'Super Size Me' Delivers an Entertaining Life-Changing Experience

Spurlock Alerts Americans of Obesity At the Hands of Fast Food Chains

By AMIR ALI SAID

I’m all for films that spawn change in the world. Morgan Spurlock's documentary, Super Size Me, does just that. Spurlock is the director and star of the film. In 2003, he was inspired by a news story that aired on thanksgiving. There were two girls who were filing a lawsuit against McDonald's claiming the food chain was the reason for their obesity. Seeing the news story and wanting to conduct his own experiment, Spurlock set out on a 30 day trial.

Spurlock decided to eat three McDonald's meals every day (and nothing else,) for 30 days. He gave himself one other rule, he had to take the "super-size" option whenever it was offered and never take it when not offered. The end result? Spurlock put his health at risk, gained 25 pounds, suffered from liver dysfunction and depression by the end of his 30 day experiment. In fact, it took him fourteen months to get back to his original weight. On camera you see the way Spurlock suffers because of his new way of eating and the mood swings he goes through almost every day.

Spurlock’s style of documentary is solid all around. When you watch the film your engaged immediately. One thing I like is the beginning of the film. I think Spurlock does a good job of setting up his experiment. He gives you a look into the fast food industry. The way he utilizes statistics to get his point across is clever. When Spurlock first appears on screen you’ve got an understanding of what the bigger picture at hand is. Right around the time Spurlock dives into the documentary and puts himself at risk you have an enhanced understanding. In a nutshell, Spurlock develops a true story as if it were fiction.

The editing tandem of Stela Georieva and Julie Bob Lombardi is a force to be reckoned with. To this day it doesn’t seem like they’ve been credited together before. But the collaboration between the two was superb. I think the editing played a huge role in making Super Size Me a success. If you just take a look at when Spurlock incorporated the creepy McDonald’s portraits you’d see how editing played a role. Even the part of Super Size Me when Spurlock journeys through the country is another great example. I'm not sure I've seen many films that have relied heavily on editing.

The impact that Super Size Me had is pivotal. The impact the McDonald's food had on Spurlock is memorable. But one thing that Spurlock was able to help come about was the complete phasing out of the "Super Size" option worldwide. Through all the times Spurlock was offered the "Super Size" option it certainly played a role in his health dwindling. But if you were to make a closer examination you'd realize that regular McDonald's food alone made the biggest impact.

Super Size Me also had an impact on society. The large sector of Americans that saw this film benefited a great deal. Spurlock's film made tons of people aware of what they'd been doing to their bodies, and in some cases their children. This film wasn't a big slanderous documentary on a big corporation. Instead, Super Size Me was about an ordinary guy who put himself at risk in order to prove a point to himself and the world. For that and reasons I've already stated, I tip my hat off to Morgan Spurlock.

When you watch Super Size Me you’ll laugh, be in a state of awe, and depending on how tough you are, may cry. Watching Spurlock suffer is something I’ve never seen caught on film. The nature of the way the film came about gives Super Size Me it's on richness. Documentaries already have their own texture before an event is taped. What I look for in a documentary is information and a degree of entertainment to help move the film along. I think this film conquers that task effortlessly. For that reason, Super Size Me is a four star film on every day.

'Tron' Sequel Hits the Mark

'Tron: Legacy' Delivers A Thrilling Part Two

By AMIR ALI SAID

Tron: Legacy is the story of Sam Flynn's one night virtual adventure. After his father Kevin Flynn, a virtual world designer, mysteriously disappears Sam tries to deal with feeling abandoned. In search of his father, Sam visits his father's old arcade shop and he examines a game called 'Tron'. Soon, Sam finds out the game doesn't take quarters. Pretty Odd Right? As Sam’s intuition and curiosity kicks in he finds himself plugged into the very world his father created. While there, Sam finds his father. Once Sam realizes the horrid nature of what this world has become, he and his father embark on a life-and-death trip back to the real world.

If there were anything that you'll immediately take away from this film, it would be the graphics. Most of the film was shot in 3D. Director of Tron Legacy, Joseph Kosinski and his grew used dual camera 3D using Pace Fusion Rigs like the cameras used on Avatar. But instead of using Sony F590 cameras, Kosinski says they used F35s. In his words, Kosinski made the decision because the F35 cameras "had a full 35mm sensor which gives you that beautiful cinematic shallow depth of field." In addition to the filming, much credit should be given to visual effects company, Digital Domain, who was contracted to work on the effects and animation. The amazing collaboration between the two created a 3D masterpiece.

The editing in Tron: Legacy has to be just as important as the visual effects. All praise is do to editor, James Haygood. Once you take a step into the virtual world of Tron: Legacy you've just taken a flight to somewhere big. The editing in the film just makes everything much more smoother and up-tempo. Through the first forty minutes of the film, editing doesn't make much of a visual impact. But once the film picks up and you’re dropped off inside this world you can clearly see the role editing plays in this film. Visual effects and editing made the whole film come to life and flourish like no other.

