Goodbye, America (2006) User Reviews

Fascinating and absolutely NOTHING like what I expected.

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 29 May 2016]

Al Lewis was most famous for his role as Grandpa on "The Munsters". The filmmaker Sergio Oksman worked with Lewis for several years before his death...recording the man's thoughts and remembrances. Two things, however, surprised me. First, at one point Lewis says he is 92 though IMDb listed his age at his death as 82. This is not unusual...actors OFTEN lie about their age one way or the other and it's possible IMDb is wrong. His birth year is often listed as either 1910 or 1923--and that's a pretty hefty spread! I'd assume that he was well into his nineties when he died, as I cannot see a reason for him to pretend to be even older in this documentary. Second, instead of Lewis talking all about his career on TV and in a few films, he instead talks politics. It turns out Lewis is a life-long leftist and he rails about the Red Scare, 9/11, the Vietnam War and politicians and I am sure it will offend most viewers. Lewis was unconcerned about this and actually seemed to enjoy talking about his hatred of an 'Americanism' that promoted war. It's a very challenging film to watch because of this, though I found myself often agreeing with him despite my Republican upbringing. Now he is NOT just anti-Republican but anti- system. He sees the government as a great evil and explains why. Never dull...and it's interesting how Oksman filmed it over quite a few years, so you get to see Lewis when he is old and vigorous, old and not so vigorous as well as in a hospital bed waiting for oblivion. A fascinating film.

Emotional and Fascinating

[alice-dukesohazzardfan · 9/10 · 13 July 2023]

I found myself crying at a few moments in this. Seeing Al Lewis weak in bed, looking like he was just waiting for the end was just heartbreaking. Listening to Lewis recall the history of America through his perspective from the end of WWII to 9/11 is just a fascinating experience, all as a way to kill time while he's preparing for a public appearance, possibly one of his final as Grandpa Munster. Understandably, his political views may not be for everyone, but it's a way to view a man's insight on the country, from the least likely person you'd expect it from. Anyone who's a fan of Al Lewis or a fan of history in general should give this a watch.