.: Roberts' Reviews - Movie Reviews :.

Maybe not at his best, but back to try and shock, entertain and educate us is filmmaker Michael Moore with his new documentary, Capitalism: A Love Story.

In quick turnaround mode after his 2007 views on the American healthcare system - or lack thereof, Moore is back and remains topical with his look into the financial crisis and the human stories surrounding the housing crisis.

At his best, Moore is funny and poignant at the same time. We get glimpses of brilliance in Capitalism with scenes that include following a real estate vulture that prey on the massive foreclosures during the crisis and in his connection of political and outside interest dots.

At his worst, Moore is preaching. He spends a good deal of time showing the unfortunate results of people being kicked out of their homes due to mortgages they can no longer afford. However, Moore points all the fingers at the greed of the capitalist banks and institutions that lend the money and offers no blame towards the individuals that entered into these agreements without reading the small print or understanding their overall net worth.

Luckily, his better moments outweigh his preaching and misfires, which makes Capitalism not only a watchable film, but also an important one. However, the two hour running time is far too long for any documentary to maintain any kind of momentum and by the 100 minute mark, the film begins to tediously limp to what was an enjoyable and funny ending (having Moore himself crime scene tape Wall Street).

Moore takes his usual pot shots at Congress and at the highest level of office while praising other countries for their differences, but instead of simply focusing on the Bush Administration that has been his major target with Fahrenheit 9/11 and Sicko, this time, more blame is put on the Reagan administration and their deregulation for the purposes of breaking unions back in the 1980's.

It would help to have an educated opinion and knowledge of the crisis to appreciate what Moore is bringing to the table as well as keeping a level head during his stronger, more personal attacks that are one-sided and opinionated.

In all, Capitalism: A Love Story should be seen. It should be watched, argued and debated. It might have 'Love Story' in the title, but this is clearly a horror film.

Fitting it gets released Halloween month.