American Casino

The first name of a famous director named “Michael’’ comes to mind during the opening of “American Casino,’’ a documentary about the causes and consequences of last fall’s financial meltdown. But it’s Michael Mann, not Michael Moore. That’s how sleek and efficient Leslie Cockburn’s film starts out, with its shots of big office buildings, financial figures scrolling along computer screens, and talking heads. It’s a relief to see a minimum of huffing and puffing on such a hot-button subject. (Full review)