Entertainment Weekly
This winning–at least for the viewer–documentary tracks the quixotic attempt by 94–year–old Democrat Doris "Granny D" Haddock to unseat incumbent New Hampshire senator Judd Gregg during the 2004 election. The plucky, straight–talking retiree makes for a fabulous subject. A−
The Washington Post
An entertaining, engrossing documentary.
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LosAngeles.com
Run Granny Run celebrates political idealism and makes you wish more ordinary citizens had Granny D's courage and conviction.
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Seacoast New Hampshire
Run Granny Run is the story of a loser and, at the same time, among the most winning and hopeful documentaries ever made about the American political process…Her debate with
Gregg is as heart stopping as any Hollywood car chase.
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indieWIRE
It is hard not to make a personal favorite out of "Run Granny Run", the incredibly loveable tale of the 97–year–old woman who walked across the country
and then ran for Congress, one of the most inspiring true stories of our time. In a sea of terribly constructed political documentaries, "Run Granny Run" is a breath of fresh air.
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Cinema For All
Packed full of insight into the US electoral system and a perfect tonic to any feeling of being ‘past it’, Run Granny Run is a joy to watch.
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Eye For Film
It’s genuinely thrilling to see someone who is willing to go to such lengths to stand up to the corruption of high stakes US politics, especially to see an elderly woman –
a demographic that society largely sees as harmless, ineffectual and even comical – entering a world traditionally dominated by young and middle-aged men.
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The Boston Phoenix
Poras’s grandly entertaining, genuinely feel–great Run Granny Run brings to life the heroic 2004 New Hampshire Senate campaign of 94–year–old Doris
“Granny D” Haddock to unseat smug Bushite Judd Gregg. A SxSW bonus: I got to hang out with the charming, sprightly old lady, now 97, and she’s a swell
hugger and kisser! Granny D for president! As she told me: “Though I lost, I helped turn New Hampshire from a red state to a blue one!”
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Crooks and Liars
One of the most unusual political campaigns to ever happen in this country…The director takes the audience along for the agonizing ride of trying to run a campaign on a shoe–string budget
with little help from the Democrats and the nervousness and tension during the preparation for and lead up to the debate night. In the end, Run Granny Run is an everyman’s story about how
every day people can do extraordinary things and shake up the system if they decide to get involved and that our democracy can survive if we all decide we want to take it back.
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Premium Hollywood
In addition to providing a lovely character study of a woman who‘s found a new lease on life simply by doing what she can to help save the country that she loves from those who would
steer it in the wrong direction, (Run Granny Run) reminds the viewer that anyone can change the world if they put their mind to it…maybe more of us should remember her actions the next
time we start to get frustrated with the Democratic process.
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Film Monthly
(Run Granny Run) is a must–see this year, and is even more salient with the upcoming 2008 elections. In fact, all of the current presidential candidates should watch this film
– maybe it will help remind them not only who they have to live up to, but that it is possible to be a politician and still be sincere. Her heroism may not be as blatant as some others,
as hers is subtle and modest – she stood up strong against those who didn’t believe her age was an asset, and she answered proudly when her country was calling her name. Granny D may not
have won the election, but she will absolutely win the hearts (and minds) of all of the viewers.
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The Star–Ledger
From the moment we meet Doris Haddock…we know this 94-year-old loses her bid to become a United States Senator from New Hampshire. Yet we not only watch, we watch entranced.
Scottish Left Review
In today's rabid political environment, it's almost unheard of to see a candidate for Senate who hasn't been vetted, approved and laundered by their political party. The days of some "Mr.
Smith Goes TO Washington" candidate attempting to run a grassroots campaign almost seems quaint. Which might be part of the reason why the documentary "Run Granny Run" is such a blast to
watch. Whether or not you agree with her politics, the story of 94–year–old Doris Haddock's doomed–from–the–start Senate race renews your faith in the politics of the people…Run Granny Run is often
funny, always charming and ultimately a look at one of the most unusual political campaigns of the past 30 years.
