"The public deserves a chance to hear these rebuttals," added Roy resident Mike Cawley, who was also interviewed for the new film.

"(Moore's) coverage was so slanted and so antagonistic toward President Bush and the Republican Party and other people. People saw his movie and didn't get to see what was left behind on the cutting-room floor."

Moore's camp could not be reached for comment, but the "War Room" section of his Web site — www.michaelmoore.com — provides sourcing for most of the film's claims.

While the films send different messages and ultimately encourage viewers to cast different votes in the Nov. 2 general election, both films have dual intentions — to inform the public and turn a profit, Peterson said.

In fact, "Fahrenhype" will be released nationwide in thousands of Blockbuster and Hollywood Video outlets and online at overstock.com on Oct. 5 — the same day that "Fahrenheit" hits video stores.

And both are sure to benefit from the ruckus surrounding Moore's appearance Oct. 20 at UVSC, though Hays insists that Moore created that controversy on his own.

"Michael Moore markets into controversy, so it's perfectly logical that he would come to UVSC," Hays said. "He doesn't mind making people mad. In fact, he's making a fortune off of it."

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E-mail: lwarner@desnews.com