What an incredibly fascinating documentary. I'm in high school debate at a school much like the ones shown- yes, we're in Texas- and the story shown is scarily accurate. It's more than entertaining to see the more unusual aspects of debate highlighted, like foot-tapping and spreading.For those who oppose spreading, that's understandable, but in many ways, it's necessary. Debaters are always told to decide for themselves how they should present their case, depending on the type of judge they have. In a round in which everyone can understand each other, a fast pace simply means more arguments and evidence. It definitely isn't ideal for the average person to comprehend, but as for training speech and eloquence, it is more helpful than imaginable. You have no idea how concise and clear your arguments and everyday speaking becomes after training to speak coherently at hundreds of words per minute. Also, you gain a well-developed sense of self-being and confidence from speaking on issues that are very much applicable to the real world.However, I very much agree with the kids from the urban league, because debate nowadays is focused far too much on the structure of debate- topicality, etc.- which only detract from the true debate. It's less of an argument on theories and morals and more of an argument of if the other team follows the rules or not. Ridiculous impacts are named to win rounds, and the experience strays from true intellectual discussion. If there is anything I could change about debate, it would be the easy ways out; using cheap tricks to win rounds and avoid ideological debate does NOT mean that you are a good debater.Either way, this movie is fantastic, and it's easily watched. For those who think debate is boring, check this out and think again. :]

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.

I was on 2 state championship teams in the early 1970's and while we, too, tried to "spread" our opponents, it was nothing like the pace I saw in this film. The speed-talking and air gulping made the participants nearly incomprehensible and I certainly felt for their opponents and judges who were trying keep their flow-sheets of arguments and counter-arguments straight. It was difficult enough in my day at our pace where the speed of our oratory was only slightly faster than normal speech.Therefore, I thought the "revolutionary" approach by the Long Beach students was a type of appeal for "retro" or "old school" debate where, indeed, the emphasis was on the quality of the arguments and their presentation rather than information overload... although, I must admit that the affirmative case that my partner and I built did have elements of information overload.One other thing I noticed was the giant tubs filled with manila folders that, I presume, contained printouts from the "for pay" research websites. In my day, we used metal file boxes and filled them with 6x9 index cards that we accumulated in summer debate "workshops" or frequent visits to the Emory University library. We had to transcribe all of our research onto the index cards as cutting up library books was generally frowned upon.I really enjoyed the documentary and was particularly fascinated by the Long Beach duo who not only struck as being super smart, but also very capable of thinking "outside the box."

A few years ago, while Mr. Whiteley was shooting for my husband in Portland, Oregon, we asked him what projects he was developing. He excitedly told us about Resolved and its concept. This was an idea he had working for quite some time. New York Doll had yet to be conceived. Jim is way off with his inflammatory remark that Mr. Whiteley is a THIEF. The time frame makes that impossible. New York Doll and Resolved are both unique, brilliant accomplishments. Mr. Whiteley has incredible talent, finds passion in the otherwise mundane. An old, washed out rock star brings tears to my eyes. Debate ... well would you ever? And, would I ever go to see another film about debate? Well, now I would. Please, Jim, proudly continue with your project as I, for one, welcome films aimed for the above 90 IQ.