#okstandard

As a fresh resident of the Oklahoma City area, I have become deeply enthralled with the city and the state.  I have loved the intimacy of the small community that also provides big time quality of life entertainment.  As I’m still trying to grasp the history and culture of the state (which mainly consists of me bugging Whitney with questions or learning the city names by watching the weather reports), what good timing for this documentary to come along.  It’s a little hard to gage how people other than Oklahomans would receive this film but it’s hard to deny that there is a lot to be learned from both the failures and successes of the state.

What develops is a journey through an economic boom by the oil and gas industry which is ultimately undone by banks providing faulty loans (sounds familiar doesn’t it?).  This dire dip is salvaged through political foresight and triumph through a tragedy.  Don’t expect a Hollywood polish with this documentary.  It has some rough edges to it, but I don’t think it takes away from the powerful message of hope and pure determination.  It does a good job of not dumbing down the material, but also maintaining a solid foundation of intelligence required to follow a lot of attorney and businessman talk.  This really is an economic documentary that could easily be applicable to any political, history or business collegiate course.

I’m sure the timing of this release was purposely aligned with the Oklahoma City Bombing 20th anniversary, and its take on the tragic event was handled very well.  The bombing could be a documentary in itself, but the filmmakers did a good job of hitting on the main details while providing very heartfelt stories by two people closely affected by the devastating blast.  I think the film was just running too long to really build on the correlation of that horrific event to OKC’s economic development, but a lot of that is naturally understood.  I felt like it was a piece that could have really elevated this film to greater heights, but its always hard to dwell on tragedy when there is such a triumphant note to end the film on.

The film is only playing at the Harkins Theater in Bricktown for one more week, so I urge any Oklahoman to add it to their weeknight plans.  I know it’s hard to go out to a movie during a work week, but I don’t think you can miss out on this great history lesson about the OKC area.  It will only instill even more state pride in yourself and I highly urge you to exit the theater doors out front.  The view of Bricktown and the downtown skyline that will greet you is surreal and will really make you appreciate the forethought of the city’s civic leaders.

If you miss it in theaters, you can visit the movie's website to buy the DVD or rent it digitally.

Oklahoma Standard Step-by-Step  

https://okstandard.org/   https://youtu.be/pk9zFmGn1wA

Nick Collison is Committed to the #OKStandard

https://okstandard.org/   https://youtu.be/17uSEs-HQag