Fahrenheit 9/11

Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 was, in fact, the number one movie in America this weekend with a $21.9 million pull (his previous film, Bowling for Columbine, took nine months to rake in $21.5 million!). It's extremely, extremely heartening to see that it actually outperformed White Chicks. Could it be that this country really is more interested in politics than black guys dressed up as blond girls?

The film itself is wonderful, every bit as biting, insightful and biased as you would expect a Michael Moore film to be. And, more than that -- and the reason why people love Moore documentaries -- it's also very entertaining. It's more focused than the sprawling Bowling for Columbine, though not as constantly intriguing and thought-provoking. He took a few shots too cheap at Bush, and sometimes overstated the obvious. And I agree with the critical consensus that there's not that much previously-unknown information. Nevertheless, the art of filmmaking is in the presentation, and Moore has put together a tasty treat.

Did it deserve its Palm D'Or? Eh, probably not. Though very well-made, it's not exactly a shining example of filmmaking. Fahrenheit 9/11 definitely benefitted from its political message there.

Is it better than Bowling for Columbine? Eh, probably not. Though it is more subtle, more restrained, and more mature, it's not as immediately brilliant nor as wildly creative.

Is it going to sway the election? Eh, probably not. The film may be a little too radical to do that. While there are things here that would definitely convert some votes, it's padded with polarizing viewpoints (the film, for example, still dwells on Bush stealing 2004's election. Moore really needs to move on from that point). However, I must commend Moore for daring to make a film filled with his opinion, rather than a two-hour long attack ad.

Nonetheless, it's one of the best films of the year so far, and will be a big presence at this year's Oscars. And, it did blow everyone's expectations and beat White Chicks and Dodgeball at the box office -- while being shown on only one third as many movie screens! Who knows, as Michael Moore constantly surprises us, perhaps the American people will surprise him too.