Killer at Large

The title may sound hyperbolic, but director Steven Greenstreet (This Divided State) makes a convincing case that obesity in America is indeed a “killer at large” in this enlightening, if occasionally scattershot, documentary. Former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona calls obesity “the terror within,” while author Barry Glassner claims we're facing an “epidemic.” As the country collectively puts on the poundage—with alarming correlated increases in health problems and mortality rates—-even children are being effected, as exemplified by a greater incidence of Type II diabetes in minors. Some experts suggest that overeating and under-exercising stem from our inability to appropriately deal with stress, while others point the finger at aggressive marketing to children, combined with prevalent and profitable vending machines, and inexpensive (if also unhealthy) school lunches. Author Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma) goes one step further, suggesting that eating more food translates into greater fuel consumption (to transport the food), which in turn effects climate change. In addition to presenting opinions from anthropologists, nutritionists, economists, lobbyists, and farmers, Greenstreet profiles a few individuals who have battled with weight issues over the years, including director and playwright Neil LaBute (In the Company of Men, Fat Pig), a woman named Genevieve who had gastric bypass surgery as a teen (her interview takes place five years and 200 pounds later), and 12-year-old Brooke, who underwent liposuction (chronicled in the film). DVD extras include a 45-minute educational version, audio commentaries, deleted scenes, and film premiere footage. A natural companion to other food-related documentaries such as Super Size Me and King Corn, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (K. Fennessy)