The Big One

In an era of soaring stock markets and Republican Revolutions, Michael Moore (Roger & Me) is an anachronism: part stand-up comic, part guerrilla filmmaker, and 100% old-school liberal dedicated to deflating corporate America. Moore's new documentary is a hilariously unique piece of social commentary cum vaudeville, a cross between 60 Minutes and Letterman which draws most of its laughs from the big man's mere presence. The film follows Moore on what is supposed to be a tour for his 1996 book Downsize This!, but actually serves as an excuse for Moore to pounce on corporate down-sizers around the country. Moore is at his best as the self-effacing goofball who ends up making others look like even bigger goofballs, most notably Nike CEO Peter Knight. Occasionally he butts heads with recalcitrant company drones past the point of diminishing returns; still, it's hard to imagine that even the staunchest Libertarian wouldn't find something to smile at. Highly recommended. (S. Renshaw)