Bill Nye: Science Guy (2017) User Reviews

Many personal insights from a major public figure

[MEMangan · 6/10 · 3 December 2017]

I didn't know what to expect from the film going in, but I thought it was a learning experience ultimately. I learned about some of the things that drive Bill Nye that I didn't know. Why does he continue to talk to rabid opponents of science? How does he examine the evidence?

Revealing personal and professional details that are sometimes unflattering helped to give this film s bit of self-awareness that's not always present in follow-this-famous-figure films. Some things are left unanswered--is Nye's the right strategy for dealing with some raucous topics in science? What will his legacy ultimately be?

I think it's worthwhile to see the stories of folks on the front line of science battles as we think about how we want to make decisions on education, health, and environmental issues going forward. It's not easy to stand there, but I'm glad some have the courage to take it on. And seeing them as regular people may be helpful.

A TV-show would have treated the topics at hand better.

[lowejaja · 7/10 · 15 August 2019]

I gave this 7 stars because the cinematography and camera work is excellent, the music is good but stays a bit in the background which is fine since this movie wants to focus on the topics at hand rather than overdramatize things.

Only downside i see is this movie tries to deal with too many topics at one time and doesn't really go full circle. There is the story of Bill himself and his life and struggles of becoming famous and surprisingly some personal stuff like why he hasn't had kids and so on. Then we have the creationists that deny the earth is older than 6000 years among so many other things. And then ofcourse the climate change deniers.

I would gladly see this becoming a tv-show since the message is so important and that would allow all topics to be explained more in depth than what a movie can deliver. So each topic could be its own episode and with Bills personal life sprinkled in there for those who idolize him.

The 1 star reviews are troubling to read. Saying there is some sort of agenda or conspiracy to this. The only way our society is going to advance is if we follow what the science says. The actual data. Scientific consesus is important and very different from popularity because scientists do not put personal objections in their work or otherwize they wouldn't be scientists. Sure science can change over time but it rarely if ever does a 180 on what the initial data implies. More like it adds to the data making it a more full theory. And yes scientific theories are an explanation of a body of facts not a hypothesis as many creationists will imply.

Creationist theory, is as bizarre as it is absurd...

[RosanaBotafogo · 8/10 · 9 July 2023]

Bill Nye is retiring his children's show in a bid to become more like his late teacher, astronomer Carl Sagan. Sagan dreamed of launching a spacecraft that could revolutionize interplanetary exploration. Bill sets out to fulfill Sagan's mission, but is sidelined when he is challenged by opponents of evolution and climate change to uphold the scientific consensus. Can Bill show the world why science matters in a culture increasingly indifferent to evidence?

American science education television show created by Bill as a fictionalized version of himself, aired from 1993-99, won 19 Emmys, Studies have found regular viewers were more capable of generating inspiration and extensions of scientific ideas than non-scientists -spectators... And to think that nowadays he has to fight against the anti-sciences, that there are even museums that encourage creationist theory, is as bizarre as it is absurd...

Thoughtful peek into Bill Nye's life and purpose

[slaw-02487 · 2 February 2018]

I really enjoyed this film because of its thoughtful insight into Bill Nye's life and his goal of making the world a better place. It could have been so dry, like many biographies, but instead it was filled with personal interactions and unexpected peeks into his thinking process. It shows the best of science in action and the respectful way he tries to persuade science doubters of the important truths of our age.

In addition, the photography and editing were beautifully done. Bravo! Good job!

Not as insightful as I had hoped, but I don't regret watching.

[LionEye · 6/10 · 16 January 2019]

Documentary felt a little all over and without solid direction. We get a small glimpse into the children's show, but then the documentary goes into a blend of his egotism with fame and how he struggles, his merit as a scientist and arguments he has encountered with various, seemingly random, figureheads, and then concludes with his effort with a science program. The thing that really hurt this documentary was that it does not explore any of these to a great degree, instead it leaves you confused as it bounces from one to the next, then back to an older issue, and sometimes spending too much time on parts that do not further the story. It ends a little lackluster. I don't feel I learned much more about Bill Nye.

Knowing Bill, this is a bit too close to the truth to be entertaining

[siderite · 7/10 · 2 October 2020]

This film is an ode to Bill Nye, science educator, CEO of the Planetary Society and an all around nice guy. However well the documentary is done, it is pretty one sided. Also, it touches a little on Nye's motivations and, as with many great people, it's personal and depressing. Nye says all the right things, thinks things through, doesn't fall into emotional debates and is always a champion for truth... yet he's losing the battle. People don't want to think things through and it shows in the state of the world and Nye's own obvious depression.

