Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Celebs and conservationists save planet in eco docu; peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Why on Earth
What's the Story?
In WHAT ON EARTH, celebrities, scientists, and conservationists around the world raise awareness in firsthand interviews and archival footage about the connection between the planet, animals, and people. The topics range from animal endangerment to cruelty-free cosmetics and the possible steps to take to preserve the Earth's ecosystem for future generations.
Is It Any Good?
This eco-friendly film's messages provide incisive food for thought for kids and teens about the planet's future. With its mix of a Hollywood A-lister, scientists, and conservation activists, Why on Earth angles for a high-road approach to topics such as vegan diets and animal endangerment. "I'm an animal person," notes actor, director, and conservationist Clint Eastwood (Cry Macho). "I appreciate the beauty of them. I was just an animal lover when I was a kid. Dogs and cats, and snakes and lizards, whatever I could find." But now, says the Oscar winner, it's pertinent that "we can all enjoy what's on the planet and leave something for somebody else."
Wildlife poaching, however, continues to be a "menace," says Jeremiah Poghon, a Kenya Wildlife Service veterinarian. "The buyers and consumers of these products are doing more harm to the animals than they think. If you protect the ecosystem, you are also protecting your own health. If you destroy the ecosystem, you are also destroying your own health." And adds, Shawn Heinriches, an underwater photographer and conservationist in Mexico, "We need to understand that our future and the future of the natural world are inextricably tied. And that everything that we're doing to hurt the oceans, hurting the nature, hurting the forests, is going to hurt us."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the teamwork of the cast in What on Earth. How do they also demonstrate communication, compassion, and perseverance ? Why are these important character strengths?
Poaching rhino horns is reportedly the third largest revenue generator of criminal acts in the world. What might be the ongoing reasons behind this illegal activity? What can be done to stop it?
Why is it important to conserve planet Earth? What possible actions can you take?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 6, 2022
- Cast : Clint Eastwood , Shawn Heinriches , Jeremiah Poghon
- Director : Katie Cleary
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Vision Films
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals ) , STEM
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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