and what an impact following your passion has on the world. Refreshing for adults; a gamechanger of hope and inspiration for kids.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This was an amazing opportunity to learn about the lesser known political aspects of America. Most stories like Mike Gravel's are buried underneath political party popularity contests & never receive the true attention they deserve. American Gadfly brings to light the optimistic reality of American politics that we rarely see on the news. 10/10 recommend to anyone who wants to experience an educational film while also enjoying a hopeful and feel good movie. I truly can't wait to see the momentum this film picks up & I only wish I could've been made aware of Mike Gravel earlier in life.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Warning! This movie could inspire hope. The film captures the 2020 long shot campaign of former Senator Mike Gravel. A handful of teens scheme up a way to draft the Senator and run a Presidential Twitter campaign from their bedroom. I would be selling the movie short if I left it there. It takes you through the campaign chronologically sure but to call it a campaign film would be to undervalue it. It's about the kind of people who are told "hey, that's just the way things are" but march forward anyway. The kind of people who would risk their future/careers to let the truth be known. Even if you are not familiar with Gravel or the Pentagon Papers by the end of the film you'll be wishing there were more people like him and the young men who ran his off the wall campaign might convince you there just might be.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

Full Review

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Skye Wallin

Director

David Oks

Self

Henry Magowan

Self

Elijah Emery

Self

Henry Williams

Self

Mike Gravel

Self

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American Gadfly: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

After decades of quiet living, 89 year-old former U.S. senator Mike Gravel comes out of retirement when a group of teenagers convince him to run for president. Through Senator Gravel's official Twitter account, the Gravel teens embark on an unlikely adventure to qualify him for the Democratic debates in order to advance an anti-war, anti-corruption, and direct democracy agenda in the 2020 presidential race.

Director: Skye Wallin
Producer: Jeff Hammer, Skye Wallin
Production Co: Wisconation Productions, SunPunks Productions
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 4, 2022
Runtime: 1h 36m

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