FUEL (USA 2008) ****
Directed by Josh Tickell

At one point in Tickell’s moving doc on fuel choices, he holds a placard reading “Biodiesel – No War Required.” This sums up the point of his whole movie – the choice of ones fuel and him taking to the streets shows how individuals can make the difference.

FUEL is a comprehensive and entertaining look at energy in North America: a history of where we have been, our present predicament, and a solution to our dependence on foreign oil.  The hero of the piece is Australian born Josh Tickell, whose mission in life is to change the world to use biodiesel fuel instead of petroleum.  Tickell stars, narrates, directs and fuels his film with an energy and inspiration seldom seen in documentaries.  The film charts his two year road trip in his biodiesel fuel van promoting dieselfuel.  And his film contains a great soundtrack, a well selected list of interviewees (including Woody Harrelson, Julia Roberts and Dallas star and ex-oil man Larry Hagman).  What is noticeable is that Tickell goes into the cause of many of the film’s incidents including that of his purpose.  His own mother is ill with cancer due, most likely to living in Louisiana, which is in close proximity to the oil refineries.

FUEL also offers many solutions in the form of what other countries do.  Tickell also at times, takes on the easy target of the Bush Administration.  The quote “Man is not bad – only badly governed,” is funny!  But who does not love to hate Bush?

The only slight complaint is that the film gets a bit preachy at times.  But to Tickell’s credit he also tackles the arguments against the production of biodiesel, as printed in many outlets including Time magazine.  FUEL provides more than an exhaustive lesson on fuels, its selections and future.  Tickell has scored an A+ for his research.

It is not surprising that when FUEL first premiered at Sundance, it held the longest standing ovations in all its 10 screenings.  Tickell knows how to move his audience.  And he inspires not by hatred but by making his audience feel good about themselves and how they can change the world in making the planet a greener place to live in.  He attributes his change of heart from seeing how people helped each other after Katrina. 

A must-see in the light of the current catastrophe of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, FUEL has a limited run at the Bloor Cinema in Toronto.  It will be available on DVD from July 27th.