Critic's pick

It's not easy being green. Kermit knew it ages before the rest of us. Still, if you're wondering what a more environmentally sensitive life would look like, you can see it without having to feel it in "No Impact Man." In this compelling and extremely funny documentary from filmmakers Laura Gabbert and Justin Schein, environmentalist Colin Beavan and his wife, journalist/skeptic Michelle Conlin, go green for us, as the couple and their toddler try to get as close to zero impact on the planet as possible. They start with the easy stuff, like no caffeine (though Michelle's resolve breaks, with secret Starbucks runs), and then progressively eliminate what most of us consider necessities, such as toilet paper, refrigeration and electricity. You can catch it Friday night at the Regent or Sunday afternoon at the Landmark as this year's Los Angeles Film Festival winds down. Oh, and you really should bring a friend -- carpool, you know.

-- Betsy Sharkey

ADVERTISEMENT