What stands as a greater threat to our nation than Al Qaeda, avian flu and Anthrax-laden mail combined? It very well could be our spending habits. I.O.U.S.A. is a startling wake-up call to Americans about how the state of our personal and national financial affairs has become the most potentially devastating adversary we face today.

This documentary lays out the roots of our problems in terms that even the most economically inept consumer (me!) can understand. The effect and history of our national debt, the deeper effect of our credit crisis, the coming social security crunch and the moral implications of passing on debt to future generations are revealed in a riveting fashion that will leave sensible folks shaking in their seats.

It looks grim, but with knowledge comes power. I.O.U.S.A. is not simply a bombshell, but a reparation plan.

With changes in our habits from the bureaucrats on Capitol Hill to the credit-card burdened, middle class family, we can improve the odds that future generations will not suffer the fate of a fallen empire. I.O.U.S.A. is a film that every American must see.

Grade: A

I.O.U.S.A. releases in select theaters Aug. 22