Bite Size

In this cinema vérité look at America's child obesity epidemic, director Corbin Billings eschews interviewing authorities and eminences wearing white lab coats, instead specifically concentrating on four adolescents from different backgrounds who are struggling with weight-related health problems and issues. Davion's girth makes him a candidate for diabetes and an early grave, but he is more worried about his endangered standing on the school football team, not only because of his health problems but also because of his raging outbursts at being bullied for being "fat." KeAnna equates eating whatever she wants with empowered confidence, even as school health advisors try to set her straight (and cope with the loss of exercise gear due to budget cuts). Moises is the computer-gamer/film-fan son of a macho dad who criticizes his couch-potato ways; ironically, it's the active, slim father whose bad eating habits catch up with him first. Emily is no longer morbidly obese, but only thanks to long, expensive therapy, coupled with discipline imposed by her parents. The moral of the narrative here is that the kids aren't in this alone, and families and peer groups should clean up their own diets and unhealthy habits as well. Bonus features include a cartoon. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)