Eccentric geniuses make the best subject for documentaries.  Director Oliver Hodges picks architect Michael Reynolds and documents his work from his humbler beginnings to his triumph in getting his bill finally passed in the U.S. with regards to building ‘green’ homes.

The title derives from the garbage Reynolds and his hoard of hardworking misfits use as material – tires, plastic bottles - for the construction of non-conventional houses.  These homes heat themselves, provide its own water and are self sufficient in food and power.  Hodge illustrates the actual building and success of such a construction that eventually leads to communes arising from it.  That is till the government authorities arrive and take away Reynolds’ architect license.  But Reynolds is a smart and stubborn man who fights (and learns) the system in order to beat it.

Hodge’s film works for the reason that it builds consistently towards the climax.  Just as you would think the film would run out of material, Hodge surprises with some new interesting fact.  Most inspirational is the work of Reynolds and his gang in India aiding the Tsunami victims.

GARBAGE WARRIOR is a positive film that is an exceptional companion piece to Al Gore’s AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH.  In GARBGE WARRIOR, Hodges shows an outstanding human being that has done something to save the planet.  Hopefully one day soon, more houses will be constructed environmentally friendly.