Educational Media Reviews Online

Judgment Day examines the recent movement of Intelligent Design, the theory that natural development is controlled by an “intelligent agent” as opposed to Darwin’s natural selection, and its impact on American classrooms. While proponents of Intelligent Design state that their theory is as legitimate as the theory of evolution, its opponents call it false science and a thinly masked effort to “re-Christianize” America.

The film begins with an examination of the 2004 landmark case in Dover, Pennsylvania, in which members of the borough’s school board objected to the exclusive teaching of the theory of evolution in their schools. This documentary does a brilliant job in interviewing key players in the crisis. The film then leaves the Dover case and gives a profuse history of evolutionary theory in U.S. classrooms, including discussion of the Scopes Trial. This was extensively researched, both in legal terms and in scientific terms.

This superb work traces the roots of Intelligent Design, and gives a fair amount of screen time to its defenders. These individuals make a comparison to someone discovering writing in the sand on a beach. One would immediately surmise that the writing was done by an intelligent being rather than a freak arrangement of sand from wind and tides. The film examines Of Pandas and People, a book purporting Intelligent Design, and then proceeds with a detailed account of the detective work involved with consigning Intelligent Design with creationism. The viewer witnesses fossil evidence produced by both sides in defense of their respective theories. The documentary then comes full circle by returning to the Dover case, deliberating upon its aftermath and consequences. As one has come to expect from the NOVA series, Judgment Day offers numerous, outstanding, computer generated graphics and animations. Likewise, the dramatizations of courtroom exchanges are superbly done, with a tasteful lack of melodrama.

This is a phenomenal piece of work, and while lengthy, it remains lively and purposeful throughout. It fully explains scientific terms for the layman, and is masterfully edited. This film truly gets to the heart of the debate and fully expands the viewer’s understanding. This film is highly recommended for anyone who wants a current and comprehensive assessment of the creationism vs. evolution dispute.