The messages and information in this film are very important and well delivered. It was both moving, scary and inspiring to see so clearly the impact of modern man on the planet earth, and the information hits right at the heart of any sceptical arguments.
While the film presents very convincingly the truth about global warming, it is a bit short on what each of us can actually do about this – aside from the fortune-cookie type suggestions that come up during the credits - although I guess there are plenty of other places to find out about those. The purpose seems to be to convince everyone who doesn't already know that global warming is a fact, it is here now, and that if left unchecked will be devastating to the earth and therefore to mankind in ways that can only be imagined in nightmares and disaster movies. The missing element is how to stop it - can it be stopped?
The style of the film – essentially a lecture, broken up with some film clips of Al Gore being contemplative and working on his laptop while travelling – can feel a bit pedantic, and I did find it hard to stay awake at one point, kind of like attending an evening class after a long day of work (after 90 minutes, you need a coffee break). A side benefit of the film is the opportunity to see Al Gore as a smart, dynamic, forward thinking pundit and, dare I say, leader. Although this is a one-issue film, Gore is shown as both folksy and factual, even poking fun at himself a bit (the former next president of the US). If he is contemplating a return to the political arena in a few years, this exposure to him as something other than “wooden” will be a big boost.
Extra points for the excellent Melissa Etheridge song covering the end credits.
- Robyn
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