Bottom line: We need people like Bill Nye, but why do we have to sacrifice them like bloody offerings to the gods? The documentary celebrates the man because we clearly are not doing it. Unfortunately, other than a nostalgic, maybe melancholic, introduction to a man that you already know of, this film is very little else.

An Essential film at a pivotal moment!

[richard-abeysinghe428 · 9/10 · 5 November 2018]

First the big hulahoo is that Bill Nye is not a Scientist. He never says he's a Scientist, he's an Engineer and people call him Bill Nye The Science Guy cause he did a Science show and comments on science topics. That doesnt make him disqualified to talk about important issues affecting all of us like Climate change. He makes it a point in this film to actually visit the Climate Scientists who are freezing their bones in the artic to study the history of our climate and to present their findings to us. It's sheer hypocrisy to reject his points by saying Bill Nye isn't qualified enough when these same people reject the conclusions of the International Climate Science Coalition which collates research from tens of thousands of climate scientists from hundreds of countries around the world. Another major issue many people have is that science isn't consensus? By consensus scientists mean the same experiment being tested repeatedly by different scientists and giving the same results..that is how new medicines get tested. If people are critical of scientists then dont depend on their work. For every dam cold & headache you need your precious medicines..you can't live without your smart phones which wouldn't be there without Mechanical Engineers & Physicists. You can't pick and choose the reality you live in: Its either there or not there. And CO2 is definitely here otherwise where do you think all that smoke from vehicles and factories and planes go to?

Awesome, fun and important!

[david-147-522928 · 10/10 · 1 December 2017]

The cinematography is brilliant! And as a science evangelist, Bill Nye has been educating the Millennial Generation for the last 20 years. Through his beloved and highly educational mega-hit television series from the 1990s, Bill Nye made the wonder and awe of science entertaining and digestible for millions of millennials, inspiring many to pursue careers science, technology, engineering and math. In the years following his television show, Bill has entered the political arena, defending evolution against steadfast creationists and fighting tirelessly to maintain the integrity of science as it becomes threatened by profit-driven, politically servile decision- making. To Bill, science is "the best idea we've ever had as a species."

acting like something

[gjr-85165 · 1/10 · 28 October 2018]

This reminds me of the old adage "i'm not a doctor i play one on tv." bill nye is NOT a scientist. he is an actor plain and simple. he is fed lies about what to tell you in terms of lies about the scientific world, which is simply based on consensus of which he is a part of. there is no outer space and you'd be hard pressed to actually prove there is! that being use science of course! that being the proof we desire yet cling to the dogma of, that which has never been proven by ourselves and has only been speculated on by a handful of people, most of whom are actors like bill nye or neil degrasse tyson.

Entertaining look at what makes the science guy tick

[john3-2 · 9/10 · 29 October 2017]

This entertaining and informative documentary provides a fairly complete picture of Bill Nye, including his childhood, education, the creation of "Bill Nye, The Science Guy" television show, and his current activities. The filmmakers were given tremendous access and also given final cut on content decisions, and this leads to several personal revealing moments that were obviously uncomfortable for Nye.

In addition to the personal moments there are a number of fascinating sequences. We get a nice peek behind the scenes at his two interactions with Ken Hamm from Answers in Genesis. We also get to see his work with the Planetary Society on the design and launch of a solar sail propelled space probe, and we follow Nye as he takes a trip to a glacier and talks to scientists about ice core research.

Nye and the filmmakers confront the climate change controversy head-on which leads to some uncomfortable moments. The film definitely promotes the scientific consensus that human activity is contributing to climate change, but it also gives opponents a decent amount of screen time.

Bottom line, an entertaining documentary that covers both personal and professional sides of Bill Nye and lets us see the man behind the bow tie and lab coat.

Bill Nye is not a scientist!

[paymonorama · 1/10 · 29 October 2018]

Bill Nye is NOT a scientist! Don't let the title fool you. He is nothing but an entertainer with a mechanical engineering degree.

Its truly a shame that people are still buying into the crap he is promoting.

A great story with a great purpose

[travmanwilliams · 10/10 · 1 February 2018]

This movie was absolutely fantastic, Very well done. I had a smile ear to ear from start to finish. A big thank you from Rachel and I to Bill and the whole team for letting us see a new side of this amazing man. If anything at all, I have a new level of respect for Bill and only hope to see him succeed further. All the best in the coming days!

