I just saw it yesterday.
On a scale of one to ten, I'd give it about a 7. This film is highly satirical, and most definitely one-sided. There is also little new information to add to the debate, although for people who haven't quite 'caught up to the news' it's a relatively decent summation of how the war was brought upon Americans and Iraqis. Having already read many of the accusations Moore makes, I feel that I can safely say that his facts seem to be in order. It is the way he 'connects the dots' that many could rightly protest.
Moore does his usual 'cut and paste' routine, albeit only twice, to make a point, which of course completely undermines his credibility. There is a particular segment demonstrating the propagandist way in which Bush et al drew correlations in the eyes of the public between Saddam, AQ, WMD and 9/11 ... rather than just let the sentences play out straight from the horses mouth, he snipped their dialogue. IMO, this was wholly unnecessary and only serves to raise skepticism. (www.whitehouse.gov or www.bushcountry.org for transcripts of Bush speeches in which he routinely draws these subtle correlations.)
My main criticism of this film is what was left out. I'm not sure that focusing on Bush's vacation record was as relevant as backing up the assertion that the Iraq war was on the table long before this admin ever took office. A simple review of the PNAC website would provide enough evidence of this. Moore also never mentions once the biblical connection and how this made it easier for Bush to overlook ethics in his decision-making. I would have liked for Moore to use more footage of Bush and let the viewer draw their own conclusion than using narratives to make a point.
He does a very good job, however, on a few points: linking the business connection to the war, demonstrating how the military and the elite misappropriate the poor, bringing the Saudi connection into the foray, and ensuring that no backlash against the troops would result from his film. On the latter point, I believe he did a very good job on balance, and most definitely could not be accused of inciting hatred towards your soldiers ala Vietnam.
Interestingly, one of the things I walked away with was a greater indictment towards the 'American Way' than I did for Bush himself. Perhaps it's because I couldn't dislike the man more than I already do, but Moore does a great job of showing the questionable relationship between gov't and corporations and just how much power your state has and the amount of corruption behind it. This is something, by the way, that I don't attribute solely to the US or the Republican party, although this admin may have taken it to a new level.
All in all, I think it's an important film. Many would-be Dems who, because of apathy or other reasons, have not voted, may be inclined to check this film out. I believe that it is a moral imperative to get Bush out of office as he is a grave danger to the security of the planet.
As I am sure neo-cons all over your great country are saying: sometimes the end justifies the means.
On a scale of one to ten, I'd give it about a 7. This film is highly satirical, and most definitely one-sided. There is also little new information to add to the debate, although for people who haven't quite 'caught up to the news' it's a relatively decent summation of how the war was brought upon Americans and Iraqis. Having already read many of the accusations Moore makes, I feel that I can safely say that his facts seem to be in order. It is the way he 'connects the dots' that many could rightly protest.
Moore does his usual 'cut and paste' routine, albeit only twice, to make a point, which of course completely undermines his credibility. There is a particular segment demonstrating the propagandist way in which Bush et al drew correlations in the eyes of the public between Saddam, AQ, WMD and 9/11 ... rather than just let the sentences play out straight from the horses mouth, he snipped their dialogue. IMO, this was wholly unnecessary and only serves to raise skepticism. (www.whitehouse.gov or www.bushcountry.org for transcripts of Bush speeches in which he routinely draws these subtle correlations.)
My main criticism of this film is what was left out. I'm not sure that focusing on Bush's vacation record was as relevant as backing up the assertion that the Iraq war was on the table long before this admin ever took office. A simple review of the PNAC website would provide enough evidence of this. Moore also never mentions once the biblical connection and how this made it easier for Bush to overlook ethics in his decision-making. I would have liked for Moore to use more footage of Bush and let the viewer draw their own conclusion than using narratives to make a point.
He does a very good job, however, on a few points: linking the business connection to the war, demonstrating how the military and the elite misappropriate the poor, bringing the Saudi connection into the foray, and ensuring that no backlash against the troops would result from his film. On the latter point, I believe he did a very good job on balance, and most definitely could not be accused of inciting hatred towards your soldiers ala Vietnam.
Interestingly, one of the things I walked away with was a greater indictment towards the 'American Way' than I did for Bush himself. Perhaps it's because I couldn't dislike the man more than I already do, but Moore does a great job of showing the questionable relationship between gov't and corporations and just how much power your state has and the amount of corruption behind it. This is something, by the way, that I don't attribute solely to the US or the Republican party, although this admin may have taken it to a new level.
All in all, I think it's an important film. Many would-be Dems who, because of apathy or other reasons, have not voted, may be inclined to check this film out. I believe that it is a moral imperative to get Bush out of office as he is a grave danger to the security of the planet.
As I am sure neo-cons all over your great country are saying: sometimes the end justifies the means.
