The 11th Hour

By: The Dweeb

April 2008

DVD Features Video: 2.35:1 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - Nature’s Operating Instructions and Solutions - Solutions We Have Right Now - Wonder of the World - Our Reactions in the Face of Environmental Collapse - Religious Perspectives Theatrical release: 10/10/2007 DVD released on 4/08/2008 by Warner Bros. Running time of 124 minutes Starring: Leonardo diCaprio Director: Nadia Conners, Leila Conners Plot: Humankind’s 11th hour is here: the last moment when we can change course and stop our rush toward global ecological collapse. Actor Leonardo DeCaprio produces and narrates this urgent and transformational look at where we’ve been, where we’re going and - most important - how we can change. Thinkers from Mikhail Gorbachev to Stephen Hawking to sustainable design expert William McDonough and dozens more reveal the current, critical state of life on planet Earth. Astonishing images of floods, fires, hurricanes, collapsing ice cliffs and growing mountains of waste juxtaposed with images of a sustainable future urge us to take action. Will we employ exciting new technologies and change our behavior to save our planet? The crisis is now; but we do have the solutions to save this unique blue planet for future generations.

The Hollywood establishment is great at creating and following trends. When a particular type of film becomes a big hit, usually similar projects get greenlighted and then for the next several years we are pummeled with additional entries into this genre with mixed results. This has happened with war films, the western, super hero films, slasher flicks and oddly enough now the documentary category. Thanks to Michael Moore and Morgan Spurlock, a tidal wave of documentary films has been unleashed. Hot on the heals of the controversial, and Oscar winning Al Gore environmental film, An Inconvenient Truth, The 11th Hour tries to pick up where that film left off. I must state for the record that I have not seen An Inconvenient Truth yet.

So, if you are in the mood some night to be lectured, feel bad about yourself and the human race (Hollywood just loves to do that!) and watch a film that claims to have the solution to our problems then this may be for you. Personally, I felt this would fit better as a feature on the Discovery Channel rather than a theatrical release. You spend most of the 124 minutes watching a film that interlaces stock footage and talking head interviews that are tied in with on location shots of Leonardo DiCaprio. I’m not sure why he is chosen, it just doesn’t fit right. Get an older, serious actor with a better voice for narration perhaps. Gene Hackman? Samuel L Jackson?

So, what are they trying to do here? Are they trying to spur us into action? Make changes? Not really. Most of the film is spent talking about how we are screwing ourselves. Yes, I know. They tease us that the solutions to our problems are already available. Really? What are they? Oh, a bunch of theoretical stuff that’s years away from actual use? Some theories? Thats the solution? What about some real world everyday suggestions that a normal person can afford to do, right now! Like, advocate for self composting toilets or use CFL bulbs. Tell me what I should change, anything! Not some theoretical crap and call my congressman? Does that promote change? No.

Ironically, while I was watching this film I asked myself how many resources and energy were used in the making of the film. We see a shot of Leonardo riding around in an SUV of all things. Nice one people. Smart. Is this Hollywood’s way of looking like they are trying to do something about it when in reality it doesn’t change a damn thing. Yeah, kudos to you guys making yourself feel better.

The packaging that comes with the DVD is rather interesting. Its made of recycled cardboard, at least that’s the claim. Its also wrapped in plastic that must be torn off. They talk about manufacturing waste a lot ,uhh. OK guys. Maybe some tape or something to seal it instead. Who cares, you can buy this for $5 anyway. The extra material is basically more of the same, just cut out of the film. If you want to get bored and lectured some more then by all means have at it. As for me, the whole thing leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Must be the smog. Maybe I’ll plant a tree instead.

Reviewer’s Opinion: BORROW IT!!