Look at these reviews

[rochej-99135 · 10/10 · 24 September 2019]

Look at these reviews and you know exactly why Bill's mission is important. The increase in anti-science sentiment could potentially lead to the downfall of society itself. The lack of critical thinking is exactly why people believe memes and articles with no primary sources. This stuff is important people and if you don't believe in climate change or evolution, you are wrong. Simply totally wrong.

Scientist...NOT!

[rsvp321 · 29 October 2018]

Agenda-driven show.

Any scientist that says science is determined by consensus isn't a scientist. Science is determined by facts.

Any scientist that says "The science is in, the discussion is over" isn't a scientist. A scientist abides by the "Scientific Method". By definition, any hypothesis continues to modify, due to further observation, testing and experimentation.

Bill was good at explaining some novice science to children, but fails outside of that venue.

Science will save us?

[mobilehomey · 1/10 · 18 May 2018]

While this movie wasn't that bad I did give it one star because I find it ironic that most of the problems Bill Nye says we need science to solve were created by scientists.

Science, my friends, is what's eventually going to destroy us all.

Smart, entertaining doc if you bother to listen

[kennywheeler-84081 · 10/10 · 7 September 2019]

Some of the reviews on here are scary, and it makes me wonder why these people would watch this in the first place, since they are clearly going in not believing in science. One of them said space doesn't exist and there's no way to prove it does. This is the reason Bill Nye works to change peoples minds and fight with those that deny climate change, because at the rate some are fighting knowledge and critical thinking, we'll get to that point where Idiocracy comes true. Being an actor and being a scientist aren't mutually exclusive, just like having faith in god and believing in evolution aren't. He comes right out and says he doesn't have a PhD and that's why he goes to talk to experts on the ground doing the work.

God complex

[onze-kris · 1/10 · 19 October 2021]

So. The series were valuable. In an entertaining way science concepts were taught.

Allthough sometimes over the top but it stick better that way.....

Now this move is another confirmation that he wants to change the world, like his parents did.... and he honestly believes it is calling.

Neil de grasse doesn't come out much better with his appearance here.

The way he puts the bottle of wine on the table sort of is everything against science has taught us to treat wine. Let alone his part in the appointment of the new ceo in the company of mr. Sagan.

Than the movie itself.

It lacks direction.... it is all over the place and ultimately decides that we'll show a guy who is human. Looks around and is allowed to tell other people about his interests.

It sort of reminded me why all UFO "documentaries" are pretty bad and sort of accomplish the opposite of what they want to do.

And there is another fact that was really bothersome.

At one point the bodybuilder weatherguy says. That each year the temperature should get higher because of global warning if it was really happening.

And this statement gets confirmed by bill Nye.

I am by no means a science tguy, I thrive on logic though and there are more things in play, so that statement is not correct. You can't cut the period in years you have to look at a bigger scale than that. And not every part of the world will get hotter because of global warming. Some places might be even cooler because of how sea currents are disrupted.

Bill Nye is a television personality (with an interest in science) and a degree in engineering. He is the CEO of a company because he is a television personality. Like some politicians are on the payroles in companies in my country because of free advertising and making people believe in it. What it does however is discredit the company imo because they have a personality as it's ceo.

And they should have told the truth about lightsail... first ask yourself what will lightsail do according to this movie.

Than look up what it actually did. And where it is now.

Bill Nye part of this project is that he was the face of the company.

He might have had a part in the engineering because I do think he was a solid engineer.

But alas the movie allthough a documentary only show Bill Nye on his knees looking if the tables are close enought to each other

anyway as a documentary there where some shots that have it's place , but it is more a biography and a heavily redacted one at that so that it is utterly useless. Just watch some old Bill nye things on youtube. That is far better than this stuff....

the team that was responsible for the show should be applauded for their work.

And maybe we do need influencers to get on board on the subject of global warming or safe vaccinations.

And once and for clear out all the confusion about tracking devices in vaccinations. (there is a patent on that) It basicly replaces the need for paperwork to see who is vaccinated or not. Instead of keeping quiet on that just tell that it was an option and why they did not chose it ultimately....

Anyway this movie makes it clear that if you are not 100% accurate and open about things people that don't buy it will use it to great effect to contradict everything.

If their is one lesson to be learned it is that the selfie culture is reducing Bill Nye's (and yours ?) life span. Bill Nye is confident about it.

