Todd Vanderwerff

Renowned lefty makes a surprisingly right-leaning film

Michael Moore entertains me in the same way Rush Limbaugh entertains me. They’re both fatuous boors who have little time for facts or the opinions of people who disagree with him.

Those who saw Moore at the Oscars would probably think that Bowling for Columbine is a film filled with far-left opinions or a film that wholeheartedly endorses gun control. But these people would be wrong.

Bowling for Columbine is Moore’s most conservative film. It may seem liberal, but it ultimately argues exactly what the NRA has been saying all these years: Guns don’t kill people; people kill people.

Moore is just as shocked to discover he is leaning towards this opinion, but he cites fact after fact about gun violence in other countries that convinces him we don’t need more gun control; we just need people to stop being scared of stupid things.

The film isn’t perfect. It stretches a bit too much to try to incorporate Sept. 11 and the plight of the poor, but it is open and engaging and it wears its heart on its sleeve.

For one of the first times in his career, Moore has thought outside of his own box and he has made a rich and rewarding film because of that.

(Todd VanDerWerff)

4.5 stars

Anger Management:

Anger Management may be unreviewable. You already know if you’re going to like it or not based on the movie poster. You’ll like it if you like seeing Adam Sandler or Jack Nicholson scream. You won’t like it if you don’t like those things.

The plot is rather ridiculous with an ending that comes out of nowhere. The film has a few funny moments (Sandler and Nicholson’s sing-along springs to mind), but it ultimately seems to remain in first gear for most of its running time.

Nicholson is almost able to save this movie singlehandedly, but he can’t escape the terrible direction, banal script or the stock Sandler persona, which becomes more and more grating with every film.

You might enjoy this if you’re a Sandler fan. It’s no Happy Gilmore or The Wedding Singer but it’s a heck of a step up from Little Nicky.

(Todd VanDerWerff)

2 stars