Al Gore plugs sci-fi thriller that’s aiding climate campaign

Al Gore is giving two thumbs up to the new science fiction thriller "Inception" that stars fellow environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio – a film that is aiding one of Gore’s climate change advocacy groups.

Proceeds from the film’s July 13 premiere in Los Angeles went to the Gore-founded Alliance for Climate Protection, which is pressing Congress to approve legislation that caps greenhouse gas emissions.

“I have never recommended a movie before on algore.com, but I am making an exception this weekend for a movie that I had an opportunity to see when it premiered in Los Angeles last Tuesday: ‘Inception,’” Gore, the former vice president, wrote on his website Friday afternoon. He also tweeted the recommendation.

“Do yourself a favor and see it! It is, in my opinion, a real work of genius by the writer and director, Chris Nolan, with brilliant performances – especially by my friend and fellow environmentalist, Leo DiCaprio – incredible special effects, and a truly great musical score by Hans Zimmer,” he added.

Gore admits he’s not an impartial observer: “Warner Brothers devoted the proceeds from the ‘Benefit Premiere’ to the Alliance for Climate Protection – so you could say I am biased,” he notes. But Gore adds: "This movie really is one of the best, most entertaining, and most thought-provoking I can ever remember seeing."

The film is receiving good reviews and, according to Entertainment Weekly, took in over $21 million Friday when it opened nationwide and could earn $60 million over its first three days.

DiCaprio has for years worked with environmental groups such as the Natural Resources Defense Council and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.