Film discussion: Where to Invade Next

Where to Invade Next is something new for Moore, a movie that actually qualifies as a comedy. It’s a satirical look at what other countries might have to teach us about various issues, like education, welfare, sex education, women’s rights. But unlike many of Moore’s films, this one doesn’t seem to be a product of anger or conspiracy theories. It starts with a (fictional) meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff at which Moore is asked for his advice on how to handle America’s string of military defeats since WWII. His response is to offer to “invade” other countries and bring back things that will help the U.S.

And so he does. He goes to Italy to find out how businesses can give eight weeks of vacation a year and still stay in business. He explores how France’s school lunches can be so good while costing less than the slop served to U.S. school kids. Etc.

Critics have been pleasantly surprised that Moore’s touch in these episodes is so light, devoid of the cheap shots and heavy hand he sometimes employs. He seems to be genuinely engaged and genuinely impressed with what he finds. And he wants to bring these things—the booty from his “invasions”—back to America. 

Moore has always been a good storyteller and has good comic instincts, so I’m really looking forward to Where to Invade Next. I’m always up for a good story, even one told by an unmade bed.

I guess it’s just a coincidence that February’s discussions have been a little on the social-critique/satirical side, but March promises a different spectrum.

We will be discussing Lady in the Van (Maggie Smith!) on March 8, Son of Saul on March 22 and Janis: Little Girl Blue on March 29. That gives us one prickly comedy, one Holocaust film, and one Sixties bio in one month. Sounds like The Music Hall, doesn’t it? I can’t wait.

I hope to see you in the Historic Theater at 7:00.