Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was intrigued by this title. So I rented. The parent (mom) of one of the killers in the Columbine shooting is a compelling subject. The use of reenactments at first were compelling. However as we get deeper into the story we are overwhelmed by the use of these reenactments. What we miss is the subject of the film (mom) and crucial story points. I wanted a deeper dive to what drove these children to do what they did. The filmmakers started to go there but then went into long montage music sequences and sound bite interviews with experts, too many at that, which didn't elevate the narrative. The concept of interviewing the Mother of a monster (shooter) is brilliant. Not allowing us to get a full understanding of the cycle of triggers into depression and anger; a missed opportunity. What caused this young man to do what he did given his privileged life? Question never answered. At one point the mother reads in her son's journal that he was the unhappiest person on earth. Hang on, what? How did we get there. What lead up to this unhappiness? The filmmakers employ some fancy graphics which didn't make a lot of sense, a contemporary visual aesthetic. They overlooked the treasure they had before them; the journal. I have no idea why there was such little time afforded the journal which may have had all the answers. The journal appeared to be the key that would unlock the reasons why but it's only briefly mentioned. The mother is never questioned about her son's gathering of weapons and explosives. The question is soft pedaled to her. She says she didn't know he had an arsenal of weapons and explosives. Really? Did you ever see him with a weapon? Did he like to go shooting with friends? Where did he get the money to buy these weapons. Was he fascinated by violent video games? These are the obvious questions unanswered. The overall production level was efficient if not professional. The music hackneyed and overplayed with too much sentimentality and too on the nose. Sum it up... Great concept, good production values, but poor execution and story telling.