An Inconvenient Sequel Truth to Power (2017)

What made director David Guggenheim's 2006 documentary An Inconvenient Truth work so well is its simplicity. The film stuck to a straight forward style, let the science of climate change be explained by the charismatic Al Gore, with compelling visuals and an optimistic approach. It's effect was phenomenal and created a compelling and riveting watch while spurring on an important movement.

The anti-climate science movement hasn't had much success attacking the facts, so they turn to something else. They attack Al Gore. As an imperfect human he's an easier target. People convince themselves if they can hate/resent/mistrust Al Gore then they can dismiss the very serious problem of climate change. They have effectively turned segments of the population against Gore and therefore often against their own self-interests and the interest of this planet. And in many ways that's they Truth to Power is not only inconvenient but the wrong sequel all together.

An Inconvenient Truth was about climate change and the urgency needed to address it. An Inconvenient Sequel Truth to Power is less about the continued urgency but more about defending Al Gore. I like Gore and I respect the work that he's done although I don't agree with him on everything politically (as a centrist he's not progressive enough for my tastes). But I don't need to see a movie which follows him personally through his activism, attributes the Paris accord in large amounts to his interventions, and ruminates on regret about the loss of a Gore presidency. What I would have preferred is a film which focused on how the predictions of the first film are coming true and highlights what is being done and still can be done to address it. The film minimizes that in its cult of personality.

Truth to Power takes a far less straightforward approach than its predecessor and often feels like it has kid gloves on. Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time and this film doesn't make as successful a case for that. I remember feeling energized by the original film. This one had me a bit bored. The last thing we need is complacency on this issue.

Climate change deniers will use this as a weapon in their war. As they can't attack the science they will attack Gore and in the process discredit what he stands for, a future for humanity on this planet.

An Inconvenient Sequel Truth to Power
Starring: Al Gore
Directors: Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk