I saw Wall-E on the opening weekend at the very busy AMC 42nd St. theaters here in NYC. My friends and I waited in line for about 45 minutes to make sure we got a good seat and when we finally got inside I noticed something REALLY strange — there were only about 6 kids in the entire theater. I bring this up because it’s proof to me that adults are not just excited about Pixar, but excited to learn more about the dangers of global warming.

I thought Wall-E did a great job of presenting the subject in a comical yet serious manner, but unfortunately it looks like the film isn’t really practicing what it’s preaching. In fact, Wall-E is getting some pretty harsh criticism for the high environmental cost of the kids’ toys that were made as a tie-in with the movie. First off the toys were made in China and contain a boatload of non-environmentally friendly products, including a thick cellophane plastic, plastic coated wire, thick black plastic strips, nylon tie wraps, and excess cardboard.

Duncan McLaren, of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “These plastics could still be polluting the environment in 1000 years. A real-life Wall-E in a distant future will be picking up the packaging from these toys. The writer and director were trying to get across a sound message in the film so it’s a pity their marketing teams did not do likewise.”

In response, Tesco, the store that currently carries the products, said they will, “work with our suppliers to reduce packaging.” Hmmm. I get it — everybody wants to make a buck! Still, you’d think Disney would be a little more environmentally sensitive when it comes to selling crap about a movie based on the dangers of selling crap. For now, all I can say is go see the movie, but stay the hell away from the merchandise!

via: sundaymail.co.uk