Hollywood’s Best and Worst “Green” Movies

Benjamin Chadwick has written a review for emagazine on movies with “green” themes.

Conservation activism may be dramatic, but it has rarely been mined for mainstream films. Green themes typically appear off-screen: think Charlize Theron and Joaquin Phoenix in People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) anti-fur campaigns. Still, a number of provocative environmental movies have slipped through the minefield of corporate censorship and escaped Los Angeles with their agendas intact. If you’re looking for a cheap night at home, a trip down memory lane, or discussion agit-prop for students and kids, then look for the following modern classics, all of which can be rented at a video store near you.
~ B. Chadwick

Chadwick writes about Movies to avoid in his review, but here are his top picks for movies to see:

For Adults:
– A Civil Action(1998)
– Erin Brockovich (2000)
– Silkwood (1983)
– The China Syndrome (1979)
– 12 Monkeys (1995)
– Koyaanisqatsi (1982)

For children:
– Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (1972)
– Ferngully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
– Free Willy (1993)
– The Little Mermaid (1992)
– Finding Nemo (2003)
– A Bug’s Life and Antz (both released in 1998)

For older kids:
– The Secret of Nimh (1982)
– Plague Dogs (1982)
– Watership Down (1978)

Chadwick recommends David Ingram’s book Green Screen: Environmentalism and Hollywood Cinema, “which gives close scrutiny to hundreds of relevant films, organized by theme.”