Picture This! Reviews Shark Tale and Super Size Me

Reprinted from NotesFromHollywood.com

The one good thing about this week’s animation Shark Tale is that Lenny, the un-shark-like hero played by Jack Black, is a vegetarian. If you want to understand why that’s a good thing, rent the newly released Super Size Me on DVD. On the surface these two movies would seem to have very little in common.

Tale is a big studio production with A-list talent supplying the voiceovers to a variety of underwater creatures. But, alas, Oscar winners Renée Zellweger, Robert de Niro and Angelina Jolie and the considerable comedic talent of Will Smith can’t administer the script version of CPR to save this film. Clearly the success of the far superior blockbuster Finding Nemo has led to a glut of less than clever children’s fare – if in fact you categorize animation for kids. In spite of the lack of script, Shark Tale will no doubt chalk up healthy ticket sales and no doubt sell lots of toys at Burger King.

Even though McDonald’s, not Burger King, was the prime target of Morgan Spurlock’s documentary Super Size Me, you’d be hard pressed to differentiate when it comes to fast food franchises and their lack of nutrition. Hey, we all know a burger and fries aren’t good for you. But what harm can they cause when you’re in a rush to your next appointment or when the kids are driving you crazy or there’s nothing in the fridge?

Well, evidently, plenty. Spurlock is an engaging filmmaker, a less caustic Michael Moore without the girth. He documents thirty days with only the golden arches supplying meals. Luckily, he had the foresight to get vital medical baselines before devouring every item on the menu at least once because his health rapidly deteriorated.

A bit extreme, you say? What can once or twice a month hurt? Well, the reality goes far beyond Spurlock’s waistline in terms of results. We’ve been brought up on Big Macs and our children consider Happy Meals a way of life. With the rising cost of healthcare a prime concern in the United States, even if you don’t patronize these nutritionally void establishments, our youth does. Who do you think is going to pay for their inevitable obesity (and the ensuing medical complications) coupled with lack of exercise?

One of the most intriguing and informative extras on the Super Size Me DVD, is a conversational interview between Spurlock and Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation. Schlosser’s best seller goes far more in depth than any movie could. The twenty minute plus DVD add-on is an eye-opener for all ages.

Next time you’re headed to the local movie house or off to the video store be sure to stop by your favorite drive through before the movie. After seeing Super Size Me it may be awhile before you don’t have the time for a healthier stop.

As for Shark Tale – it has approximately the same entertainment quotient as a value meal has nutrition. It will fill you up but that’s about all.
Rebecca Redshaw is the Arts& Entertainment Critic for www.NotesFromHollywood.com. She can be reached at r2redshaw@hotmail.com.