The one thing I always like about a Michelangelo Antonioni movie is that it never lays out everything for you. You constantly have to invest yourself into the movie and fill in all of the blanks for yourself.

In that regard this is also being a very typical Antonioni movie, that perhaps is not as good or intriguing as his earlier works but it still remains a more than good watch, especially for those who like or appreciate his style of film-making and storytelling.

The main premise and time period of the movie is pretty interesting. It isn't really featuring a main and straightforward story but it's more a movie that is dealing with its reoccurring themes, concerning the sixties, rebellious youth, in America. It's also being a true product of its time in that regard, that gives a good portrayal of its time and overall mood.

But thing that mostly prevented me from seeing this as one of Antonioni's best was its second half. The movie started to become more vague, which also made the movie less interesting and pleasant to follow. It somehow also felt less focused, though its second half in essence is probably more focused than its first, since it features less characters and locations in it.

The acting is a bit of a mixed bag. Seems to me that they mostly used non-professional actors for this movie, which should add to its realism but more often takes you out of the movie.

It's still a good movie and also original, as you would expect from Antonioni!

7/10

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(Review originally written at 22 February 2008)

More was to be expected quite frankly from this Michael Moore political satire, poking fun at American society and politics. The movie did of course had its funny moments but the story was quite poorly done.

Sorry Mr. Moore but the storytelling within this movie is just below average. Michael Moore obviously tried to make a comedy in a silly style but he just never goes all the way, presumably because he probably was too afraid his message wouldn't come across then. He also tries too hard to make the movie kick against several political issues, for which Moore is of course well known. It however doesn't always work out in this movie and it feels too forced. It also isn't always a good movie to watch since the way the main plot-line is told is highly unlikely. It feels like a too big coincidence all that Sheriff Bud B. Boomer and friends just happen to be involved in basically every aspect handled within the movie. This concept works in often lots of comedies but just not "Canadian Bacon" because of its quite messy storytelling. It made the movie painful to watch at times.

What made the movie still perfectly watchable for me was its cast. John Candy, Alan Alda, Rhea Perlman, Kevin Pollak, Rip Torn, Kevin J. O'Connor, Bill Nunn, G.D. Spradlin, James Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, this movie has a true amazing comedy cast. They really uplifted the movie in my viewing experience. This was John Candy's last released movie and even though its not his best role out of his career, it's still a worthy one.

It's silly concept and story also makes this movie worthwhile to watch in parts. It's of course quite funny to have a story involving America creating a sort of new cold war this time with Canadia, in order for the president to get reelected. It's even funnier to notice some parallels to the real world this present day and the Bush administration. So saying this movie is completely ineffective won't be fair. It also does some good job at times poking fun of American society, as well as the Canadian and all of their stereotypes. Of course Moore mostly kicks against the gun control, something he did of course much better and more effective later on in his documentary "Bowling for Columbine", for which he won an Oscar.

It's a watchable enough film, though you probably can't help ending up being slightly disappointed with it.

6/10