Morgan Spurlock Examines McDonalds: A Speedy Death-wish

Just for a little intro- I have been introduced to the freshman 15 being a college freshman... Kind of makes me get a knot in my stomach instinctively. I was thinking heck no way that is not possible. I'm used to my Mom's healthy well cooked meals, but those dreams have been tossed out the window. Nothing wrong with dreaming, but let us be realistic here. A college student most likely will BUY the fast food because, its fast, convenient, and also I just do not have time to cook. My friend said I should check out this movie, it's not only scary because of how realistic it is, but the impact it has on the viewers opinion of fast food might drastically change..

Whew, okay so it's a Saturday night and I'm all into the Christmas spirit however those shopping lines are just too long. I am not particularly in the mood to fight traffic jams, so I go to the local blockbuster and snag this video on dvd. My attitude before I watch the movie is: Fast food tastes good, yeah it might be bad for me but I do not eat THAT much so it's okay right? Wrong... I was enlightened extremely. And now I will share with my fellow readers what I have gotten out of this movie without giving away the full story line, but just brushing upon what Spurlock was trying to convey here.

Spurlock makes up his mind: He is going to eat McDonald's for thirty days straight, yes you heard correct. After I got this much out of the movie I'm thinking this guy is utterly insane. He gives a detailed account of each day what he eats and how is overall health is piling up to be. He gets the usual blood work done and hires a variety of doctors to record his progress with the new "diet" plan that has been overtaken. Spurlock also hires a nutritionist and gets his stats before and after his diet ventures are fulfilled.

The main thing I like about this movie is it is brutally truthful to the viewers. If you have ever wondered how unhealthy fast food really is, I assure you this movie will clear up any unsure thoughts in mind. This man goes from being in extremely good health, to over-the-top ridiculous endangerment. And when I say endangerment- it is in more area than one. It turns out by just about day 15 Spurlock was having thumping chest pains, he felt abnormal mood swings, fatigue, and over perspiration. A horribly scary thought, the doctor said that his liver was being set up for failure. He realizes what he is doing to his body, and in turn reconsiders if he should possibly stop the diet on about day 25, it became pretty serious.

In the process of Spurlock's fast food adventure from hell, his girlfriend is worried sick about him. Along with the doctor's who say he should stop immediately. Various lawyers, food representatives and other individuals are interviewed for the truth about fast food, and what it can do to your body. Spurlock tried to schedule an interview with a McDonald's high ranking representative, but after 16 failed attempts he gave up. I guess that is just about how much Macdonalds cared about it's customers.. no big surprise.

To sum things up, Spurlock lost so much of his health in such a short amount of time.. The doctor's were in shock: WHO could fathom his liver was about shot down to fail.. These are the real life consequences fast food did to him. And then I look at my eating habits, maybe next time when fast food may seem convenient I will resist and travel the extra miles and cook something myself. I know I'm not overweight but as I get older my metabolism will be sure to slow down, then what? I sure don't want to set myself up for a death sentence this soon. Even reflecting on my school lunches half of them were cooked frozen, that's disgusting I rather have my food prepared fresh for me loll.

I'm glad my friend got me to rent this movie. She had to kick me in the butt to watch it, but once I did I was glad. It's a reality: I think fast food is TOO convenient people have lives they run around and usually just do not have time to cook. I think since I'm home for the holidays I will be asking my mom to teach me how to cook some healthy home based meals. And indeed I will layoff the fast-food, that money could be spent on something more meaningful like a Christmas present for someone I truly care about, or my tuition payments that are due for spring semester.

My advice for anyone who chooses to rent this movie is: Prepare to have your mind altered for the better! Your fast food tendencies and addictions might be forever cured by a friendly dose of cold-reality and truth. I went from eating fast food 4 days a week to maybe once every 2 weeks.

Spurlock does an excellent job in this film, although it is brutally honest. It also carries with it a sensible sense of humor to lighten up the atmosphere. And he was also able to loose the 30 pounds he gained in about 9 months. This man had guts and passion, and in my book deserves a lot of credit for embarking in such a unique, but truthful experiment.