A movie based on a PowerPoint presentation by a former presidential candidate may not sound exciting, but once AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH hits its stride viewers may be surprised how compelling the subject matter proves to be. While many high-ranking political figures continue to argue about global warming, Al Gore has plunged headlong into a serious wake-up call for the planet with a series of lectures about the problem. It's on one of these lectures that this movie from director Davis Guggenheim is based. Guggenheim breaks up Gore's delivery by illustrating his points with film footage, much of which features the former Democratic nominee exploring the globe as he examines the effects of global warming. Gore's speech is neatly divided between calm recitations of the facts about the issue and several stories of a personal nature. His skills as an orator are considerable, and it's hard not to be alarmed by most of what he has to say. Indeed, as Gore relates tales of melting polar icecaps, rising global temperatures, and the reluctance of political leaders to do something about the problem, the film takes on an air of hopelessness and doom, especially as no easy solutions are offered. Gore's advice is for individuals to take steps to reduce their own inadvertent poisoning of the atmosphere, and to persuade others to do likewise. It's a powerful message, and one that is likely to remain in non-cynical minds long after the film comes to a conclusion.

Rating: PG (MPAA)

Rating Reason: mild thematic elements

Runtime: 96 minutes

DVD Code: Region 1 US, CA

Genre: Education/General Interest

Color: Color

Rating: DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case - Checkpoint
Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital Surround Sound 5.1 - English
Dolby Digital Stereo - English
Subtitles - English - Closed Captioned
Subtitles - French, Spanish - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentaries - 1. Davis Guggenheim - Director
2. Laurie David, Lawrence Bender, Scott Z. Burns, Lesley Chilcott - Producers
Behind the Scenes - "The Making Of AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH"
Featurettes - "An Update with Former Vice-President Al Gore"
Music Video - Melissa Etheridge - "I Need to Wake Up"

Al Gore, Albert Gore

Davis Guggenheim

Lawrence Bender, Scott Burns, Laurie Lennard

"[I]lluminating, fascinating and sometimes frightening. A thought-provoking cautionary tale that is also lively and entertaining, the film showcases the dedication, warmth and, yes, charm of the former vice president."
USA Today (05/26/2006)

"One of the most exciting and necessary movies of the year..."

New York Times (06/09/2006)

"An eco-horror film that is anything but escapist entertainment..."
Sight and Sound (09/01/2006)

4 stars out of 5 -- "Even more than a call to action, it's a fascinating glimpse at the leader he might have been and, if rumours are to be believed, may yet become."
Total Film (10/01/2006)

"[A] movie that joins recent polemics like BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE and SUPER SIZE ME in jolting the heart and gut as much as the mind, by entertaining while educating." -- Grade: A-
Entertainment Weekly (11/24/2006)

"The former veep delivers his message with the ardor of a true activist."
Rolling Stone (11/30/2006)

5 stars out of 5 -- "More engrossing than a PowerPoint presentation by a semi-retired politician has any right to be."
Uncut (01/01/2007)

"[Y]ou will be astounded and amazed at the precarious, and seemingly dire, situation our Earth is in."
Widescreen Review (02/01/2007)