Who cares if it's not perfect? Yes, Michael Moore has an ego. Yes, he has an agenda (translation: a point of view that some people disagree with). Yes, he can be occasionally misleading or irritating.
But, who cares? This guy is consistently provocative and supremely entertaining. I'd rather watch one of his movies than a dozen standard political documentaries.
Bowling for Columbine asks a simple question: why do Americans kill each other with guns at ten times the rate (or more) than in any other developed nation? Of course, Moore himself doesn't expect to find a conclusive answer. His search, however, is fascinating.
Who else would even try to tie together themes ranging from gun control, to sensationalism in the media, to health care, to US international political violence, to rock 'n' roll, to corporate malfeasance, and beyond? It's a hugely ambitious juggling act, and we shouldn't be shocked or disappointed if Moore drops a few balls here and there.
For example: no, Canada is not the harmonious, happy-go-lucky heaven Moore portrays. However, we take many things for granted that Americans can't even imagine (like universal health care).
No, it's not a perfect movie. But at a time when the US is once again spending billions of dollars overseas on bombs, and billions of dollars at home to expand tax breaks for the rich, we don't need Michael Moore to be perfect. We just need Michael to be Michael (even -- or especially -- at the Oscars!).