Sustainability Film Critic, Content Creation & Climate Storytelling
The Film Industry's Carbon Footprint
Reviewing Films and HETV with a Sustainability lens.
Creating Content both in written and video format.
My video reviews and sustainability-focused content can be found on my social media channels, particularly on TikTok and Instagram. My written reviews can be found on my LetterBoxed and IMDb. Links Below
How To Train Your Dragon
How to Train Your Dragon, I absolutely love the animated film, and if you loved it too, you’ll definitely love the live-action version. It’s stunning and truly wonderful. Oh my goodness, the casting was spot on, the acting was excellent, and the visuals were absolutely breathtaking. I loved it.
I’ve always adored the animated film, so I went in thinking, “Please don’t ruin my childhood.” But they delivered. It felt like they took everything I loved, scaled it up, and made it even better. I’m obsessed, it was just so, so good.
Sustainability Commentary:
A significant part of the narrative in How to Train Your Dragon revolves around themes related to the Anthropocene, biodiversity, and our relationship with nature. In the beginning, the Vikings defend their village and themselves by destroying dragons, creatures they perceive as threats. However, the core message that gradually emerges is one of coexistence with nature. This speaks powerfully to contemporary issues: in the face of Anthropocenic thinking and ego-centric worldviews, where humans dominate and exploit the natural world, the film proposes a different approach.
Hiccup represents a shift towards living with nature rather than against it. His journey reflects the idea that respecting and understanding the natural world can lead to more harmonious and sustainable ways of living. By the end of the film, it is clear that Hiccup’s perspective is the better path, the way forward.
Another crucial theme the film explores is the value of knowledge. By learning about dragons rather than fearing them, Hiccup comes to understand their place in the ecosystem. This mirrors real-world conservation values: when we understand biodiversity and recognise the roles each species plays, we are more likely to respect and protect them. Knowledge fosters empathy, and empathy leads to more conscious, ecologically aware behaviour. The film beautifully captures the idea that with understanding comes respect, and with respect, a greater chance for sustainable coexistence.
Sustainability commitment
The film itself embraces sustainable practices in its production, reflecting the very values it promotes on screen. I'm happy it has a greenerlight—it’s wonderful to see a project that aligns its storytelling with its behind-the-scenes ethics
I’ve always adored the animated film, so I went in thinking, “Please don’t ruin my childhood.” But they delivered. It felt like they took everything I loved, scaled it up, and made it even better. I’m obsessed, it was just so, so good.
Sustainability Commentary:
A significant part of the narrative in How to Train Your Dragon revolves around themes related to the Anthropocene, biodiversity, and our relationship with nature. In the beginning, the Vikings defend their village and themselves by destroying dragons, creatures they perceive as threats. However, the core message that gradually emerges is one of coexistence with nature. This speaks powerfully to contemporary issues: in the face of Anthropocenic thinking and ego-centric worldviews, where humans dominate and exploit the natural world, the film proposes a different approach.
Hiccup represents a shift towards living with nature rather than against it. His journey reflects the idea that respecting and understanding the natural world can lead to more harmonious and sustainable ways of living. By the end of the film, it is clear that Hiccup’s perspective is the better path, the way forward.
Another crucial theme the film explores is the value of knowledge. By learning about dragons rather than fearing them, Hiccup comes to understand their place in the ecosystem. This mirrors real-world conservation values: when we understand biodiversity and recognise the roles each species plays, we are more likely to respect and protect them. Knowledge fosters empathy, and empathy leads to more conscious, ecologically aware behaviour. The film beautifully captures the idea that with understanding comes respect, and with respect, a greater chance for sustainable coexistence.
Sustainability commitment
The film itself embraces sustainable practices in its production, reflecting the very values it promotes on screen. I'm happy it has a greenerlight—it’s wonderful to see a project that aligns its storytelling with its behind-the-scenes ethics
Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
I have just seen Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, and oh my goodness—what an extraordinary experience. This franchise has long been one of my favourites, and this latest instalment only deepened my admiration. I’ve always adored the blend of high-stakes action and intricate storytelling, and this film delivers on both fronts with incredible finesse.
One of the defining qualities of Mission: Impossible is, of course, Tom Cruise’s breathtaking stunt work. These feats of physical daring have become a hallmark of the series, and they truly elevate each film. Watching him push the limits once again was thrilling this, to me, is what makes Mission: Impossible so uniquely compelling.
The Final Reckoning brought tears to my eyes. I cried—more than once. Despite knowing that Ethan Hunt would likely prevail in the end (as he always does), I still found myself genuinely afraid, nervous, and deeply moved. This emotional engagement is a testament to the film's storytelling, which balances the predictable heroism we love with real tension and heartfelt moments.
What stood out to me most was the film’s connection to the past. It beautifully incorporated callbacks and references to earlier instalments, enriching the narrative with a sense of nostalgia and continuity. The use of past characters and scenes was woven into the film in a way that felt both deliberate and respectful, creating a powerful emotional resonance.