A new perspective of my childhood hero

[tiffanyfloria · 10/10 · 3 February 2018]

Bill Nye the science guy was a staple in my youth. If I was home from school, PBS was on and I was watching Bill Nye. He was a part of my inspiration to go on and become involved in science. This documentary takes a personal approach to looking at Bill Nye as a Science Advocate, and less so about the kids science show host. It is about his shift in his role of impact on the world. I feel it is that this documentary is to let the kids who grew up with him, that he is now focusing on us yet again. His goal now is to educate the generation who watched his shows, who have now grown and have families of their own - to be sure that the importance of science, and evidence, and questioning the world around you. So that we, can then make sure to impress that importance to our own children. Well done, and worth watching.

Fascinating film on the journey of a science communicator

[kingfishercatchfire · 9/10 · 30 January 2018]

A really great film which tells us more about Bill Nye then and now, and tells more by showing and letting Bill talk, rather than documentary makers putting themselves in (it's a particular style of storytelling, and the film works quite nicely).

I want to be a science communicator, and honestly this film just made me want to jump right in and teach. I love it!

Very well done documentary

[dianaswatson · 10/10 · 27 January 2018]

This is a great documentary that helps to get to know a man that we've only known of for decades. It shows Bill not only as "The Science Guy" we all know, but as a human being with all the flaws and attributes we all have. Highly recommended.

Solid doc

[mr_v68 · 9/10 · 28 January 2018]

Well organized feature that presents the human being Bill Nye. As I see it, the film makers more than adequately covered the life, passion. struggles and conflicts of Mr. Nye without being saccharine or condescending to his detractors. Glad I contributed to this effort.

A well rounded look at Bill Nye

[kurtleenettleton · 10/10 · 2 February 2018]

This film takes a broad and full bodied approach to depicting Bill Nye. From his mutual interest in science and fame, to the swath of successes and critiques that lay out there against him. We get to see a small glimpse into the upbringing of Bill and what his parents and family are like. The film then catalogs, in real time, a man facing modern society's disenfranchisement with science.

The clever part of this film is that Bill isn't so warm and personal always, not even to those who know him closest apparently, so the bulk of the portrait we get of Bill is driven by these moments with other people or settings. It's then that his public persona drops for just a moment and something real happens: his friend plays him an important song from his past, a glacier cracks while he's explaining the science of climate change, the cube-sat Light Sail successfully test deploys, a young girl tells him she believes in religion over science, and a young man (son of Bill's climate change opponent) walks out on a lecture he's giving a class. In each of these instances we see or hear Bill take a beat, and you can just feel his inner thoughts. The reality of those moments weighs heavy.

We're shown a man saddled with the responsibility of pushing the world to better itself, a responsibility he signed up for when he made that beloved 90's TV show. It is a responsibility he may not still want like he used to, but nonetheless Bill finds himself in the position to "change the world".

The world still needs Bill Nye

[rangergirlie · 10/10 · 31 January 2018]

As a kid, I loved watching Bill Nye: the Science Guy in school and developed a love of science that is boundless. This documentary gives you an insight into who Bill Nye, the man, really is, and just how hard he is fighting to keep this world from destroying itself. It's a tiring battle, but someone has to change the world.

Entertaining and energetic - loved him then, love him now.

[annabannanaria · 10/10 · 27 January 2018]

Only a science denier would not like this film. This is an honest look at the science, pitted against beliefs/religion. More than that, this is a look at Bill Nye behind the scenes. We get a surprisingly real view of what makes him tick and why he is the man he has become.

I enjoyed watching this film and count this as one that I will watch over and over again.

There's so much more to Bill Nye than his kids' show

[jltdubs-23958 · 10/10 · 3 February 2018]

I have always admired Bill Nye--first, for the whacky science guy that got kids engaged in trying to figure out the world. Second, I appreciate what he is trying to do for science. Scientists aren't always the best at conveying their findings in layman's terms, but he (and Neil deGrasse Tyson, and OF COURSE Carl Sagan) is a fabulous science "translator," as well as advocate/ambassador for real science. The claims that he isn't a scientist just blow me away. He IS a scientist. Merriam-Webster defines a scientist as a person who studies, specializes in, or investigates a field of science and does scientific work. He is an engineer and inventor and has contributed to designs of 747 planes and of equipment used to clean up oil spills. He holds 3 patents and has worked with JPL to design and create a sundial and camera calibrator on the Mars Exploration Rover. His understanding of the science of global climate change parallels the 97% consensus of published and peer reviewed climate research. While he is afflicted to a degree with stardom, this movie shows that he couldn't be more serious about science and the desire to spread enlightenment.