Review of Canadian Bacon (1995) by David H — 18 Apr 2010

This one's from Michael Moore, who is best known usually for his biting documentaries where he takes down the big businesses and the American government. After the success of Roger & Me (1989) and his TV series TV Nation, he wrote and directed a fictional satire, poking fun at what some politicians will do to get support, and the people who will defend their homeland.

It begins when the President of the United States (Alan Alda), who is low in the opinion polls, is looking for a way to gain more points so he could win the next election. Thanks to some spin by aide Stu Smiley (Kevin Pollak) and General Dick Panzer (Rip Torn), they convince the President to start a Second Cold War, this time with Canada.

Meanwhile, over at Niagara Falls, Sherrif Bud B. Boomer (John Candy) and his deputy, Honey (Rhea Perlman) take it all a little too seriously, and their actions push the supposed Cold War into become a full out war.

It does have some very funny moments, but it tries to be something like Dr. Strangelove in alot of places, only not as dark. It's got a likeable cast, and some good set pieces, but you can see why Moore stuck to documentaries after this, but he showed confidence with this.