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Poster for Pump

2014 | 88 min | Documentary

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Right up the alley of people who love a true story told well. Expect to bring it up in conversation afterwards.
The mood
Eye-opening.
The pace
Moves through the story clearly, at 1 hr 28 min. Short enough for a weeknight.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Skip it if you want made-up drama tonight.

PUMP is a documentary that tells the story of America’s addiction to oil, from its corporate conspiracy beginnings to its current monopoly today, and explains clearly and simply how we can end it — and finally win choice at the pump. Today, oil is our only option for transportation-fuel at the pump. Our exclusive use of it has drained our wallets, increased air pollution and sent our sons and daughters to war in faraway lands. PUMP shows how, through the use of a variety of replacement fuels, we will be able to fill up our cars — cheaper, cleaner and American made — and in the process create more jobs for a stronger, healthier economy. Narrated by Jason Bateman and featuring notable experts such as John Hofmeister former President of Shell Oil, and Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Motors, PUMP will forever change the way you think about your car — and the fuel that powers it.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    75% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $90K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 4K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Josh Tickell, Rebecca Harrell

  • Jason BatemanSelf - Narrator (Voice)