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Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 156 Ratings

  • Starring: Michael Moore
  • Summary: Capitalism: A Love Story explores the root causes of the global economic meltdown and takes a comical look at the corporate and political shenanigans that culminated in what Moore has described as the biggest robbery in the history of this country--the massive transfer of U.S. taxpayer money to private financial institutions. (Overture Films) Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 36
  2. Negative: 3 out of 36
  1. After watching the bailouts, the bank foreclosures and the Bernie Madoffs of the world dominate headlines, Michael Moore is mad as hell, and he's going to try to make you mad as hell, too.
  2. Reviewed by: Elias Savada
    80
    He's preaching a story we must all hear. This is no fairy tale.
  3. Reviewed by: Damon Wise
    60
    A barbed study of the American economy puts capitalism in the dock but somehow fails to convict.
  4. 30
    This is a love story, all right, but it has less to do with the flaws of capitalism than it does with Moore's unwavering fondness for the sound of his own voice, and for what he perceives as his own vast cleverness.

See all 36 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 78
  2. Negative: 24 out of 78
  1. Brian
    10
    Very impressive and engaging pastiche of images and personal testimonies. His interviewees, particularly the families who have lost everything, are the driving force of the narrative. I appreciated this film as the culmination of Moore's general argument about corporate victimization which has underlain his previous entries. A tour-de-force of documentary filmaking, and a career-defining film. Expand
  2. "Capitalism: A Love Story" - Brief review. (B)

    Chances are, C:ALS is the sort of movie you were going to see, or you weren't. If you agree wi
    th Moore and his politics, you'd probably check it out - if you are anti-Moore, you probably wouldn't. I am not particularly pro or Anti-Moore, personally I find him to be a bit abrasive at times, but I also like some of his ideas. I dug Roger and Me, as well as pieces of his other films. Rabble rousers gotta make noise I guess.

    Capitalism and our system is something I have a lot of views on, people know know me have probably heard and rolled their eyes at them - so this movie was of particular interest to me. As a MOVIE, I give it a B. Strong start, sags a bit in the middle, and a rally to the finish makes it interesting and enjoyable. It's emotional, there are some very interest pieces of film, and some simply funny stuff. I did find it to be a bit too long clocking in over 2 hours and 10 minutes. The movie itself is more or less a "documentary" about Capitalism in our society, and more specifically the last 30 years as the business interests have changed the rules of the game and how it has changed (and as argued by Moore, is destroying) the middle class. It touches on some neat historical notes, some "highlights" of the political and financial fiascos of the last 30 years, and touches on a few stories of real Americans and workers and how they have been effected. Other interesting scenes involve Moore asking Wall Street insiders to explain "Derivatives", which as it turns out, is a fancy way for investors to get out of paying taxes. Really, I think it's the sort of movie everyone should see if for no other reason to bring up some discussion and debate. It throws some interesting alternatives at you, as well as challenges the Conservative/Religious marriage by talking to religious figures about "WWJD" in regards to Capitalism as we know it. Everyone should probably google search "Citibank Plutocracy Memo", as well as "FDR's 2nd Bill of Rights" - a fantastic idea that seemed to die with him. A few of the Congresspeople who resisted the financial bailout bill also had some striking things to add as well.

    So, I hope most of you who think there's something a little fishy going on around here and are open minded give it a shot when it comes out on video. This week would probably be the last chance you have at it in the theaters, and that's if you live near a large 12+ screen movieplex.
    Expand
  3. Capitalism: A Love Story is a fine piece of political documenting. It's not overtly shocking or revelatory (rich people are greedy... Who would've guessed?) and it plays up the violin-swelling sympathy a bit too much, but it still riles the viewer up nicely and makes you want to start kicking things. Although, the half-hearted nature in which Moore starts to 'harass' Wall Street suggests that he might well balk at the very riot he's trying to incite. Expand
  4. 3
    Even if what is said or shown in this documentary is true, I can't help but to feel some of the same anger shown here against the banks and capitalism towards Michael himself. Why didn't he release this movie for free, it's easy to talk but it's not easy actually doing what you preach. Expand

See all 78 User Reviews

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