Super Size Me Review
By Jay Smith
Morgan Spurlock’s documentary “Super Size Me” is a fun and sometimes horrifying look at why Americans are so fat. The film offers some wonderful (and sometimes downright gross) insight into the “fast-food craze” that is sweeping the nation.
Under the watchful supervision of cardiologist, a gastroenterologist, a nutritionist and a general practitioner, Spurlock decides to eat nothing but McDonalds for 30 days, which isn’t difficult for him to come by considering there are 83 McDonald’s locations in Manhattan alone.
There are a number of rules however. He can only eat things that McDonalds sells, he must try everything on the menu at least once, and he must super size his meal when asked. The first time this happens, it leads to one of the most humorous moments of the film in which Spurlock describes his “McGas”, his “McGurgles” and his “McTummy Ache”.
As the diet progresses, the results are astounding. Spurlock gains 17lbs in 12 days and just under 25lbs by the end of 30 days. His body fat raises from an above-average 11% to 18% and his cholesterol jumps from 140 to over 230. His liver also takes a plunge and he begins to suffer from depression and anxiety unless he is eating
fast food. All of the doctors are astounded by the results and readily admit they didn’t think it was possible.
Here is the kicker, Spurlock’s diet is NOT the main focal point of the film. In fact, it is generally used as comedic relief, to great success, to the otherwise serious overtone of the film. Over the course of these 30 days, Spurlock travels the country interviewing lawmakers, nutrition experts, gym teachers, school cafeteria employees, and even a former surgeon general to discover exactly why Americans are so overweight (2 out of every 3 adults are overweight or obese).
Here is the kicker, Spurlock’s diet is NOT the main focal point of the film. In fact, it is generally used as comedic relief, to great success, to the otherwise serious overtone of the film. Over the course of these 30 days, Spurlock travels the country interviewing lawmakers, nutrition experts, gym teachers, school cafeteria employees, and many others to discover exactly why Americans are so overweight.
Super Size me offers up an entertaining and eye-opening look at our society and the billion dollar fast food industry. In fact, my roommate, whom I have been trying to get to eat healthy for some time, was astounded by the film and has already sworn off fast food and cokes (With the following day being the first day I have EVER seen him drink a
diet coke). Spurlock readily admits that the general public does not eat fast food 3 times a day every day, but the film is still very powerful to the generally uninformed public and should make anyone who watches it think twice about what they eat. Super Size me is a definite must watch for those lucky enough to have it playing in thier area.
4 our of 4 stars
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