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Where in the World is Osama bin Laden?

Morgan Spurlock hunts for Osama and finds...himself?

By Geoff Berkshire

Metromix
April 17, 2008

Critic's Rating:

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“Super Size Me” director Morgan Spurlock decides to travel to the Middle East and find Osama bin Laden in an attempt to make the world “safe” for his soon-to-be-born child. Along the way he talks to locals to get a better understanding of their lifestyle.

Big question: Doesn't the title really say it all?

Skip it: Narcissism thy name is Spurlock. In "Where in the World is Osama bin Laden?" you can see Morgan take a class in personal security; Morgan fret about leaving his pregnant wife behind; Morgan’s wife give birth to their child… But forget about seeing Osama, let alone hearing any original thoughts on the Middle East.

Catch it: If you’re wondering what filmmakers Spurlock likes to compare himself to. (Or if you'd still rather skip the movie: the answers are Steven Spielberg, Orson Welles and Woody Allen.)

Bottom line: Spurlock spends so much time on himself he forgets to find anything actually worth making a movie about. It’s impossible to learn anything new when the “revelations” are limited to stock observations like, “There are so many things that are wrong here. On both sides.” Say what you will about Michael Moore, but at least he wouldn’t make a bland infotainment like this.

Bonus: We'll give Spurlock some credit for the admittedly amusing videogame-style opening credits. Maybe what this movie really needs is a Xbox spin-off…

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