MOVIE REVIEW: SUPERSIZE ME 


Rather than bend you ear with criticism devoid of insight, I have decided to let Van Helsing go on its merry way. However a film that really deserves you attention, Supersize Me, came my way on Friday night. I'd love to tell you about it (a little). 

If you've seen the trailer, you know what to expect. Here's what the imdb has to say.
Super Size Me (2004)


Why are Americans so fat? Two words: fast food. What would happen if you ate nothing but fast food for an entire month? Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock does just that and embarks on the most perilous journey of his life. The rules? For 30 days he can't eat or drink anything that isn't on McDonald's menu; he must wolf three squares a day; he must consume everything on the menu at least once and supersize his meal if asked. Spurlock treks across the country interviewing a host of experts on fast food and an equal number of regular folk while chowing down at the Golden Arches. Spurlock's grueling drive-through diet spirals him into a physical and emotional metamorphosis that will make you think twice about picking up another Big Mac.

Summary written by Sujit R. Varma


Sounds easy enough and in fact you've probably got a relative or two that find the idea rather unremarkable. What IS remarkable is how much we find Morgan Spurlock's adventures to be fascinating, compelling repulsive and even a little concerning. After all, he's putting himself through this culinary wilderness for us, the viewer, risking his life so that we might chuckle a bit.

First of all this film should be mandatory viewing in junior high and high schools. No amount of health teacher diagrams showing the nutrition pyramid could possibly have the impact of this film as it frankly shows the state of our nation, and it doesn't look too good.

Best of all, I didn't think the film vilifies the good folks at McDonalds unfairly. As a viewer of Michael Moore's brand of neo-documentarism I know who the bad guy is from the get go, but that is not Spurlock's only focus. If anything he is quite generous to the 'evil corporations' at the center of America's dietary train wreck. He observes that the problems lie within us, and these companies only fill a gap created by a nation that is collectively too busy too cook or read labels. It was an unexpected bonus when all I really expected was a few laughs as he puts on weight and vomits in a parking lot (both at alarming rates).

But on a very personal note, the best thing about this film for me personally was the fact that it was shot on dv. Another reminder that content can transcend budget. Now that I'm armed with a new Canon zr-65mc I have an almost irresistible urge to go and make my own ugly documentary. That coupled with a phobic distrust of the fast food industry were worth the price of admission right there.

This film will not be in a tenth the number of screens that Troy or Van Helsing are dominating this weekend. Actually this film might find a good life on PBS during a pledge break weekend. Either way this film is far more deserving of your attention and your ten bucks that either of those other films. Find it, rent the DVD or the tape. Watch it.

Toby Wallwork 

Posted: Mon - May 17, 2004 at 02:35 AM       @ toby

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