Review of Super Size Me (2004) by Todd B — 02 Oct 2012

One of the funniest documentaries around, 'Super Size Me' is one of the few docs I have seen that manages to be educational and critical while also being funny, entertaining, and easy to watch. I stand by my statement that a documentary's value should not be based on the content of its message, but rather on how effectively it communicates that message. In this regard, 'Super Size Me' is strong and recommendable film.

The primary force of communication in SSM is, of course, the host and narrator, Morgan Spurlock. In less than 100 minutes, he takes us on an engrossing and detailed tour through the lifestyle and diet of the average American. He highlights everything from our sedentary activity to our poor food choices, but he doesn't stop there. Spurlock is also smart enough to see that the problems with eating in the USA is every bit controlled by the system itself as it is by the consumer. Criticism, justified with substantial and thoroughly explained evidence, is leveled at the school systems, the snack food industry, and, of course, the fast food enterprises.

What really makes SSM work, though, is that Spurlock is such an entertaining and likable guide. I spent just as much time laughing as I did groaning and grimacing while watching this film. It's Spurlock's delivery that pulls this all together and makes us pay attention to him. HE is teaching us, and WE are learning. So many docs these days and in the past focus too little on the methods of communication of their subject matter --- how exactly they transmit their message to the audience --- instead relying on preachy, self-righteous narrators to bombard us with disturbing, awkward videos in the hopes that we will do something. For one Goddamned time, I didn't feel liked I was being talked down to are preached at while watching a documentary. It was incredibly refreshing and extremely enjoyable.