Silent Running is an awesome movie. Bruce Dern was amazing, he really gave his character feeling that I could get behind and made it easy to believe. A little bit crazy, full of passion for nature, truly believed in the mission, wanting to make the world a better place, and it just all went to hell on him. You could just feel how destroyed he was when they got the order to nuke the forrest.
I admit the storyline and plot were a bit simple, but I think thats part of the charm. Also it kind of allows it to be accessable to a younger audience. Also, what do you do when you're alone in space on a ship with some little robots. Some of the scenes were fun just to see him keeping from going crazy, or at least more so than he may have been.
The whole movie worked, acting, props, effects, music.. It was a rare gem for it's time.
Look on the wall behind you. Look at that little girl's face. I know you've seen it. But you know what she's never going to be able to see? She's never going to be able to see the simple wonder of a leaf in her hand. Because theres not going to be any trees. Now you think about that.