* did not show that the original lawsuit by the banana workers was thrown out of court: "To screen, promote, and profit from this film, despite the fact that its entire premise has been (judged) a fraud on Dole and California’s courts, is the epitome of reckless and irresponsible conduct.

"[11][7][12][13] Multiple news organizations reported that entertainment lawyer David Ginsburg submitted a document on Dole's behalf that compared Bananas!

Traditional media outlets have less money for investigative reporting and many are owned by corporate entities that have an influence on the news and its presentation and distribution.

[3] Most reviewers described how the film demonstrated how easily media companies and journalists, especially in the United States, caved quickly to the threat of negative publicity generated by Dole's lawsuit.

[10][4][21] Numerous critics invoked the phrase "David and Goliath" in reference to the difference between an independent filmmaker and a multinational corporation.

[4] The review in The Hollywood Reporter described the film as "of limited commercial interest, though it raises issues with broad appeal.