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59 of 63 found the following review helpful:
a scary, informative look at "the terror within" Oct 16, 2009
By Matthew G. Sherwin
Killer At Large is a very good documentary that explores the obesity epidemic and the major causes of obesity along with the politics, social issues and even the health problems caused by obesity. The film progresses at a very good pace and I was never bored; the people interviewed gave insightful comments that were very relevant and we get both sides of the story although admittedly the film focuses on the people who support the viewpoints of the filmmakers. The quality of the print is very good, too.
We see practically everything on this topic; this film is well done indeed. For example, the footage of former US Surgeon General Richard Carmona shows him telling audiences that "obesity is the terror within; and unless we do something about it, the magnitude of the dilemma will dwarf 9/11 or any other terrorist event you can point out to me." Wow, what a statement! But the facts are there to support his claims: we are inundated with medical statistics and testimony from people from all walks of life that obesity is a fantastically serious problem that merits our immediate attention. Indeed, the film begins with us meeting a twelve year old girl, Brooke Bates, who has not been able to control her weight. Her parents willingly sign her up for liposuction despite her tender age! Yes, the liposuction procedure and an additional tummy tuck work wonders for her while she exercises--until, that is, she regains the weight that she lost; and by the end of the film we learn that she's going with her parents for an even more invasive procedure even though she's still only thirteen!
And it isn't just Brooke Bates. Bill Clinton goes on record as saying that obesity is a killer; and he's right. We get great comments from Dr. Linda Kinsinger who is the Director of The VA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention that "71% of our veterans are overweight or obese;" and people like Ralph Nader and Neil LaBute (film director and author of the book entitled "Fat Pig") all share their stories about the horrors of people practically eating their way into the grave. Meme Roth of National Action Against Obesity also has plenty to say on this topic and the issues surrounding it.
But there's so much more in this film. The film show how junk food companies kiss up to members of Congress and others to get their vending machines distributed practically everywhere we look; this means that we can't go too far without seeing a cue that we should be eating or drinking some very calorie-rich food. Companies like Frito Lay and McDonalds can buy their ways into everyone's home; their commercials are designed to look like regular Saturday morning cartoons and this takes advantage of the fact that very young kids under the age of eight typically cannot distinguish between commercials and regular television programming. The commercials lead young kids to believe that if they eat at McDonalds everything they will live happily ever after! In addition, I love the part in the film when one mother complains to a panel of representatives from fast food companies that their commercials are undermining her ability to teach her children to eat healthy food and to stay away from junk food. We also get comments by a school lunch worker who says that the quality of lunches is so poor because of the way the federal government reimburses schools for their lunch programs--the school must give a certain minimum of calories to each student; and if they gave a healthy lunch they wouldn't meet the calorie minimum requirement and thus they would lose their lunch program funding!
There's actually much more in this film so if you think I've given it all away and spoiled it for you I can happily assure you that this is not the case. The DVD also comes with extras; I liked the deleted scenes in particular. There is even an abridged version for educational purposes in the classroom; but hopefully teachers can show the complete version to school kids as soon as they're able to follow along.
The only thing I didn't care for is that the film doesn't focus enough on the incredible self-discipline that it really, really takes to lose weight. In many cases (but certainly not all) there simply isn't any excuse or alternative for losing weight--you need to exercise more and eat smaller amounts of food that is very healthy for you. In the past whenever I have been overweight, as I am now, this has been the only method I ever tried that worked for me when I wanted to become thinner. In addition, they show George W. Bush encouraging exercise but they do it in a way that seems to mock him and belittle his sincerity. While I was not sorry to see Mr. Bush leave office several months ago, I don't see why they should mock him for encouraging people to exercise. Otherwise this is a very good film.
Killer at Large does a fine job of exploring the serious epidemic of obesity and the terrible health problems that result from many, many people being way too overweight. I recommend this film for people studying the obesity epidemic; this film should be mandatory viewing for school kids once they are old enough to learn from it. Moreover, people who are overweight like me should watch this film and perhaps gain enough strength from it to be brave and do something constructive about losing weight.
31 of 37 found the following review helpful:
 This film is EPIC....... Jul 14, 2009
By Evelyn Black
"EB1955"
Remember how Doctors promoted cigarettes at one time?!!! BE informed! MOST of our government is NOT watching out for our health and our children's future, so I can see why Bill Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger have tried to help out. They've experienced it first-hand. Wonder why you'd spend a little extra on that fashionable bag, but not on fresh food? Watch this film. Wonder why a gas station, school, fabric store now carries junk food? Watch this film. This film goes over EVERY aspect of why we should all start eating organic foods, and so far my whole family has benefited immensely from this knowledge. *Big Thanks to Bryan Young & crew*
36 of 46 found the following review helpful:
 Obesity: Enemy of Good Health Apr 26, 2009
By The Movie Man
"tenebre89"
"Killer at Large" is a documentary that looks at many of the causes of overweight in America, including problems with school lunches and vending machines and the impact food lobbyists have on determining government policy. There are also stories about young people who have had gastric bypass or liposuction surgery. Interviews recount how many people, including Bill Clinton, have tried to bring attention to the obesity problem. Beyond the shocking medical statistics and newspaper headlines, "Killer at Large" examines the ethical and moral implications of the obesity epidemic with leaders of several world religions, who cite scripture that calls for living a healthful life free of overindulgence and laziness. Bonus features include deleted scenes about menu labeling, the closing of a McDonald's in Tavistock, the sugar lobby vs. the World Health Organization, and a hidden-camera interview with a McDonald's vice president.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Good Starting Point Jul 01, 2010
By Burgundy Damsel
While I've definitely seen much better documentaries about the subjects of nutrition, obesity and diabetes, Killer at Large would be a good starting point for someone who is less familiar with the topics. The use of multiple authors and the titles of their related books would be a great place for the newly interested to start a reading list. The graphic video of the 12 year old girl getting liposuction should make an impact on people who may be innured to the standard screenshots of overweight people wattling around unidentified cities. The documentary also does a good job of touching on the multiple factors wrapped up in the debate about obesity/diabetes and clearly demonstrates why the answer is far less simple than it appears at a glance. That said, it wasn't well edited and is very much an introduction documentary rather than a serious investigation or source of really informative material. I'm glad I watched it, but it won't be going on my "need to own" list.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Great info but very disturbing Feb 14, 2010
By A. Gallardo
"Personal Trainer"
Great movie on the obvious problem in America, we eat too much and move too little. Hilarious segments on the government's attempts to address the problem. Also, a great reminder on the power the food industry has over politicians. The story of the young girl going through countless bariatric surgeries is heartbreaking. Overall very entertaining.
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