Fuel is one of those films I like to file under "This Toilet Earth" documentaries. It's a film that comes out and tells us pretty convincingly just how screwed up this planet is.
This time the target is oil.
Josh Tickell is a Louisiana boy who grew up seeing the oil and the damage done and pretty much dedicated his life to educating people about biodiesel. Most significantly was his trek all over America in a vehicle that ran on used vegetable oil from fast food restaurants.
Along the way he talks to many stars including Larry David, Woody Harrelson, Richard Branson and even Neil Young, who makes an appearance.
With these types of films I always worry that while it may have several good points, generally the only people to see it are the ones who already know what's going on. For instance, this film goes on at length about how oil makes our entire world run.
Oil companies are horribly corrupt, linked to the military and highest levels of government, and pretty much use our planet as a toilet.
There's also a bit of obvious Bush Bashing and 9-11 with Katrina devastation facts thrown in for good measure.
At times I was annoyed at Josh hitting the melodrama stick a little too heavy but the points were pretty good. And there was a good (albeit obvious) list of things you can do to make a difference.
If nothing else this film will definitely open up some good discussion Monday (Sept. 13) as it's part of the Squamish CAN melting pot movie and discussion nights.
Fuel will be shown 7 p.m. Monday at the Adventure Centre. If you can't make it, Fuel is also available at Squamish CAN's film library located at In The Raw Organics/Gelato Carina.
