Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden?

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The genial but not particularly insightful documentary "Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden?" (Weinstein) chronicles average citizen Morgan Spurlock's ostensible search for the titular terrorist. Although Spurlock, who also directed, doesn't get his man -- no spoiler that! -- he does get the chance to ponder the origins of Islamic extremism.

Learning that his wife is pregnant, Spurlock (who directed and starred in 2004's "Super Size Me") experiences the paternal urge to protect his imminent offspring from the threats of the modern world. Of all of these -- many illustrated in a cartoon sequence that includes a predator that may or may not be a clergyman -- he settles on the brand of terrorism that produced the 9/11 attacks as the most pressing.

Deciding, quixotically, that he can succeed where the U.S. military and the CIA have failed, Spurlock prepares to travel to some of the world's least welcoming hot spots in search of al-Qaida's No. 1. He receives all the necessary inoculations, then learns how to protect himself from car bombs, hand grenades and the rigors of being kidnapped.

His subsequent globetrotting, to Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian territories, allows him to mingle with the mostly friendly locals, many of whom decry the current U.S. administration, but only a few of whom are openly hostile to the American people.

In a series of hotel-room reflections, Spurlock meditates on these encounters, finding them an eye-opening revelation since they dispel the myth, which he assumes his viewers share, that all Muslims are violent fanatics.

Resuming his wanderings, Spurlock broods on the familiar shortcomings of American policy in the area: support for repressive regimes, foreign aid that never reaches the people, etc. He makes a vague plea for a more humane world, but suggests no specific reforms.

The film contains two gory scenes, three uses of the f-word and occasional crude and crass language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops