Maxed Out: Hard Times, Easy Credit and the Era of Predatory Lenders

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Audience Member If the devil ever presented himself to the world in the form of hard plastic, he would be a credit card with a $10,000 credit line, and he would allow himself access to the broke or erratically employed with regularity. Even though this documentary was released 10 years ago, the cautionary warning message still resonates today for credit card customers (which really should be referred to as 'bank loan' cards because the term 'credit' card carries misleading connotations of receiving 'free money'). The strong temptation for one to live above their means combined with inadequate finances can send many into bankruptcy and even worse, as this film points out, provoke some to take their own life because of massive credit card debt. What this documentary points out most emphatically is that banks and credit card companies don't make much money off of the financially responsible 'good' customers, but rather they 'bank' on (pun intended) the late payment fees and over-the-limit fees incurred by those desperate for a short-term fix to their long-term financial problems. I would recommend this documentary that promotes a much needed cautionary warning for all college students and young adults who are new to the idea of personal responsibility and the challenges of maintaining financial self-sufficiency. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Maxed Out is a very informative documentary that even though I didn't care for much, I think everyone should watch. It's a scary outlook as to what will happen when you abuse credit. It's honestly really freaky what happens to these people and it can shape viewers in the process. My problem with this movie is that it drags at more than a few times and that some people needed subtitles because of their tone and quietness of their voice. I liked this movie but it's nothing a documentary hasn't done before. B- Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member This pre-2008 documentary is shockingly prophetic... Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member Troubling anecdotal stories as pot shots against corporate evil. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Scary. Just plain scary. This should make everyone cut their credit cards. I've been in debd and still am (student loans) but I haven't had a credit card in over 7 years and only buy what I can afford and it's been refreshing. The only time this hurt me was when purchasing a car. Next up... buying a house. I love how the director shows how vicious the debt collectors are, but the collectors themselves seen themselves as saviors. but was disappointed at how little it went into details about really how, especially details about the companies that charges all those interest. The rich just getting richer off the poor. There is no more middle class. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Great but depressing documentary about how credit card companies are killing not just the economy but people, relationships, and families. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Maxed Out: Hard Times, Easy Credit and the Era of Predatory Lenders

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