Une chance pour tous

Though it has been years since I saw "Listen", I remember it not for the quality of the acting, which I thought was fine, but for delivering the most eloquent argument against abortion I had ever seen, even to this day. Any movie that gets the range of comments that have been posted, from rave to rage, is certainly has to be called controversial. So the debate scenes did not match up to the life experiences of some, it is a STORY. Its message is very, very strong, and delivered quite effectively. Isn't that what movies, books, plays, photography, et al are about? I just saw "Cider House Rules", the flip side of the abortion discussion from "Listen". Try watching "Listen" and "Cider House" back to back for what should be quite an emotional and intellectual experience. I rate both films at least 9 out of 10.

PS: I am 64, male, anti-abortion, and pro-choice.

Granted this movie is a horrible representation of college debate. That being said, the movie itself is not horrible. It's not a thought-provoking power movie either. However, unlike the previous review I enjoyed this movie for it's entertainment value. If you enjoy dramatic movies that are a bit "cheesy" then you will enjoy this movie. It's not ever going to win any awards, but it was not produced to either. Do not take this movie so seriously and you will get some enjoyment out of it. It also does deal with some serious issues and although others may not like the way it was done, those you have a personal attachment to the topic will take comfort in knowing that the emotional side was handled in a considerate fashion. All in all, there are positives to this movie, so don't take it as a "How To" on college debate, as it was not meant to be one and does not portray it accurately. It's just a movie, get over it already!

Listen to Me is, quite frankly, spectacularly bad, which makes it hard to rate. It was, quite unintentionally, hysterical at moments, and I love such great debating advice as, "We're not going to win with facts, so let's go for drama!" and suggesting that a new plan should be run in the 2AR. As other reviewers have noted, it does NOT represent debate very accurately at all, and is highly melodramatic and overwrought. However, as a debater (policy for 2 years in high school, now into my 3rd year of parliamentary in college), I enjoyed watching it, at least once, because it was so unintentionally funny. My coach last spring had us watch it during a meeting and we all laughed nonstop because of its inherent stupidity. My advice: if you're a debater, you might think this hilarious. If you're not, you might not enjoy it. Additionally, don't for a moment think that's how REAL debate is done. Just to pick one example, I cannot even begin to imagine my coach advising me to make up stories in order to win rounds. Side note of interest to debaters: Tom Miller, who is a debate official in the film, is an actual college debate coach at UCLA.

Amanda Peterson! Peter DeLuise! Jami Gertz! AMANDA PETERSON! Wow man.

This is a kick down memory lane. Amanda Peterson, afflicted with "The

Limp": "No - YOU be careful. I'M fine. I'll walk again - normally -

someday. And I'll ride a horse again. And maybe I'll even, dance, again

someday. So don't you or any of the rest of you here - feel sorry for

me, because I won't f**king stand for it." (massive applause from

debating audience).

Can you feel it? CAN YOU FEEL IT? Leave your cynicism at the door and

let this movie wash over you like warm bath water. I don't know what

else to say.

Is this movie ever going to come out on DVD? I love this movie, it has stayed with me for years because it captures the turmoil of teenagers learning how to live with the past and be a good person in the future. I would recommend that all teenagers see it, because it is so sincere and earnest. The emotion and confusion of being a good person, and a good student and a good friend is phenomenal. People are always wondering what they can do or say to be a better person and this movie teaches them that we all make mistakes, but we all survive. If a child or adult learns anything from this I would hope that it would be to treat each person fairly and compassionately. This movie shows that we all have our own demons and with the help and support of family, and friends we can all learn to deal with those demons without hurting those we love and using them as shields from our own pain.