Inherit the Wind - Again
stoic | Mobile AL | 07/25/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Judgment Day is a PBS documentary that examines the controversy over whether Dover, Pennsylvania, could teach Intelligent Design (ID) in its public schools. The film has many strong points including a great explanation of evolution for the layperson. There are also some good interviews with many of the case's participants.
The film doesn't rate any higher than three stars for several reasons. Judgment Day is simply too long at over 100 minutes. It should have been about an hour. Also, there were no cameras in the courtroom so the filmmakers hired actors and staged corny reenactments.
I am not a fan of ID, but I think that Judgment Day suffers from a lack of access to those who testified in support of ID. While not the filmmakers' fault, the lack of input leaves the impression that Judgment Day does not explain the entire story. Finally, there is almost no comment from Dover students - an odd omission in a case about a school system's curriculum.
Judgment Day is pretty good - but don't get your hopes up too high."