Blame The Government.

Those of you who have been around this blog a while will remember Documentary Day, in which Catfish and Exit Through The Gift Shop were reviewed. However, these films could both possibly somewhat staged and scripted. Today's film is of the same genre, but does what the documentary film was invented to do: explore and educate. Left wing enthusiast, Michael Moore, takes us on a journey into 9/11 and the Iraq War. This is Fahrenheit 9/11 .

Moore: A professional film maker.

What really happened with 9/11 and the following war in the Middle East?  Moore explores the truth behind the Bin Laden family, the fact that they had connections with the US Government, as did a lot of Saudis. He looks into the hypocrisy of politicians who will happily ask their citizens to push kids into the army, but would never consider sending their own kin. He points out how much holiday time George Bush took compared to how much he worked. This is not a conspiracy film saying that 9/11 was an inside job, this is a criticism of the government's complete and utter dedication to their own greed and longing. Of course, as with any documentary, we only see one side of the story. This happens to be a very bias perspective in Moore's case, with stock footage of George Bush stumbling over words and questions, heartfelt interviews with victims of the war, and, naturally, some gore from the war zone to add a real punch. Take everything with a pinch of salt.

A flag to love America? Or to mourn it?

The film, on it's entertainment merits, however, is completely engaging. Moore is never condescending to his viewers but is to the big bad government men. His stunts are always good fun, whether it is watching him yell out to Bush, or reading the Patriot Act through the speakers on an ice cream van, or even getting senators to sign their kids up for the army, he keeps his tone light whenever he is in the camera's sights. All of his mockery is justified by research and points he has already made and this will always bring a viewer to his see life his way. Clearly Moore is smart, and the government is not - the way the viewer may be conditioned by the way the film is put together. Do not suspend your disbelief, but listen with an open mind. Be swayed to a view point, do not get dragged.

Overall, an entertaining and educational documentary. It was the first documentary to be top of the US Box Office, so it seems to appeal to everyone. Enjoy it, but don't let it control you. (Also not for the weak hearted. There is a (hardly visible) beheading and a lot of war injuries. I was cringing and flinching and I have a strong stomach. This is real.)

Best Bit? Moore trying to encourage senators to sign their kids up for the army was particularly entertaining.