The 11th Hour – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The 11th Hour

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2007

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Leonardo DiCaprio's 2007 climate doc: educational but painfully dated, like watching someone explain the internet on a flip phone.

67%

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The 11th Hour

movie

PG, 2007

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Leonardo DiCaprio's 2007 climate doc: educational but painfully dated, like watching someone explain the internet on a flip phone.

67%

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: The 11th Hour is earnest, well-intentioned, and features genuinely brilliant minds. But it's 18 years old, which in climate science years is basically ancient history. The data is outdated, the solutions discussed have either happened or been superseded, and the format—lots of talking heads in offices—feels glacially slow compared to modern nature documentaries.

If you want to educate your teen about climate issues, you're better off with Our Planet, Chasing Coral, or even just a good YouTube explainer. This isn't unwatchable, but it's the documentary equivalent of assigning homework from an old textbook. Educational? Sure. Engaging for a modern kid? Not really.

It gets credit for being substantive and solution-focused rather than just apocalyptic, but unless you're specifically studying the history of climate discourse, there are simply better, more current, more visually compelling options available now.

Age Fit

Common Sense says 13+, which tracks—younger kids will zone out during expert monologues, and the abstract concepts require some developmental maturity. Realistically, even interested teens might struggle to stay engaged with the dated format.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Documentary presents serious environmental concerns without sensationalism or fear-mongering. Features respectful dialogue among experts and focuses on solutions alongside problems. Tone is earnest and collaborative rather than preachy, though the subject matter is inherently sobering.

Imaginative

Presents visionary solutions and invites viewers to think about planetary systems and human impact in new ways. Features diverse expert perspectives including Gorbachev and Hawking. However, as a talking-heads documentary from 2007, the format is conventional and lacks the creative visual storytelling that would truly spark imagination in younger viewers.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, likely for thematic complexity rather than disturbing content. Environmental documentaries typically avoid graphic imagery. No violence, sexual content, or language concerns expected. The subject matter (climate crisis) may be emotionally heavy but is presented through expert discussion rather than shocking footage.

Enriching

Strong educational value about environmental systems, climate science, and global interconnectedness. Features world-renowned experts offering practical solutions. Builds systems thinking and encourages civic engagement. IMDb 7.2 and RT 67% suggest solid substance. However, 2007 data is now significantly outdated—climate science and solutions have evolved dramatically in 18 years.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Features heavy-hitters like Stephen Hawking and Mikhail Gorbachev discussing planetary systems
Balances environmental problems with actual solutions rather than just doom-scrolling
Could spark interest in climate science and systems thinking for teens
No graphic or disturbing imagery—presents issues through expert dialogue

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What to Watch For

Climate data from 2007 is wildly outdated—we've learned exponentially more since then
Classic talking-heads format will bore kids raised on Planet Earth's cinematography
Heavy subject matter may feel overwhelming without current context
Runtime and pacing feel very 2000s-documentary-slow by today's standards

Conversation Starters

"How do you think climate science has changed since 2007? What do we know now that they didn't?"
"Which of the solutions they mention have actually happened? Which haven't?"
"If you could interview one expert about the environment today, who would it be and what would you ask?"
"What's one thing you could do this week that would help the environment?"

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