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Craig Younkin
Movie Review
SiCKO
By Craig Younkin Published July 4, 2007
US Release: June 22, 2007
Directed by: Michael Moore
PG-13 brief strong language
Running Time: 113 minutes
Domestic Box Office: $24,530,513
Directed by: Michael Moore
PG-13 brief strong language
Running Time: 113 minutes
Domestic Box Office: $24,530,513
B+
You have to take some of the things he says with a grain of salt, but nevertheless, he does do his homework and he does present us with some pretty glaring facts.
"Sicko" is another one of Michael Moore's investigative reports, and like always, he proves that America loves a little bit of controversy. The film managed to split people into sects before even coming out. Is it Moore's politics that anger people or his apparent biased reporting in every film? I've had countless arguments with people about "Fahrenheit 911," as I'm sure most people did, and I happen to think Moore is a pretty smart guy. Of course you have to take some of the things he says with a grain of salt, but nevertheless, he does do his homework and he does present us with some pretty glaring facts. Face it! The guy has a legitimate beef with whomever he seems to be attacking. This time it's the health care system, conducting interviews with victims, employees at various insurance firms, and patients from around the world. In the process, he manages to shed some light on a process that is not only in serious need of repair, but that is just a downright horror.
Moore will never be called a fair and balanced reporter, but what he does show always manages to speak volumes. He does his homework, but more importantly, his words come from the heart. He does things to make a difference and I've always found that heroic about him. Just like in "Fahrenheit," he manages to get shocking stories out of the people he interviews. They range from the heartbreaking (wives and mothers being denied insurance claims that lead to the deaths of their husbands and children), to the ridiculous (a woman who was charged for her ambulance ride after a car accident because she never pre-approved it), to the infuriating (9/11 rescue workers being denied proper health care). Only in addition to the more moving scenes, Moore also proves a pro at offering sarcastic humor and satirical stunts. One of the best comes later when he brings a group of 9/11 rescue workers to Guantanamo Bay, requesting that they get the same care as the inmates of the prison.
His agenda here is to push for socialized health care, a system that we learn has been adopted by Canada, England, France, and Cuba. Although I felt Moore simplified just how good these countries have it, the fact that our health care is lacking in comparison to theirs is eye-opening and a little nuts. We're the greatest country in the world. Why is it easier to buy medicine in Cuba or Canada than in our own country? Why is it that you can just walk in off the street in England but there are forms and insurance claims to be filed here? And why are people supported while they recuperate in these countries while people here are denied insurance claims so that the CEO's of these insurance companies can line their own pockets?
What went wrong? Moore traces the problem dating all the way back to the Nixon administration, even playing a tape that probably would have gotten Nixon impeached much sooner than he was. He also goes after Hillary Clinton and Ronald Reagan as well but he seems to be less interested in personal attacks against politicians this time around. The real point of a Michael Moore movie has always been justice for the American people, and so despite the one-sidedness of his storytelling, he compiles so many facts and interviews that his agenda is not just valid but also sensible. "Sicko" points out a major ill in America, one that you hope will someday be cured.
Moore will never be called a fair and balanced reporter, but what he does show always manages to speak volumes. He does his homework, but more importantly, his words come from the heart. He does things to make a difference and I've always found that heroic about him. Just like in "Fahrenheit," he manages to get shocking stories out of the people he interviews. They range from the heartbreaking (wives and mothers being denied insurance claims that lead to the deaths of their husbands and children), to the ridiculous (a woman who was charged for her ambulance ride after a car accident because she never pre-approved it), to the infuriating (9/11 rescue workers being denied proper health care). Only in addition to the more moving scenes, Moore also proves a pro at offering sarcastic humor and satirical stunts. One of the best comes later when he brings a group of 9/11 rescue workers to Guantanamo Bay, requesting that they get the same care as the inmates of the prison.
His agenda here is to push for socialized health care, a system that we learn has been adopted by Canada, England, France, and Cuba. Although I felt Moore simplified just how good these countries have it, the fact that our health care is lacking in comparison to theirs is eye-opening and a little nuts. We're the greatest country in the world. Why is it easier to buy medicine in Cuba or Canada than in our own country? Why is it that you can just walk in off the street in England but there are forms and insurance claims to be filed here? And why are people supported while they recuperate in these countries while people here are denied insurance claims so that the CEO's of these insurance companies can line their own pockets?
What went wrong? Moore traces the problem dating all the way back to the Nixon administration, even playing a tape that probably would have gotten Nixon impeached much sooner than he was. He also goes after Hillary Clinton and Ronald Reagan as well but he seems to be less interested in personal attacks against politicians this time around. The real point of a Michael Moore movie has always been justice for the American people, and so despite the one-sidedness of his storytelling, he compiles so many facts and interviews that his agenda is not just valid but also sensible. "Sicko" points out a major ill in America, one that you hope will someday be cured.
Craig's Grade: B+
Craig's Overall Grading: 340 graded movies
| A | 10.9% | |
| B | 41.8% | |
| C | 31.8% | |
| D | 15.3% | |
| F | 0.3% |
