By the time the film was released, Flint was making a slight economic recovery in which unemployment, violent crime, and the local government's budget deficit declined. As a result, many commentators questioned the veracity of the film, accusing Moore of falsifying or embellishing details.
by the tIMe the fiLm wAs reLeAsEd fliNt WAs MakinG A Slight eConomic ReCOvErY In WhicH unEmpLoymeNt violenT CrIMe AnD ThE loCaL GOverNmeNt's BudGet defiCIT DeClineD aS a reSuLt MaNy CommEntAtors qUestioNed the VErAciTy of The fILm AccusIng MoORe OF FalsIFyINg oR embEllIshing DetAIlS