Edmonton International Film Festival 2009

This is a very informative and somewhat disturbing portrait of Alberta's life blood - oil. However, there are a number of flaws that mar what could have been a much better film. The inclusion of two people (masquerading as activists) who collect spring water also exploit what should be a public resource and do so for their own (albeit minor) personal profit. To claim then that they are aginst oil drilling to protect their own interests detracts from the overall point of water conservation is highly hypocritical. The film could also have included much more significant scientific data rather than rely solely on emotion to make its point. Overall the visuals are stunning, the use of animation well conceived and the story (if taken as absolute truth) can be disturbing at times. I would recommend this film but it is important to research the entire issue and understand the economic benefits as well as the environmental challenges that exist in the oilsands.