Cert 15
120 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language, violence, drug references
I like Michael Moore. He asks questions which make people in power feel uncomfortable and cares about the disenfranchised.
When Americans trumpet the 'world's greatest democracy', he begs to differ because he sees people who do not have access to basic health care and reels at the huge levels of unemployment.
Meanwhile, he perceives that the rich and powerful are becoming more wealthy and are now beyond question.
Oh, and he loathes that America deflects the sight of its own people away from domestic problems on to a war on terror in countries most its population could not place on a map.
So, instead of sending the troops into states of dubious background, Moore goes on a mission to (in his words) "invade countries I can most pronounce, take the things we need from them and bring them all back home because we have problems no army can solve."
He spins around Europe, finding examples of where family, health and education are so important that measures to protect them are enshrined in law.
He also lauds the Icelanders (they hardly need much more praise after Euro 2016) because of the way they prosecuted the bankers who precipitated the financial crash of 2008 and now have many more women in positions of power.
The documentary is narrated with the usual Moore sense of mischief and mock wide-eyedness and its critics will say that it is deliberately left-wing and that he does not pay attention to the failings of the countries he visits.
But he admits he "takes the flowers and not the weeds." Moore's basic premise that America should care more for its poor and less about how to make the rich even richer is sound and should prompt debate.
Reasons to watch: a unique take on American political failings
Reasons to avoid: as Moore himself admits - "he takes the flowers and not the weeds".
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: yes
Overall rating: 8/10
Star tweet
Iceland: 100% have health Insurance. 45% of parliament are women. Virtually no military. Prosecuted &jailed dozens of bankers in Crash of 08
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