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I expected a simple propaganda film- and I say this without rancor, as I am not "in denial" regarding global warming. Certainly it is a propaganda film, but not in the pejorative sense. What impressed me most about this film was its sincerity and the emotional openness of its star. There is also scads of information: but there have been scads of information available to the public about global warming for a long time. Al Gore presents the information with an engaging presentational style that mixes humor, urgency, and (most impressively) an optimistic faith in his audience's ability (and that of humankind in general) to take this information and change the world.

It is not perfect. For instance, anyone who knows anything about glaciers knows that they have always dropped off huge chunks of themselves into the sea: this is called calving, and it happens because glaciers are rivers of ice that move ever so slowly. Inevitably, when they reach the sea their movement means that the weight of the ice overhanging the water will eventually drop into the water with the impressive crash that Gore showed in a short video clip in his presentation. Now, I know there is concern that the glaciers are melting at a faster rate than they should be. If Gore had shown data along these lines along with the picture of the glacier calving then that would be one thing. To state, "Now look what's happening!" (as if it had never happened before) and show the clip with nothing further- that's bending the truth for purposes of emotional impact. It's unfortunate, because it makes one wonder if there is anymore fact-bending occurring in the film.
This film shows a very likable Al Gore. He is smart, he is modest, he is concerned about the future of his children and yours. He blames the confusion and debate regarding global warming on misleading media coverage rather than railing against the stupidity of the public generally or any political group specifically. I thought that was admirable restraint, although I recognize that it is also a good strategy for getting his message heard. At the beginning of the film Gore introduces himself to a lecture audience by saying, "Hello, I'm Al Gore, and I used to be the next president of the United States." Frankly, I think he might have been elected in a landslide if the director of this film had been his campaign manager.
So, in conclusion: watch the film. It is entertaining, it is moving, and it is important. Even if you are certain you'll disagree with everything in it, or are angry at Gore for his hypocrisy regarding his own energy consumption (that's another issue for another article), watch the film. It's sure to be in the history books as one of the most important films of the first decade of the new millennium.

Learn more about this author, Annemarie Garrett.
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