Because "Fahrenheit 9/11" has created awarness about documentaries, I thought I would watch a good documentary before I watch a crappy Michael Moore film. For a good documentary, I give you my review for "The Fog of War."

This movie is outstanding and does not take sides. It gives you an honest look at some of the workings and thought processes in the highest levels of government, during some of the most dangerous times in world history. Director Errol Morris (The Thin Blue Line) does a wonderful job of letting his subject, 83 year old Robert McNamara, tell his story without trying to slant the picture. Even when the director tries to go in a direction which might lead to partisan politics, McNamara does not answer the question or he answers in a way which tells the story in a non-partisan manner. Michael Moore should take lessons from Morris on how to make a documentary.

The full name of the movie is "The Fog of War: 11 Lessons From the Life of Robert S. McNamara." McNamara was the Secretary of Defense from 1961 to 1968 under President Kennedy and President Johnson. This documentary describes some important lessons about war and government learned by McNamara while in the WWII Army Air Corps and as Secretary of Defense during the Cuban Missle Crisis and Vietnam War.

The film is a fascinating political study, which since I have a degree in political science, I loved it. It is also a look at human error. Many lessons in the movie are on how not to fight a war, and even President Bush could learn a few things from watching this movie.

I cant say enough about this film. However, if you are not interested war, government and politics as a whole, you should not watch this movie. If you like or want to learn anything about such subjects, rent this movie first, then watch a Michael Moore movie. You will see why this one is great, and Moore's cant compare.

Brian - the Naked Gun