Sadly, documentaries are not embraced in the same way feature films are. That's a shame, because film makers like Errol Morris have made incredible contributions to the medium. Michael Moore is perhaps the best known of all documentary film makers thanks mostly impart to the brilliant Roger and Me. Moore also took big cooperate business to task in the entertaining The Big One. Bowling for Columbine, however, is probably his most significant work simply because it involves us all as Americans. The issue on display here is gun control.

In Bowling for Columbine, Moore tries to determine why America has more gun related fatalities then any other country, and he will stop at nothing to get answers. This includes putting many high profile celebrities in the hot seat. Moore interviews Marilyn Manson, Matt Stone, and even tracks down a hesitant Dick Clark. In one of cinema's most uncomfortable scenes, Moore even sits down with N.R.A. President Charleton Heston, and attempts to probe the legendary actor with numerous questions about the history of violence.

In all honesty, Bowling For Columbine would have been my favorite picture of the year if it weren't for a few moments in which Moore seems to over reach. This guy will do nearly anything to make a thought-provoking documentary, including taking two Columbine survivors to K-Mart headquarters to plead with the major chain to stop selling bullets. While his intentions are clearly noble, some times he goes a bit too far. At one moment in the picture, he tries to link Dick Clark to a case involving a six-year-old girl shot by a classmate. While Clark was involved in a round about way, this moment seemed a tad absurd. While watching Bowling for Columbine, it's also obvious which big names Moore wants to make look like idiots. Moore does his homework and he knows what questions to ask. But too often, the playing field isn't quite level. Some of the people that Moore goes after are put on the spot. Unlike Moore, they haven't really had sufficient time to prepare. On the other hand, the questions asked don't really involve rocket science.

Michael Moore is a lifetime member of the N.R.A., so his point of view is an interesting one. I've already heard many complain that Bowling for Columbine is one-sided in it's views. I don't get that at all. Moore made the film, and obviously, this is his view. I seriously doubt that many can honestly dismiss the valid points he's making in this picture. If so, they should go out and make their own documentary.

There is no denying Bowling for Columbine's power. It's a deeply thought provoking film with many laughs along the way. It's the first documentary that Moore has made in which even he doesn't always know how to react in certain situations. It's that sense of honesty and sincerity that really makes this film so moving. Throughout Bowling for Columbine, I could hear audience members sobbing then breaking into laughter. Moore has fashioned an extremely accomplished work that, even when it goes to far, is both relevant and powerful.