Search EMRO About EMRO Submitting materials Media review links Most recent reviews entered EMRO-L Total number of reviews in database: 2799 First Person Shooter Reviewed by Ann Zeidman-Karpinski, University of Oregon Highly Recommended * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This moving documentary shows how one parent tried to understand his son?s obsession with violent computer games. Raising issues explored in the Michael Moore documentary /Bowling for Columbine/, the parent/director of /First Person Shooter/ interviews gamers (including his son), parents, folks in the computer industry, programmers, and academics about the appeal and impact of violent computer games. His attempt to interview such a wide range of experts makes for a provocative story. The director raises complex questions that are difficult to resolve neatly. The director?s thoughtful approach and his personal stake in coming to some sort of understanding make for a gripping story. In addition to the thoughtful interviews there was wonderful footage of important events in a gamer?s world, like competitions and conventions. While not especially sophisticated, the simple shots and hand held video were effective at communicating the message of the documentary and gave it a real world flavor. Nicely pitched for a nation currently enthralled by reality TV shows. The video contains useful material for both public and academic libraries. Although the audience is clearly adult, I think younger students will identify with the director?s son, and/or find it interesting to see how parents view what they are doing. This is extremely *highly recommended* and very useful for provoking discussions as few other venues raise these issues as compellingly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *2002 * *Distributed by Filmakers Library , 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980* *Produced by Cogent/Benger Productions, Inc. * *Director n/a * *VHS*, * color and b&w, 50 min.* *Jr. High - Adult* *Adolescence, Child Development, Communication, Computer Industry, Education, Parenting, Popular Culture, Psychology, Sociology, Technology, Media Studies* Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Distributors may use select segments for promotional purposes with full credit given to /Educational Media Reviews Online./ /Educational Media Reviews Online - http://libweb.lib.buffalo.edu/emro/search.html Contact Information Revised September 22, 2006 /