Journey to Planet Earth - TV-G
Earnest environmental docu doesn't pull punches.
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- TV Rating: TV-G
- Network: PBS
- Cast: Matt Damon
- Genre: Educational
Parents need to know
Families can talk about activism. What makes someone an activist? What is the media's role in spreading messages related to specific causes? What point(s) is this series trying to make? What do you think producers want the show to accomplish? What issue or issues do you feel strongly about? What got you interested in that topic -- TV, a celebrity, a movie, hearing people talk about it? How can you make a difference in that area?
Message
Social Behavior:
The show's intent is to educate viewers about important topics related to the environment and the world's people. People are shown working on innovative solutions to the world's problems. Takes a mildly patronizing tone toward the needy.
Consumerism:
Some brand names are visible in footage of urban areas, but it's definitely not intentional product placement.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Violence
Scenes of poverty, enormous amounts of trash, discussion of famine and drought.
Sex
Language
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Sierra Filucci
Is it any good?
While all of the topics the series tackles are of immense importance, Journey to Planet Earth suffers from a touch of melodrama and a slightly patronizing tone when talking about people in developing countries. As one episode ends, Damon speaks over the image of a giraffe grazing: "In the end, what we want is for first light to still reveal the rich tapestry of the natural world" -- the screen then shows the smiling face of a young African boy -- "and every child born into poverty to share the same dreams we in the west so often take for granted."
Teens and tweens interested in environmental issues, animals, farming, and poverty (and Matt Damon) will find plenty of educational material backed by beautiful footage. But parents may want to caution younger viewers against taking a patronizing attitude toward people in developing countries and emphasize the steps these people have taken to improve their own condition.
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Parents and kids say



