Few movies can change the way America eats, thinks, and lives. Even fewer can cause global corporate superpowers like McDonald’s to quake in their boots. In our view, “Super Size Me” accomplishes both. In his highly acclaimed 98-minute documentary, Morgan Spurlock sheds light on the obesity epidemic, the health issues it has raised, and the culprits who have made our great nation into the Home of the Free, the Brave, and the 100 million overweight or obese Americans (60% of adults and 37% of children). The film is both sensationalistic and earnest in its portrayal of an American public health tragedy, and happily, it is continuously buoyed by Spurlock’s irrepressible sense of humor, gratuitous if not entertaining commentary on his McDiet-induced sexual dysfunction, and a catchy, well-chosen soundtrack. Run, don't walk, we urge... (see the rest of our extended review on our home page under newsletters/reports/reviews).
Super Size Me opened here in San Francisco in early May and is still playing strong. If it's not showing in your city, welcome news just in from the Hollywood Reporter suggests that Super Size Me will be out on DVD Sept. 26, priced at $27. The DVD will apparently include many extras, such as remarks from Spurlock, interviews with clinicians about obesity, and an interview with Eric Schlosser, the author of "Fast Food Nation" (see our reviews page for our thoughts on Schlosser's manifesto). We interviewed Spurlock when he came through on his press tour to San Francisco in early May and found him very articulate, so the DVD might be the best bet. Final DVD bonus? It may contain remarks by the renowned Dr. Francine Kaufman of Children's Hospital LA, which Spurlock regretted, somehow did not make the final cut.
