I.O.U.S.A. MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +3

Documentary from filmmaker Patrick Creadon (Wordplay).

FILM SYNOPSIS: I.O.U.S.A. examines the rapidly growing national debt and its consequences for the United States and its citizens. As the Baby Boomer generation prepares to retire, will there even be any Social Security benefits left to collect? Throughout history, the American government has found it nearly impossible to spend only what has been raised through taxes. Wielding candid interviews with both average American taxpayers and government officials, Sundance veteran Patrick Creadon (Wordplay) helps demystify the nations financial practices and policies. The film follows U.S. Comptroller General David Walker as he crisscrosses the country explaining Americas unsustainable fiscal policies to its citizens. With surgical precision, Creadon interweaves archival footage and economic data to paint a vivid and alarming profile of Americas current economic situation.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Ill admit to being nave when it comes to Federal Fiscal Fiascos. But Im always leery when a doom-and-gloom filmmaker spends much of his screen time throwing spitballs at a Republican president in a year when the opposing teams theme is we need change. That said, while Im skeptical of the filmmakers political agenda, I think I.O.U.S.A. is the most important film of the year. For the truth is, we need change.

The cause of Romes decline, according to the film, was due to moral decay, military overexpansion, and financial irresponsibility. Other world-dominating nations have followed suit. And it appears that America is headed down the same self-destructive path. Alas, I dont see either side of the political aisle seriously addressing our economic woes. Theyre more concerned with getting elected. Of course, when that happens, all will be well. Well, maybe not. Recently Barack OBama said the American government needs to give the country of Georgia a billion dollars to help rebuild that nation. Does that sound like our National debt will be a priority for him? So much for change.

Ultimately, the documentary blames all of us for indifference, greed and financial irresponsibility. But as fellow critic Robert Butler of the Kansas City Star insightfully noted, though its an important film, this is possibly the wrong venue for it. Who wants to go to a movie on Friday night only to learn that our country is soon to fall into oblivion? Bobs right. Shouldnt this project be advanced by way of televisions major networks, as well as through the classrooms of higher and lower learning? If the film truly signals Americas apocalypse, why isnt that being done? I dont know. I cant worry about it now. I have to go see The House Bunny.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Roadside Attractions