Too Hot Not to Handle

Interestingly, Laurie David served as a producer on both An Inconvenient Truth (VL-11/06) starring Al Gore, and this HBO-aired documentary, but the latter is comparatively bland in its presentation of the environmental evidence supporting global warming, buttressed by talking-head testimony from scientific researchers. Too Hot Not to Handle discusses the sort of natural catastrophes that are being exacerbated by global warming—heat waves, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, horrific storms, etc.—while also outlining potential solutions, both immediate and long-term (such as using alternative energy sources other than fossil fuels). Very professionally made in terms of the fine outdoor footage, the graphics employed to help explicate the material, and the articulate and persuasive experts who appear before the camera (though their manner tends to be measured rather than passionate), the film also benefits from the inclusion of Willie Nelson, who talks about his use of bio-diesel (made from vegetable oil) in lieu of gasoline in his tour bus, adding a human dimension to what's otherwise a rather dry presentation. Overall, this is a solid, informative piece that pales somewhat beside the better-known (and frankly more engaging) An Inconvenient Truth, although it could still serve as a useful addition to larger environmental collections. Optional. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)