 | 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. |
Cool It
- Review Date: March 25, 2011
- PG
- Genre: Documentary
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Controversial but hopeful global warming documentary.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the documentary is touted as a kind of anti-An Inconvenient Truth, although both films acknowledge the threat of global warming and climate crisis and both try to find solutions. Host Bjorn Lomborg, who is the author of "The Skeptical Environmentalist," debunks the scare tactics used by Al Gore's movie, and tries to find cheaper and more effective ways to go forward; unfortunately, his methods have made many enemies, and he spends a good deal of time defending himself. The movie features some strong imagery (scenes of destruction, dying polar bears). Kids of middle-school age and up that are concerned with the environment should be OK watching this.
What's the story?
Since researching and publishing his book "The Skeptical Environmentalist" in 2001, academic Bjorn Lomborg has become active in trying to stop global warming. He has taken the controversial view that, though the crisis is real, the world is not going to end anytime soon, and that there are more practical ways to spend money on solutions. This documentary introduces us to Lomborg, defends his positions, and outlines some of his ideas. Scientists explain how some of these concepts could work in both the short- and long-term. In general, this movie debunks the scare tactics used by An Inconvenient Truth, leaving off with the hopeful notion that the crisis is treatable.
Is it any good?
Cool It is forced to deal with the controversy and opposition surrounding its host Lomborg, and it can come across as a bit defensive, thereby causing viewers to question some of the numbers and facts presented here. Nevertheless, regardless of the previous existence of An Inconvenient Truth, Cool It still offers a persuasive, if alternate, argument on the state of the climate crisis.
Director Ondi Timoner does not only focus on Lomborg; he interviews many scientists and thinkers, most of whom support Lomborg's ideas, but some who do not. The good news is that, unlike many issue-oriented documentaries, this one has a fairly positive attitude, and is not out to frighten viewers or make them angry. It simply wants viewers to ask some questions, and not to give up hope. However, as with any documentary -- An Inconvenient Truth included -- it's good to keep an open mind and refuse to take everything that's here at face value.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether Bjorn Lomborg is right or wrong here. Does this movie provide enough information to make an educated decision? What else do you need to know about Lomborg to better understand where he's coming from?
How does Cool It compare with An Inconvenient Truth? Is it less scary? Why?
According to this movie, what can an individual do to help combat global warming?
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| Topics: | science and nature |
| Studio: | Lionsgate |
| Director: | Ondi Timoner |
| Cast: | Bjorn Lomborg |
| Genre: | Documentary |
| Run time: | 88 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 12, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | March 29, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic elements |
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