The Uncivil War: America Divided

I'll admit walking into the cinema anticipating a documentary. After adjusting to the film's dramatization format, I remained as confused as the main protagonist for much longer.. The film tries to see the world through the eyes of a middle-aged, recently divorced white guy who confronts "woke" or "progressive" animus at every turn. Since the view from "the right" is usually confined to podcasts or cable stations, this was an immersion into the protagonist grappling with hatred from "the left." However, the film left me bored with two-dimensional characters and trite epithets from "the right" and "the left." The audience in St Pete, FL seemed moved that their world view was finally reflected sympathetically. Many in the U. S. feel that their world view has been given short shrift in the film industry so it's important to hear. In that regard, the movie wasn't a complete waste. If I hadn't paid $15, I would've turned the movie off in the first 10 minutes because of the flat writing and many silly characters. The messaging was a sledgehammer ...

I thoroughly enjoyed the premiere of "The Uncivil War". There is no way to paint a complete picture in the time frame that a movie presentation allows, but the writer David Siracusa and director Andrew Huff did a great job in offering a dual perspective without blame or shame on either side. I can certainly appreciate their open-mindedness and their desire to help viewers see both points of view. I was a little surprised that clips from the preview and sizzle real were left out of the final edit, as I was expecting to still see those missing scenes when the movie ended. I do understand why the clips were left on the cutting room floor and replaced with other scenes, as it could have caused unnecessary controversy that went against the movie's original intent. Again, I really enjoyed it. GREAT work!!

This topic is very important and timely, but the movie missed the mark on portraying it deeply and offering suggestions to help the problem. Especially since George Floyd's death, camps have formed with very diverse opinions and seemingly no way to talk to one another. There is a great liberal/ conservative and black/ white divide in this country, but the movie made no attempt to look at the roots of these problems and how one might adopt ways to relate to folks that hold differing points of view. There was a subplot involving dating that I found very sexist and shallow.

I was disappointed. I'd hoped to hear different ideas and viewpoints that could be discussed. Back to the drawing board for this script!

Uncivil War - America Divided is a timely piece for 2024 in that the events that happened in 2020 are still happening today. With it being an election year when the film enters theatrical and festival distribution, it's the perfect time to reflect and have conversations.

The story revolves around two friends who disagree when events take place in 2020. The narrative itself follows a hero's journey with some pivots that do not divert from the overall arc of the story. Daniel Roebuck brings a delightful and validating character to the conflicted David Siracusa who is struggling to find balance from an entrepreneurial life and his personal life. Musetta Vander is a breath of fresh air as a woman who brings perspective to the troubled character along with Bronsonn Taylor as the main supporting actor. The ensemble itself really leaves the audience with questions to ponder within themselves.

Whether you agree or disagree with the overall content of the film, this is a story to look at and think within yourselves and leave with conversations among friends and family. Politics are tough and many do not know how to balance it with overall dialogue. This film is an eye opening way of looking into it. I encourage you to give it a try.

Really enjoyed the movie. Well written, thought provoking with some humor as well. Great acting throughout. David Siracusa knocked it out of the park with this film. 100% recommend this movie. Liked the character development with the main actors and loved how Byron came back and stood up for his friend against the mob despite their disagreements and different viewpoints. Wanted to cheer for Byron at that moment. Not an easy topic to make a movie out of but the story was compelling and relatable. The movie does take you back to that time and how divided the Country was (or at least how the media portrays the Country). Great scenery of Tampa Bay as well. Go see this movie!!