David Edelstein says that Bowling for Columbine transcends Michael Moore's thuggery.

I only bothered reading the second part, because I'd like to see Michael Moore's film (even though I disagree with him if not politically, then for the shrillness of his beliefs). His latest rant (and it's just that, a rant) about how this movie is the best work he's done and that it will light a flame under the powers that be (prediction: no it won't). Awfully silly of him to ask his fans (who are going to see the movie anyway) to bring their family members and friends and as many people as possible so that the movie gets a good opening before it hits nationwide. So does he now believe that the way to get ahead in the movie biz is to play by its rules? I thought he was against playing by the rules.

Anyway, Edelstein points out that Moore might be on to something about why the violent crime rate is higher in the United States than in other countries, notably “Canada [which] has as many guns per capita"”. The culture of achievement where the losers are the losers forever, and that the only way out is by killing those who have kept them down.

The film, when I see it, will probably be preaching to the choir (I already favour gun control), but I like Moore as a filmmaker. There's more urgency in them than in his writings. Roger & Me, which rightfully made him famous, and TV Nation, the TV show, are what I'll always remember him for.