Killer at Large

Just finished watching Killer at Large: Why Obesity is America's Greatest Threat.  That was a good food movie. I procrastinated about watching it for a while, because I didn't necessarily want to watch an entire movie about obesity. But it turned out to be one of the better Food Revolution movies that I've seen in a while.

The film was really effective in the breadth of scope with which the topic was covered. While many food movies have focused more narrowly on factory farming or agribusiness, this film managed to cover a lot of ground in a way that was succinct, empowering and very educational. From White House policy, to the food lobby, to school lunch programs, to liposuction on teenagers, to organic farmers, to the Surgeon General, the the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, and lots of direct conversations with food activists the film examined the issue of health in America thoroughly and candidly.

Of course, the obligatory interviews with Michael Pollan were there, and he is as convincing and eloquent as always. In addition, there was footage with Presidents Bush and Clinton, the former Surgeon General Richard Carmona, Ralph Nader, Governor Schwarzenegger and a lot of congressional testimony from our own representatives illuminating how deeply entrenched the Junk Food Lobby is in American government. There were also some new faces that I was glad to meet .... Ann Cooper, Militant Lunch Lady, passionately fighting for real food for kids; Greg Christian of Greg Christian Catering in Chicago talking about his 100% organic school lunch program; high school teachers talking about the institutional challenge of removing vending machines from school hallways; and American moms speaking out about how food advertising to kids undermines their parental authority and our childrens' health almost from birth. 

Killer at Large further reinforced my conviction that the Food Revolution is one of the most important movements going on today around the planet. My dedication is renewed and my enthusiasm bolstered. Now time to go and make dinner!

Available streaming on NetFlix and other sites.
FIVE STARS