judeobscur This film was great because it brought back a lot of memories. It'd been so long that I'd forgotten how much work went into preparing for and attending the many many many tournaments. And it'd been ages since I'd heard someone talk about the "tab room." For folks who are not familiar with competitive debating, the type of debate featured (team debate) is not the only type. Alongside team debate at the same tournaments is Lincoln Douglas debate which involves individuals competing against each other in a far more eloquent manner. No speed reading. No trying to "out flow" the other person. I found Lincoln Douglas debate to be invaluable training for the real world.For parents who see the film, I hope you encourage your kids to try debate. It can be the high pressure competition shown in the film, but it can also be about fun, friendships, and gaining confidence. Most importantly...stay involved! These schools and students need parents to help transport kids to tournaments and to judge competition rounds.

chillzkid Richard and Louis were awesome! A must watch movie if you are a documentary fan.Debates should be about meaning not words!Thought the social message of the movie was great, and every educator and school should watch this documentary.It made me feel ashamed of the establishment. Also I cannot believe people actually do the meaningless speed talking.Maybe they should stretch the time period beyond 3minutes if kids have to talk that fast.Feels like an auction house.Debates should be about Meaning. And outsmarting your opponent, not just about out talking them.

knownwilderness I had the good luck to see this film at the Los Angeles Film Festival. I have to admit that I was not a high school debater and know nothing of the activity, but I am glad that I went to see this film ! It is about so much more. I was completely moved by the students at Long Beach Jordan and their coach. It is a shame the Los Angeles School District does not support educational activities that truly challenge the mind. The students from the well-to-do school in Texas were just as fascinating with their own brand of outlaw mannerisms. I hope that kids from high schools all over the country will have the chance to see this film.Where will it screen next ?

jkbybee After viewing (and buying) Greg Whiteley's first film - New York Doll, I was eager to see his newest project. However, never having been involved in debate myself, and never really seeing the draw of it, I was a little uncertain of how much I'd truly like the film. Once I saw the first trailer for the film, I was even more uncertain. Seriously - who talks like that?! And who can understand them??! If this was the whole movie, I might well be lost. I decided to give the film a chance, though, since I wasn't a fan of rock music and had never heard of the New York Dolls before I saw New York Doll, but I fell in love with that story. I decided to trust Mr. Whiteley, and I'm glad I did. There's a reason this film won the Audience Choice award at the Los Angeles Film Festival. You truly grow to care about the students in this story, and want them to be successful in this most competitive of worlds. When you get the chance (hopefully this film is picked up for distribution soon and we can all see it in the theatre), GO SEE THIS FILM. You'll be happy you did.