Capitalism has failed America.

This is the premise of Michael Moore’s timely new documentary on the recession, and it’s one that should be analyzed by both liberals and conservatives.

Moore narrates the film with such calmly composed spouts of humbling sarcasm that at first glance it’s hard to tell how he stirs up so much controversy.

But then you see a family holding each other in tears as the police force open their door with a final eviction notice.

And then you see a neighborhood in shambles, middle class families left to sleep in a car, devoted workers given sudden notice of layoffs, students submerged in a sea of debt, and a widower strained by his employer (Wal-Mart) for profiting tens of thousands of dollars from his wife’s death through life insurance.

Moore doesn’t need a vehement voice to tell this story; he just needs a camera and facts.

Sure, Moore breaks no new ground in cinematic style. As was the case with previous documentaries such as “Bowling for Columbine,” “Fahrenheit 9/11″ and “Sicko,” the formula is largely the same.

His talent for exposing political hypocrisy, using a theatrical soundtrack to dramatize montages, and relentless pursuit to interview individuals who refuse to be filmed is still present.

The audience will also laugh at Moore’s purposefully childish gimmicks, such as wrapping yellow caution tape across national bank headquarters and attempting a citizen’s arrest of the CEOs of AIG and Citigroup.

But Moore brings something new to the table this time. He doesn’t regurgitate numbers, a tactic often overused by the media.

Instead, he puts a face behind the bailout cost, behind the amount of people unemployed and behind the number of families without a home.

By the end, we don’t see statistics anymore; we see ourselves.

Personalizing this story compensates for its radical ideals. Moore might poke fun at Republicans who label President Barack Obama a socialist, but there’s always some truth in joking.

By attacking a widely-accepted idea, capitalist doctrine at large is viewed as the villain rather than the CEOs of banking and insurance companies.

In “Capitalism: A Love Story,” worker-owned companies are placed on a pedestal, revolt is encouraged and, yes, socialism is certainly advocated.

VERDICT: You do not need to agree with Moore to watch this movie. In fact, most people will not share his beliefs or be converted after watching the film.

But if you want to understand why your parents lost their jobs, why you are reading this review while walking to the financial aid office, or why the University’s budget cuts have damaged your education, go see a movie that will both educate and entertain. Zombies and talking toys will only provide the latter.