Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?

Several young film reviewers give us their take on the documentary.


Courtnie Ashman says:

Most people in the world know who Osama bin Laden is, but what do they think about his actions?
Where in the world is Osama bin Laden is a documentary by the director and star of Super Size Me. This Documentary sees Morgan Spurlock looking for Osama bin Laden, in a variety of countries in the Middle East. On his adventures he comes across angry Jews, a French-speaking activist and the U.S. Army.
Morgan was spurred on to do this because of his worries about bringing his unborn child into the world. By making this film he came across many people who had different thoughts on Bin Laden. In this docu-film we see Spurlock speak to relatives of some of the terrorists and people’s view on America. Morgan tries to show us the different side of this terrorist by showing us the humour and how it effects on people.
On the surface this seems like a light-hearted comedy with Bin Laden dancing to Can’t Touch This. As the movie goes on you start to understand what is really going on in the world, and the troubles the people face every day.
This is an enjoyable movie at times and the humour appeals to a wide audience, the political opinions come across very easily but are dragged out over a long period of time. This film isn’t that great if you have a short attention span.
This is a film is best for people who want to know more about politics but don’t understand it as well as they could. Overall this film to me is worth 3 stars as there are some aspects that make it amusing but its political views are stretched over a long part of the film.


Eve Klein says:

Where in the World is Osama bin Laden? A question which has had people puzzled for years now, and which is most definitely not answered by this film. What it does do, however, is give you a much more close and personal view on how Muslim civilians really feel about the terrorist attacks which have taken place due to this man.

Spurlock, driven by the thought of bringing his unborn child into a World filled with terrorists and violence, travels to various countries including Israel and Egypt to try and track down Osama bin Laden. Although he does not find him, what he does find are Muslims all over the World who do not seem to agree with what Osama is doing, and has already done, and who blame the American government for all the misfortune that has fallen upon their countries on the past few years. Which makes you think – if people of the same religion for which he says he is fighting for don’t agree with him, then what is the point?

In all I found this film thoroughly enjoyable, often finding my self laughing and feeling intrigued by what both Morgan Spurlock and the Muslim civilians had to say. In my view, it’s a film definitely worth seeing.


Joseph Ewing says:

Where In The World Is Osama Bin Laden? That’s one hell of a title! What do you think when you hear that? Is it a joke? Well that’s a good question.
After his last big success Super Size Me, everyone expected big things from Morgan Spurlock’s latest project, and I have to say that I was again impressed by his work. This daring but informative docu-film is not just about one guy searching the world for the most wanted terrorist ever and is certainly not a joke, but a story of how he meets other regular citizens, terrorists' siblings, and Islamist extremists on his way and explores the world of Osama bin Laden and the bigger picture of it all.
Sounds a bit heavy huh? But actually it’s not. Don’t get me wrong, Spurlock gets himself into some of the most dangerous places in the world but he keeps up a stream of good humour throughout. He really does reflect on some big issues and there are some challenging moments, but while Morgan manages to hold up the seriousness and reality of the situation, he is able to, every now and then, put a light spin on the events.
If I say too much more about the actual film I’ll give it away, but I can tell you that the camera shots are well worked, the quality of production is top notch, and the special effects, soundtrack and personal voice overs create a truly brilliant piece of work.
Overall I have to say that, although I was sceptical at first, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Where In The World Is Osama bin Laden? for both its humour and its insight to the world of terrorism and I highly recommend it.


Max Ngo says:

Where in the World is Osama bin Laden is a new documentary made by Morgan Spurlock, who is also the man who made the documentary Super Size Me.

His new documentary sees him go in search of the most wanted man in the world. He embarks on a journey around the Middle East while his wife is at home carrying their unborn child.

The film uses high-tech computer graphics and animation for an opening scene of Spurlock fighting Osama in a mortal combat style and has Osama bin Laden dancing to Can’t Touch This, which gave the documentary a touch of comedy.

Morgan Spurlock, while looking for one of the most wanted criminals on the earth, makes many jokes , giving the audience something to laugh about. While he makes many jokes at the start, with the help of computer graphics, the film gets more serious towards the end as he meets a range of people from civilians to soldiers and gets their view on the America, the war on terror and Osama, making the film regain the seriousness it was supposed to have at the start.

In conclusion, although this documentary makes more effort in making jokes than finding Osama bin Laden, this documentary would be one to watch.


Sebastian Fuller St Arroman says:

How much do you know about the war on terror? Does the media brand your mind? More importantly – Do you know where I can find Osama bin Laden?

Morgan Spurlock’s latest film, Where in the world is Osama bin Laden? is a risky comedy documentary film that’s easy to like. Its edgy jokes and thrilling dangers excite the viewer and draw them in.