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New York Press
Run Granny Run is immediately poignant; Granny D comes across as the sort of gentle woman from innocent times whose steady wisdom drives her sense of duty. As her campaign grows
in its intensity, the movie becomes increasingly exciting and the final act builds an incredible sense of anticipation. Granny D is a likable protagonist even if you don’t sympathize with her beliefs.
Much like An Unreasonable Man, the Ralph Nader documentary from earlier this year, Run Granny Run avoids being dogmatic. It settles for humanizing the idea of running for office to make a positive difference,
rather than abusing the political realm for personal gratification.
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Roll Call
Run Granny Run delivers an intimate and infectious portrait of "America’s oldest political newcomer."
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Letter to the Editor, Monadnock Ledger–Transcript
(Granny D's) bigger-than-life presence will teach more about democracy and national pride to our youth than is found in any history book. Civics 101 just added another chapter
and she's the centerfold...One little candle, held by one committed woman who believed in her country and all it stands for is all it took to shake up her country and focus us all on our many
blessings. As a lifelong conservative Republican, I feel privileged to have heard her message.
Click image to view news clipping.
Film Threat
For the most part, I could care less about politically themed documentaries since I tend to think that they all have the same message and tend to preach to one side too much. This documentary,
however, focused more on the spirit of one tough woman who truly refuses to let her age be an issue, and I enjoyed this documentary quite a bit…Doris may be ninety–four but she possesses a wit and humor
that can rival that of any Hollywood screenwriter…an amazing look into the life of Doris Haddock…This film has even given me a new outlook on democracy in America…one of those great underdog stories.
To see a woman of such advanced years still have a fighting spirit inspires a young person such as myself…a truly heartfelt film.
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The Austin Chronicle
Long before Carole Keeton Strayhorn proclaimed herself "One Tough Grandma," Doris "Granny D" Haddock captured the nation's attention in 1999 when she walked
3,200 miles from California to Washington, D.C., to support campaign finance reform. Granny D will make her big-screen debut next week at SXSW in the documentary
Run Granny Run, which chronicles her 2004 bid for the New Hampshire seat in U.S. Senate against popular incumbent Republican Judd Gregg. Granny D will appear in
person along with the film's director, Marlo Poras, whose first documentary, Mai's America, won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at SXSW in 2002.
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Chlotrudis Mewsings
One of the better political docs that I’ve seen and another example of the difference that one person can make. (4 cats)
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The New Zealand Herald
Finally – a documentary that sticks to the point. Timing in at a very reasonable 76 minutes, Run Granny Run was long enough to discuss the subject matter in full
but without straying into superfluous, repetitive territory.
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Matt Dentler, SXSW Film Festival
Well into her nineties, Doris "Granny D" Haddock could spend the twilight of her long life relaxing with her children and friends. Fortunately for us, Haddock was never one to sit still.
Which is why, at the age of 94, she embarks on an unpredictable campaign for the U.S. Senate. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Marlo Poras follows Granny D and her motley crew, for the spirited and engaging film, "Run Granny Run."
Already beloved for a cross-country walk to spotlight campaign finance reform, Haddock’s bid for U.S. Senate seems like a natural fit. But, can a 94-year-old woman with no recent political experience manage to
lead a successful run without depending on big-business financial support? The rollercoaster ride of staff turnover, door-to-door lobbying, and underhanded opponents makes for one of the most captivating election
documentaries in recent memory.
Haddock’s story is not only vastly entertaining, but she herself is a memorable and outspoken character. Granting Poras and her crew seemingly unlimited access, the film unfolds with a powerful and
universal story about a citizen’s love for her country. "Run Granny Run" should be required viewing for anyone between the ages of 4 and 94, whether you can vote or not.
Village Voice
An early review from when the film was still called The Candidate.
Marlo Poras's "The Candidate" offered the most appealing radical: "Granny D" Haddock, the 94–year–old activist who ran a guerrilla–style
New Hampshire senate race against a wealthy Republican incumbent in '04. Winner of the Market's documentary prize (and a completion grant worth $31,500), the campaign doc delivers an infectious
portrait of the nonagenarian troublemaker that avoids glib simplification–in addition to hearing and breathing challenges, Haddock must contend with a daughter suffering from Alzheimer's.
