DVD Review: Cool It

The new documentary Cool It is forced to deal with the controversy and opposition surrounding its host Lomborg, and it can come across as a bit defensive, thereby causing viewers to question some of the numbers and facts presented here. Nevertheless, regardless of the previous existence of An Inconvenient Truth, Cool It still offers a persuasive, alternate argument on the state of the climate crisis.

Since researching and publishing his book "The Skeptical Environmentalist" in 2001, academic Bjorn Lomborg has become active in trying to stop global warming. He has taken the controversial view that, though the crisis is real, the world is not going to end anytime soon, and that there are more practical ways to spend money on solutions. This documentary introduces us to Lomborg, defends his positions, and outlines some of his ideas. Most of all, unlike An Inconvenient Truth, Cool It does not use scare tactics and leaves off with the hopeful notion that the crisis is treatable.

Director Ondi Timoner does not only focus on Lomborg; he interviews many scientists and thinkers, most of whom support Lomborg's ideas, but some who do not. The good news is that, unlike many "issue"-oriented documentaries, this one has a fairly positive attitude, and is not out to frighten viewers or make them angry. It simply wants viewers to ask some questions, and not to give up hope. However, as with any documentary -- An Inconvenient Truth included -- it's good to keep an open mind and refuse to take everything at face value.

Lionsgate released the DVD in March of 2011. It includes deleted scenes, and a trailer.