Watch Jasper Mall

Jasper Mall is a thought-provoking documentary that takes a close look at the decline of shopping malls in America. The movie is directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb and was released in 2020. The film takes place in Jasper, Alabama, where the Jasper Mall has been the center of commerce for the town. The mall, built in the 1980s, used to be the hub of activity for Jasper residents. It housed numerous stores, a food court, and other attractions that kept visitors coming back. However, as the years have passed, the mall has seen a significant decline in its foot traffic, and numerous stores have closed down.

Despite its current state, the mall remains a beloved place in the hearts of Jasper's residents, and it continues to be the social center of the town. Director Thomason and Whitcomb capture the essence of the mall and the people who frequent it, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who grew up with the mall and have fond memories of it.

The film is centered around four individuals - Mike, Robin, Joel, and Nikki - who work at stores in the mall. These individuals provide a unique perspective into the workings of the mall and their experiences working there. They share their stories of the mall's past glory days and how they have witnessed its decline over the years.

Mike, who used to work for a now-defunct store, provides insight into what went wrong with the mall and why it has failed to attract shoppers. His knowledge of the retail industry and his experience working in the mall makes him a valuable source for the film's commentary on the decline of shopping malls.

Robin and Joel, who work in a clothing store, provide a glimpse into the daily operations of a store within a mall. They both talk about the challenges they face in attracting customers, and the impact of online shopping on their business.

Nikki, who runs a small boutique, showcases how small businesses can survive and succeed in a mall environment. Her passion for her store and her customers is inspiring, and she provides a counter-narrative to the film's bleak portrayal of the retail industry.

The film also features an interview with Lauren, who is the manager of the mall. She provides behind-the-scenes information on how the mall is run, what efforts have been made to attract customers, and what the future of the mall looks like.

Throughout the film, the directors explore the history of shopping malls in America and how they have evolved over time. They take a critical view of the mall culture and the negative impact modern consumerism has had on the environment and society.

The documentary is beautifully shot and features stunning visuals of the mall and its surroundings. The directors have captured the beauty of the mall and the sadness of its current state with equal measure, bringing the audience on a journey through the life cycle of a shopping mall.

In conclusion, Jasper Mall is a captivating documentary that provides a thought-provoking look at the decline of shopping malls in America. Through the eyes of its protagonists, the movie provides a unique perspective on the mall culture and how it has evolved over the years. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in retail, consumerism, and the future of shopping malls.

Jasper Mall is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.