Its cheerful attitude towards dangerous and upsetting events helps the viewer to feel comfortable while Morgan ventures into the Media’s no-go areas. The suspense of the film and the way it's put together could irritate some viewers, not me though. Personally I find the approach a very well chosen one.

Like his last film, Super Size Me in which he lived on only fast food to challenge the healthy claims, he has targeted it at the American public. I think Morgan has created this film to fit the audience. At the start of the film, a selection of montage scenes and comedy clips, firmly clasps the viewer’s attention and does not let go. This extreme hold it takes allows Morgan to subject the public to a serious documentary that they may normally turn away from. I think in this film, Morgan has proved himself as a master of being able to trick people into thinking of serious issues.

When I use the word trick I do not mean the film is not entertaining. The serious issue is just cleverly disguised. In fact, all the catches he uses to draw you in allow him to present almost anything and you will give it your full attention. On the other hand, there are a number of people who would have mixed emotions about this.

People who watch documentaries regularly may feel talked down to, may feel disappointed that he didn’t have the courage to make a sensible documentary. These people might ridicule the film and call it offensive. If you are protective about the boundaries between genres or prefer a documentary to be blunt facts then this is not the film for you.

Again, if you happen to be one of those people who are offended by people making jokes about terrorism or Osama bin Laden then this is not your film. His approach I have already described as risky and I stand by this. Having said that, personally I think the jokes he makes, although some people will see them in ill humour, are a good way of gently easing people to discuss untouched subjects. The things no one wants to say. This silence we have needs to be broken to allow society to progress and I think we need more risk-taking people around today.

One thing that particularly irritated me was the long phone calls with his wife, as well as her child’s birth at the end. I think it could ruin the film for some and I think these were unnecessary in such large amounts and although some would argue they were essential for the storyline I would disagree. I think he needed to explain that he was doing what he did for his son but the long dreary calls to his wife dragged the film on and on.

All in all I think it was rather enjoyable and thought provoking, although unorthodox.

8.5/10


Tashi Hanlon says:

Where in the world is Osama bin Laden? Well the star of Super Size Me, Morgan Spurlock, thinks he knows. I was mildly surprised at how he managed to turn such a touchy controversial subject into a light-hearted comedy. The film shares the same tone as Super Size Me, a style that works well for Spurlock. His ability to take very important issues and make them entertaining makes this film a masterpiece. Inspired by his wife's pregnancy, Spurlock sets out to make the world a safer place for his child by finding its most wanted and dangerous occupant, Osama bin Laden.

Thankfully the film is much more than just a manhunt, it gives you an insight into the troubles in the Middle East. Spurlock has taken real life stories. Using information from locals he finds himself in Pakistan and makes the important decision about whether to cross into dangerous surroundings or not.

In general, the film is well structured, it successfully uses animation and the uses of a computer game style makes a controversial problem quite lighthearted. Although to my disappointment the film ends in a corny song running the end of the film.
On the whole however, Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden is a documentary with an important message about the war of terror. Spurlock is without question a talented filmmaker.

Wahong Giet says:

Ever wondered why Osama bin Laden is the most wanted man in the planet? Or maybe you’ve been pondering on why this destructive nuisance has yet to be found? Perhaps you are simply curious and want to find out the inner truth to Osama’s life. Whatever you may wonder, this documentary does a whole lot more than answering these fascinating questions.

At times the documentary can be comical. Watching funny moments of animated Osama bin Laden dancing to a cheesy song provides hilarious moments for any viewer. On the other hand, the documentary is very informative and contains many interesting views and comments from local villagers in the Middle East. Listening to random citizens commenting on a whole variety of different views is fascinating for us to watch.

The subtle mix of serious information with a side of humour creates a perfect balance, which suits this specific documentary. The director, Morgan Spurlock, always keeps it entertaining and fascinating by doing things like firing huge rocket launchers or simply because of his witty personality. All in all, the documentary never loses its value for entertainment.

The documentary also uses clever devices to engage their viewer. We see a fight between Osama bin Laden and Morgan Spurlock animated like a computer game, which implies some sort of mystery and suspense which all adds up to build a well structured documentary. Although Morgan Spurlock does not actually discover where Osama is currently residing, the huge amount of information that Morgan has gained means he realises that finding the most wanted man does not necessarily mean all the problems in the Middle East will just vanish in thin air.

In conclusion, Morgan Spurlock makes this documentary worthwhile and as interesting as possible but it won’t exactly be a classic either. It’s the type of documentary that will be pretty interesting and great the first time, but watching this again will not provide the same effects and surprise.