Sicko Shows Moore in Unusually Restrained Form

The general impression of Michael Moore's latest film, "Sicko"--which, as everybody knows, is an attack on the U.S. health care system--is that it showcases Moore in more restrained form than he has been in the past. Whatever else they might have thought about him most people agree that Michael Moore has never had what might be called a self-effacing personality. Recalling his thought process before his infamous Oscar acceptance speech in 2003 Moore said, "I'm walking up there saying, can't I just accept this wonderful award? I tried, believe me. I had a big argument with myself for about 10 seconds. Don't do it."

Nevertheless, in "Sicko" Moore seems to have gained control over his inner blowhard. Stephanie Zacharek of Salon.com, a liberal critic who has not been friendly to Moore in the past, calls the movie "a blunt, effective picture" adding, "Moore gives us the facts and figures and lets them speak for themselves. Even he realizes there's no need to shout about them."