Super Size Me

Released: June 10 2004
Cast: Morgan Spurlock
Director: Morgan Spurlock
Writer: Morgan Spurlock
Genre: Documentary
Rated: M15+ low level coarse language
Running Time: 94 Minutes

A Film Of Epic Portions

Synopsis:
Why are Americans so fat? Find out in 'Super Size Me', a tongue in-cheek - and burger in hand -- look at the legal, financial and physical costs of America's hunger for fast food. Ominously, 37% of American children and adolescents are carrying too much fat and 2 out of every three adults are overweight or obese. Is it our fault for lacking self-control, or are the fast-food corporations to blame? Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock hit the road and interviewed experts in 20 U.S. cities, including Houston, the "Fattest City" in America. From Surgeon Generals to gym teachers, cooks to kids, lawmakers to legislators, these authorities shared their research, opinions and "gut feelings" on our ever-expanding girth. During the journey, Spurlock also put his own body on the line, living on nothing but McDonald's for an entire month with three simple rules:
1) No options: he could only eat what was available over the counter (water included!)
2) No super sizing unless offered
3) No excuses: he had to eat every item on the menu at least once
Super Size Me is a satirical jab in the stomach, overstuffed with fat and facts about the billion-dollar industry besieged by doctors, lawyers and nutritionists alike. "Would you like fries with that?" will never sound the same!

My Verdict:
'Super Size Me' is Morgan Spurlock's first feature film and with it he has created a most absorbing documentary. The movie is so totally intriguing and at times so unbelievable that you may well sit there with your mouth open in awe. Morgan Spurlock is just your average American, but then again is he? At least he was 100% fit and in the healthy weight range for his height, something he had verified before he undertook the mammoth task of eating nothing but McDonalds for a month. This doesn't sound too hard, but by day 4, Morgan was suffering. Three doctors and a nutritionist constantly monitored him and the results were amazing and dangerous.

Along Morgan's journey, he finds some fascinating thinking from various forums and we also follow his relentless attempt to contact McDonalds management with his project.

The movie is shot using a hand-held digital camera which at times can sometimes be a little queasy and make it appear not quite professional, but that just adds to the atmosphere of immediacy and the obvious delight Morgan was relishing in. Some of the statistics that Morgan comes across are astounding and will make you re-think your next visit to any fast food outlet. At the conclusion of the movie, the mere thought of a take-away will make you feel ill and rushing for the local fruit & vegetable shop. This documentary should be compulsory viewing for anyone that eats!!

Footnote:
The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2004. Less than two months later, McDonalds announced that it would no longer sell any of their menu items in "Super Size".

Rating : A+

Christina Bruce