McDiet proves hard to digest
Morgan Spurlock is about to embark on a most dangerous adventure. His girlfriend
is frightened of the consequences; his doctors warn of the potential hazards.
Spurlock’s crazy quest doesn’t involve parachuting or mountain climbing, but the risks may be just as great. Like an athlete readying himself for the big game, Spurlock first undergoes physical training and submits to a battery of medical tests. For the next 30 days, Spurlock will eat nothing but food from McDonald’s and try everything on the menu at least once.
The experiment begins on a happy note as Spurlock revels in the choices offered on the menu board. By the end, there are no more happy meals: He’s gained 25 pounds, and his health has deteriorated significantly.
At its heart, Super Size Me is an educational film that links America’s love of fast food to the national obesity epidemic and other health problems. But Spurlock manages to transcend the stilted documentary form by putting a face — his face — on the problem. We worry that his next Big Mac fix will be the one that sends him to the hospital. A graduate of the Michael Moore school of filmmaking, Spurlock places himself front and center. He is as much the story as is the actual subject, and his irreverent wit makes the stream of facts and figures easier to swallow. At one point, in a scene reminiscent of Moore’s Roger & Me, Spurlock attempts to reach a McDonald’s spokesperson by phone to set up an interview. Moore would have marched into the lobby of the corporate office, but Spurlock never takes it that far.
Despite its bright tone, Super Size Me carries a dire warning about a problem that reaches all of us. Drag your families to see it, because this is a film that could alter your lives for the better.
What other critics are saying. . .
Anchorman [PG-13] Will Ferrell is a pompous newscaster in the ’70s
who is matched with an ambitious and talented female colleague. ShowPlace West,
ShowPlace East
The Bourne Supremacy [PG-13]The second of the planned trilogy
based on Robert Ludlum’s novels about a CIA agent (Matt Damon) with a secret
identity. The Chinese vice premier is assassinated by someone using the agent’s
cover name, Jason Bourne, and the agent must find the real killer to prevent
a war between the U.S. and China. ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East
Catwoman [PG-13] Halle Berry stars as Patience Philips, a graphic artist
who is murdered when she discovers secrets about the cosmetics company she works
for, which is a front for a criminal organization. Brought back to life, she
seeks revenge. This is essentially a different character from the one played
by Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns. Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace East
A Cinderella Story [PG] Routinely mistreated by her stepmother, Sam
Martin (Hilary Duff) looks forward to meeting her Internet beau at a Halloween
dance. Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace East
The Clearing [R] Wayne (Robert Redford) and Eileen (Helen Mirren)
Hayes live the American Dream – until Wayne’s kidnapped and held for ransom
by an ordinary man (Willem Dafoe). “The Clearing is just an OK thriller,
full of standard scenarios and cookie-cutter characters.” (Allison Benedikt,
Chicago Tribune) Parkway Pointe
The Day After Tomorrow [PG-13] Global warming throws the world into
chaos. ShowPlace East
De-Lovely [PG-13] Kevin Kline plays celebrated songwriter Cole Porter,
whose turbulent career is anchored by his wife and muse, Linda (Ashley Judd).
Film features original performances of Porter’s songs by Alanis Morissette,
Robbie Williams, Sheryl Crow, and Elvis Costello. ShowPlace West
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story [PG-13] Vince Vaughn leads a group of friends to a dodgeball competition in Las Vegas to save their favorite gym. Ben Stiller leads the corporate team. White Oaks
Fahrenheit 9/11 [R] Michael Moore (director of Roger & Me,
Bowling for Columbine) looks at the Bush Administration’s response to
the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack. Parkway Pointe
Garfield [PG] The famous cartoon cat finally comes to the big screen
in a mix of live action and CGI animation. Bill Murray seems the ideal choice
to voice the cat with an attitude. White Oaks
I, Robot [PG-13] Set in the year 2035, Chicago police detective Del
Spooner (Will Smith) investigates a murder that may have been committed by a
robot. “A high-tech thriller that really works — both because of its eye-popping
visual feats and the ideas and humanity behind them.” (Michael Wilmington, Chicago
Tribune) ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East
King Arthur [PG-13] A less mystical, more historical account of King
Arthur, who reigned in Britain as the Roman Empire was collapsing. Parkway Pointe
The Notebook [PG-13]Two young lovers from different backgrounds
are separated when the U.S. enters World War II. Seven years later, she is engaged
to a soldier when she discovers the whereabouts of her first true love.“Mercilessly
plodding pacing, problematic character motivations and a fundamental lack of
chemistry between the two star-crossed lovers.” (Michael Rechtshaffen, Hollywood
Reporter) Parkway Pointe
Shrek 2 [PG] Princess Fiona’s parents invite her and Shrek to dinner
to celebrate her marriage, not realizing that the newlyweds are green ogres.
ShowPlace West
Spider-Man 2 [PG-13] Peter Parker still has personal problems, while
Spider-Man is forced to confront Doctor Octopus. ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East
The Terminal [PG-13] Tom Hanks stars in this Steven Spielberg romantic
comedy as an Eastern European immigrant who is confined to an American airport
after his country is ravaged by war. Catherine Zeta-Jones co-stars. ShowPlace
West
This article appears in Jul 22-28, 2004.
