‘Bag It’ asks the simple question: Paper or plastic?

Director Suzan Beraza’s new documentary, Bag It, takes a Michael Moore-like approach to the complicated, controversial world of plastic. With a funny, insightful host at the center (Jeb Berrier), we look into the many facets of this systemic problem. The resulting testament is an effective, important documentary that enters that rare echelon of must-see cinema. There’s not much new information delivered in these 79 minutes, but old information is seen in a new light.

Berrier takes a simple question (What happens to plastic bags?) and evolves it into a stirring film with many interesting findings. He interviews many environmentalists, getting their thoughts on the alleged harmful consequences of our plastic world. His focus is all-encompassing, including animal health, human health, diseases, finances, etc. He’s unable to score any interviews with plastic bigwigs, but the documentary never feels lacking in content.

Berrier also places himself firmly within the line of questioning. He may start as an inquisitive citizen, but by the film’s end, he’s more of a concerned father. His wife and her pregnancy change Berrier, suddenly giving him a motive for his questions. He wants his child to grow up in a non-plastic world, or at least one that fully understands the effects of so much plastic.

His best interviews are with the knowledgable officials, men and women on the forefront of reducing the world’s reliance on plastic. Less effective are his few interviews with people living “plastic-free” lives. They provide some entertainment and real-life examples of perfect living, but these asides never offer practical information.

When Berrier sacrifices his own body (although not to the limit of Morgan Spurlock in Super Size Me), the results are quite interesting. He locks himself in a room for two days and simply comes into contact with products lined with plastic. From shaving to eating to drinking, he lives an exclusive plastic life for two days. After the experiment, his blood levels are checked and the questions continue to mount.

All of the statistics and assertions are presented in a slick manner, either with animated diagrams or simple cartoons. Berrier’s voiceover is calming, informative and always laced with humor. His efforts never prod too much, but that doesn’t seem like his style. He gathers all of the necessary facts and delivers them in a compelling way. Holding feet to the fire is not in his purview. This is important activist cinema, but not cruel or overly accusatory. After all, we are the consumers. The ultimate finger should be pointed at us.

After watching Bag It, it becomes clear that there is an enormous need to reassess our use of plastic. Going in, I was uninformed and could claim blissful ignorance. After spending some time with Berrier, I have been educated and it feels wrong not to do something with the information. Getting us to get off the couch and change our lives is the tell-tale sign of an effective documentary.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Bag It

• 2011

• Directed by Suzan Beraza

• Written by Michelle Curry Wright

• Featuring Jeb Berrier

• Running time: 79 minutes

• Rating: