Critics Comment On New Electric Car Movie

Chris Paine, the director who thrilled environmentalists with his 2006 film, “Who Killed the Electric Car?” is back with a new film about electric cars.

            “Revenge of the Electric Car,” which debuted at last week’s Tribeca Film Festival, is a bit of a victory lap for Paine, who reportedly takes some credit for having pushed GM into introducing the Chevy Volt. The new movie follows the fortunes of GM and its Volt, along with Nissan, Tesla Motors and an EV conversion specialist named Greg “Gadget” Abbott.

            A few early reviews:

            Reuters: “Chris Paine’s 2006 documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car” presented a scathing portrait of the U.S. auto industry’s calculated decision to destroy the momentum of electronic vehicles, particularly GM’s recall of its pioneering EV1 model. He’s now returned with a far more upbeat sequel that optimistically depicts how automakers are finally coming around to the concept. Although a bit skimpy on facts, “Revenge of the Electric Car,” world-premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, is a hugely entertaining portrait of several of the key figures involved.”

            The New York Times:  “Mr. Paine and the industry heavyweights who anchor his new documentary are among the world’s most visible advocates of electric vehicles. As such, “Revenge” feels like a fait accompli of a film, in which the only roadblocks to an electrified future are erected not by a nefarious Big Oil boogeyman, but by a nameless and faceless financial crisis.”

            Treehugger.com:  “Who Killed the Electric Car?” was one of the most exhilarating environmentally-themed documentaries of the last decade. The 2006 film, which investigates General Motors’ decision to discontinue the revolutionary electric car, the EV1, made a huge splash – it embarrassed the auto industry, shed light on the murky confluence of corporate and political interests, and invigorated a brand new generation of EV enthusiasts in one fell swoop. “Revenge of the Electric Car,” director Chris Paine’s follow-up, will probably do none of those things. But it’s still an engaging look at the progress the electric cars have made over the last few years, and the unlikely corporate leaders that are pushing EVs mainstream.”

            The Wall Street Journal: “Paine says some of his friends who distrust corporations have ribbed him about not sticking it to the car companies more in the second movie. ‘They’re asking, What are you doing? Why aren’t you giving it to the man this time?’ he says. ‘Well this is what we wanted them to do and they’re doing it.’”