To the Moon

As much a political coming-of-age reality show as an advocacy documentary, filmmaker Emma Thatcher's road movie follows the idealistic trek of Co-Cycle, a group of 18 West Coast college students who are smitten with the "co-op" model of shared-ownership businesses and sustainable community living. To raise awareness of a business model that is not sunk in corporate greed, selfishness, and fear of layoffs, the group bike-rides from California to Massachusetts, touching base with likeminded co-ops that they encounter en route (bicycles—and food—being co-op mainstays, although there are stretches where Taco Bell and processed chain-store groceries offer the only sustenance). While many allies welcome the young people, a Chicago activist in the trenches questions what exactly they're accomplishing, while a Cleveland manager of a laundry co-op tells the visitors that the traditional co-op model—with its anti-CEO, anti-entrepreneurship dogma—has failed the struggling city. Offering an off-the-beaten-trail look at the co-op movement in America, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)