 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
An Inconvenient Truth
- Review Date: November 20, 2006
- PG
- Genre: Documentary
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Moving, earnest documentary on global warming.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film introduces complicated scientific, political, and social issues (most prominently, the arguments surrounding global warming and environmental pollution), which will likely go over the heads of the youngest kids. While Al Gore explains his points with colorful graphics (cartoons, graphs, "nature" footage), the statistics and argument strategies may be boring for younger viewers, too. The movie includes images of the aftermath of Katrina, as well as references to other disasters (a 2003 European heat wave that left 35,000 dead). Animated sequences show mild violence (ozone-attacking sunbeams, a frog almost boiling, a weary polar bear unable to find solid ice on which to rest). It also includes sections on the death of Gore's sister from lung cancer (photos of her as he talks about missing her and the damage done by cigarette smoking) and on Gore's young son's near death in a car accident (viewers see no specifics, mostly haunting, empty hospital corridors and Gore looking sad).
What's the story?
Plainspoken and passionate, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH tracks Al Gore's efforts to convince people that global warming is an immediate, dire, and still fixable problem. Well-paced and galvanizing, the movie suggests he's finally found his calling, beyond political backrooms and official chambers, in the bright light of a cause that moves him. Gore is alternately grave, impressive, and even funny as he makes clear the stakes he sees in changing human consuming habits. After loing a presidential contest, Gore is more determined than ever to "get [his] message across."He's packaged that message into a slide show that, he says, he's performed more than 1000 times over the years. The movie argues that global warming is a man-made phenomenon, backing that claim with charts and graphs and statistics, as well as before and after shots of glaciers, once snowy mountains, and once full lakes. Whatever you believe about the causes of global warming, the film insists that you acknowledge its existence.
Is it any good?
The movie occasionally leans too hard on sentimental devices, as when Gore looks repeatedly out windows while his voiceover narrates his concerns over a receding natural world. A more awkward section has Gore explaining his decision to turn his energies to the environment, because, he says, his young son was nearly killed in a car accident; while the trauma and effects are surely moving, the black and white imagery and sad music feel more exploitative than explanatory.
Still, this documentary makes you think, especially about how you might have effects not only on your local environment -- recycling, reducing oil and electric consumption -- but also how you might become involved in more expansive projects, and consider yourself part of a broader, even worldwide community. That Al Gore provokes such thinking with what amounts to a lecture is no small feat.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the debate over global warming, and whether it results from human excesses or inevitable natural changes. They might discuss the film's presentation of conflicts between economic and environmental needs, the U.S. role in pollution and global warming, and accusations by some politicians (shown briefly in the film) that global warming is a hoax.
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Parent
April 9, 2008
AGE
Crucial message must get out
It might be hard for a younger kid to sit through this. But the message must get out. My 4th grader saw the first half of this movie at school.
While the subtlety of Gore's nostalgia for and rejection of his tobacco farming upbringing may be tough to fathom for younger kids, it's a great opportunity to talk about love of family and social responsibility and how the two play together - or against each other.
As for the argument that not everyone believes that global warming is the result of human activity, remember that not everyone believes that the world is round.
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Kid, 10 years old
December 31, 2008
AGE
to josh 1422
global warming is made by humans you idiot!
One of the most frightening movies I have ever seen.
P.S josh1422 is 2 reviews below me.
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Parent of 18, 20, 20, 21, 21, and 22 year old
January 9, 2009
AGE
Blatant lies.
This is nothing but propaganda made by the Government. Global Warming in itself is a hoax. Remember the Ice Age? I'm sure we caused that too, right? The Earth goes through STAGES! None of this is real!
Only idiots believe in something as obviously fake as Global Warming.
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Teen, 14 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
I think this is an importaint part of american culture and sould be viewed by any one who cares about the world around them.
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Kid, 0 years old
January 8, 2010
AGE
Incredible
This is an amazing movie, and possibly the greatest documentary of all time. Al Gore will make you realize just how screwed the planet is. Full of facts (depressing ones), and stats, Al Gore makes his case for saving the planet.
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Teen, 14 years old
July 15, 2009
AGE
Huh??? What's the deal?
Wasn't it supposed to be fake???????
Well, whether or not humans caused it, it is something we need to deal with!
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Important movie
Our media has unfortunately been ignoring the fact of global climate change, even though it is arguably the most important problem we face. It is about survival, plain and simple. Al Gore does human kind a great service by bringing the facts to the public. Please do see this movie. My 14-yr-old daughter was glad she saw it.
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Kid, 11 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
I loved this!
Wonderful film on Global Warming.
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| Topics: | science and nature |
| Studio: | Paramount Vantage |
| Director: | Davis Guggenheim |
| Cast: | Al Gore, Billy West |
| Genre: | Documentary |
| Run time: | 100 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 23, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | November 21, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | for mild thematic elements |
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