For years, I’ve had questions about Mission: Impossible III, particularly the mysterious "Rabbit's Foot". It was an unresolved plot point that lingered in my mind since I first watched it as a young viewer, even before secondary school. To my delight, The Final Reckoning finally addressed this mystery. It revisited earlier films, especially the first, and offered clarity on the Rabbit’s Foot, tying it into the broader narrative arc. I found this immensely satisfying.
The film’s inclusion of a montage featuring characters and moments from previous instalments added yet another layer of emotional depth. This wasn’t just a sequel it was a culmination. I absolutely adored how it honoured the legacy of the franchise while delivering something new and impactful.
In short, Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning was everything I hoped for and more. It was thrilling, emotional, and deeply rewarding for long-time fans. I loved every moment of it.
Sustainability Commentary:
Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning was awarded the Green Seal by the Environmental Media Association, signalling that the production implemented certified sustainable practices. As a sustainable content creator and advocate, this is something I deeply appreciate. It is heartening to see large-scale, high-octane productions committing to environmentally conscious efforts behind the scenes.
However, given the nature of the Mission: Impossible franchise with its intense stunts, practical effects, and extensive use of vehicles such as cars, trains, and motorcycles, the environmental impact remains a crucial area of inquiry. These elements, while vital to the film’s dynamic narrative, are traditionally fuel-intensive, often reliant on petrol or diesel, both of which are major contributors to carbon emissions.
I am particularly interested in understanding the specific measures the production team undertook to reduce its carbon footprint. Did they utilise alternative fuels, carbon offsetting programmes, or newer sustainable technologies in stunt coordination and transport logistics? What strategies were employed to balance the demands of practical action sequences with a reduced environmental impact?
Given Tom Cruise’s well-known commitment to performing his own stunts, and the sheer scale of such a production, it would be insightful to see a detailed breakdown of the environmental strategies used. I would welcome a behind-the-scenes sustainability report or case study that transparently outlines how these challenges were approached.
Productions of this calibre have the potential to set new industry standards—not only for cinematic spectacle, but also for environmental responsibility.
One of the defining qualities of Mission: Impossible is, of course, Tom Cruise’s breathtaking stunt work. These feats of physical daring have become a hallmark of the series, and they truly elevate each film. Watching him push the limits once again was thrilling this, to me, is what makes Mission: Impossible so uniquely compelling.
The Final Reckoning brought tears to my eyes. I cried—more than once. Despite knowing that Ethan Hunt would likely prevail in the end (as he always does), I still found myself genuinely afraid, nervous, and deeply moved. This emotional engagement is a testament to the film's storytelling, which balances the predictable heroism we love with real tension and heartfelt moments.
What stood out to me most was the film’s connection to the past. It beautifully incorporated callbacks and references to earlier instalments, enriching the narrative with a sense of nostalgia and continuity. The use of past characters and scenes was woven into the film in a way that felt both deliberate and respectful, creating a powerful emotional resonance.
For years, I’ve had questions about Mission: Impossible III, particularly the mysterious "Rabbit's Foot". It was an unresolved plot point that lingered in my mind since I first watched it as a young viewer, even before secondary school. To my delight, The Final Reckoning finally addressed this mystery. It revisited earlier films, especially the first, and offered clarity on the Rabbit’s Foot, tying it into the broader narrative arc. I found this immensely satisfying.
The film’s inclusion of a montage featuring characters and moments from previous instalments added yet another layer of emotional depth. This wasn’t just a sequel it was a culmination. I absolutely adored how it honoured the legacy of the franchise while delivering something new and impactful.
In short, Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning was everything I hoped for and more. It was thrilling, emotional, and deeply rewarding for long-time fans. I loved every moment of it.
Sustainability Commentary:
Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning was awarded the Green Seal by the Environmental Media Association, signalling that the production implemented certified sustainable practices. As a sustainable content creator and advocate, this is something I deeply appreciate. It is heartening to see large-scale, high-octane productions committing to environmentally conscious efforts behind the scenes.
However, given the nature of the Mission: Impossible franchise with its intense stunts, practical effects, and extensive use of vehicles such as cars, trains, and motorcycles, the environmental impact remains a crucial area of inquiry. These elements, while vital to the film’s dynamic narrative, are traditionally fuel-intensive, often reliant on petrol or diesel, both of which are major contributors to carbon emissions.
I am particularly interested in understanding the specific measures the production team undertook to reduce its carbon footprint. Did they utilise alternative fuels, carbon offsetting programmes, or newer sustainable technologies in stunt coordination and transport logistics? What strategies were employed to balance the demands of practical action sequences with a reduced environmental impact?
Given Tom Cruise’s well-known commitment to performing his own stunts, and the sheer scale of such a production, it would be insightful to see a detailed breakdown of the environmental strategies used. I would welcome a behind-the-scenes sustainability report or case study that transparently outlines how these challenges were approached.
Productions of this calibre have the potential to set new industry standards—not only for cinematic spectacle, but also for environmental responsibility.
Read More Reviews |
See More Reviews |