The 11th Hour (DVD, 2008)

Environmental documentary 11th HOUR resides at the polar opposite of escapist summer fare, its mission to firmly confront viewers about the indelible human footprint that humans have left on this planet, and the catastrophic effects of environmental neglect and abuse. Produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, and ably directed by Nadia Conners and Leila Conners Peterson, the documentary doesn't get much fancier than talking heads, news footage, and the occasional animated illustration, but its message is potent and delivered effectively.The first hour of the film is essentially a horror story, recounting the myriad sins perpetrated against the environment (pollution, deforestation, over-mining resources), the reasons behind it (corporate greed, faulty public policy, bad leadership, ignorance), and what it means for the human race. Thankfully, the last third of the movie tilts the mood upward, with a spirited discussion of solutions, offered by a crack team of scientists, designers, and thinkers. Stirring visions of alternate energy sources, diversified transportation, enlightened governmental agendas, sustainable homes and cities, and, most importantly, more conscious consumer choices leave viewers with the palpable feeling that change is both necessary and possible. If the "eleventh hour" for our planet is drawing near, this admirable film points confidently towards a new dawn.