Party Animals (Or...How to Get to the White House in 5 Easy Steps)

At the time he was making this documentary about the 2000 presidential election campaign, filmmaker Chaille Stovall was 11 years old. Yet his access to such powerful players as George W. Bush, Al Gore, John McCain, Laura Bush, and Elizabeth Dole should be the envy of any hard-bitten journalist slogging after candidates. A child of politically-savvy parents, the sassy and smart Stovall decided to ask Bush, Gore, and the rest why kids should care about politics, and he receives some terrific and quite respectful answers, albeit on video footage that looks about as professional as your drunk cousin's taping of last year's Christmas party. Divided into five segments, the film looks at the differences between Democrats and Republicans, discusses primaries and conventions, explains the workings of the Electoral College, and more. Originally airing on HBO in 2001, Party Animals is a delightful film that should appeal to voters (and potential voters) of all ages. Recommended. Aud: I, J, H, P. (T. Keogh)