Super Size Me

Morgan Spurlock 2004

Not only are they one of the most intellectually challenged countries in the world but apparently America is now one of the fattest. This humorous but nonetheless eye-opening documentary takes a peak into why this is so.

Morgan Spurlock, a man with not only an extremely entertaining name but a moustache to match, decides to conduct an experiment into the real American dream; a diet of junk food (a McDonalds for every meal to be precise) and no exercise.

Now it doesn’t take a genius to work out that this is bad for you, what is amazing though, is the extent to which Spurlock’s body is damaged by this diet.

Spurlock’s one moth diet is cleverly padded out with startling facts and figures, all well animated. We are also given a glimpse into the food (or what passes as food) that is served in school canteens across America. Of course we Brit's know that problem too, as highlighted by irritating cockney geezer chef Jamie Oliver, in his series on the food served in schools.

I guess this documentary doesn’t really tell us anything new; but it does serve as a wake up call from reality to make us actually think about what we eat. We live under a pretense that because our body needs food, all food is good for us. The food industry is just that, an industry, it's about money and nothing else. When they change the menu to include a salad or whatever, its not because they respect the health of their customers, its to stop themselves getting sued when you can’t get your fat arse off the sofa anymore.

Being a Vegetarian (no I don’t need a sit down thanks, I do have some energy) it’s been a while since mushed up dead animal looked good to me, but as the documentary shows, all over the world, every minute of the day someone is eating a McDonalds, and while some kids can’t tell the difference between George. W. Bush and Jesus (one is God, ones acts like he’s God), they will always spot Ronald McDonald. And I guess that’s the important bit, the children and how the food industry treats them...“Oh, won't someone please think of the children!”

So basically what I am trying to say is, this is a good, solid, well made, interesting and educational documentary that should be required viewing for all.

All together now….”McDonalds! McDonalds! Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Pizza Hut!”