You can’t go wrong with actor Jeff Bridges. Throw in a couple more actors around him and you've got a world full of solid acting. In every scene Bridges makes everyone around him better. Garrett Hedlund, the lead character, Sam, delivered a solid performance. Olivia Wilde did wonders in her supporting role as Kevin's apprentice. Perhaps my only concern in regards to acting in the film is the scene with Michael Sheen at "The End of the Line Club." I thought that scene seemed staged, unnatural, and awkward. Besides that, the acting was on point.

The only major problem I find in Tron: Legacy is the running time. The film clocks in at just over 2 hours. Now I think the film must have been much longer before Haygood and Kosinski settled on the final cut. But, two hours and five felt a bit long. Bits and pieces from the beginning, middle, and the end could've been crafted better. There were scenes that should have been cut, which would’ve made the film shorter. I think that also would’ve resulted in a smoother, less lethargic ride in bits of the beginning and end.

Tron: Legacy is an entertaining sequel to the original classic. I came into the film only for the entertainment and to see how the sequel would turn out. I left the film with more than what I looked for. I also left with a newfound respect for everyone involved with the project. From the story development, down to the props and wardrobe, I was taken aback in a big way. My hats off to Joseph Kosinski and his team. They were able to construct a solid film, one that was both entertaining and faithful to the original Tron. Nonetheless, Tron: Legacy is a solid 3, 3.5 star film that’s worth the watch.

Free Agency Can Fill Gang Green's Holes

Highly Anticipated Market Begins, Jets Have Ways To Improve

By AMIR ALI SAID

The NFL lockout is a thing of the past. Free agency has begun. Deals are being made left and right like wouldn’t believe. The NFL is on fire right now. According to an Associated Press article, AP Pro Football Writer Jaime Aron believes about 1,000 deals will be done in the free agent market. Teams are allowed to sign and trade players. Scouts have certainly payed their dues. I believe the lockout gave teams an opportunity to scout longer. Coaches and players were able to watch film or think longer about transactions they wanted to make. I expect deals to made quicker because teams already know what they want. But where does this free agent frenzy leave my favorite team, the New York Jets?

The Jets need two receivers. They've already got one new addition in Plaxico Burress. Then the Jets need to pick up a slot, utility, a he can do everything receiver. They need a receiver that can replace Brad Smith and Jerricho Cotchery. Lance Moore of the Saints would’ve been a great option but he just signed with the Saints. The Jets picked up a great option in Jeremy Kerley. But I think the Jets should pick up a veteran. I wouldn’t have a problem with Kerley playing his first year with the team, but I think the Jets could find someone to help groom him. Someone like James Jones of the Packers or Steve Smith of the Giants would do just fine. But the Jets bank can’t be spent completely on offense so getting one receiver that can replace Braylon Edwards should be enough. The Jets still need defense.

Rex Ryan is at the helm. He leads the Jets into battle. Ryan is one of the most pivotal pieces in any player coming to the Jets. Who doesn’t want to play for Ryan? I think the players see Ryan as a fellow player. The Jets also have a movement. The team has now become a group of players all striving to win a Super Bowl. Two years in a room coming short in the AFC Championship game. But still getting far with pieces missing. The Jets are a team that can get any help that’s offered. Therein lie a few more options for the Jets during this free agency period.

The Jets must resign Sean Ellis. He’s a consistent long time Jet who played a big part in the small pass rush the Jets got in the off-season. Ellis has been a pivotal defensive lineman in the NFL for years. Re-signing him is certainly a priority. The Jets could also use some more help on the D-Line by signing another defensive end or defensive tackle. The linebacker core also needs some help. The Jets should look to pick up Thomas Davis, outside linebacker from the Panthers. The Jets secondary is set if they get Asomugha. Since that’ll most likely happen the Jets only need to look at the free safety and strong safety positions. The Jets should try to re-sign Brodney Pool. His impact was quiet but deadly. At strong safety the Jets signed undrafted free agent Devon Morgan. The move was probably made for an infusion of speed and youth since John Leonard is coming of an injury. The Jets could still look to find another veteran to play the position. Once the Jets sure up a few loose ends they’ll be a well-rounded team.

The time is now. Three times the charm. All clichés I’d use to describe the third year of Rex Ryan’s reign. The Jets have some solid pieces. Getting Asomugha, signing a deep threat receiver, re-singing Ellis and suring up the Jets secondary are all priorities. With the new cap and restructuring of contracts the Jets can do it. Some big moves are available to be made. This free agent frenzy isn’t over by a long shot. It won’t be finished until the Jets T.K.O. there competitors and get the players they need to make a Super Bowl effort.

Bronx Bombers Need Cashman To Step Up Big Time

Yankees Missing Key Pieces To A Championship Team

By AMIR ALI SAID

Every year the New York Yankees are in the hunt for another World Series championship. Most of the time the Yankees will win the AL East in style. In recent years, the Yankees have had competition and occasionally someone in the AL East breaks the chain of pinstripe dominance. But this year the Yankees are missing some championship team like pieces. The Yankees have done a few things that wouldn’t, couldn’t, and shouldn’t work for any other team in the majors.

It starts with pitching. Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia have done wonders for the Yankees this year. 38-Year-Old Colon is 6-6 on the year with a 3.34 ERA and 88 strikeouts. 35-Year-Old Garcia is 8-7 with a 3.21 ERA and 69 strikeouts. Both of these middle age pitchers are way past their primes. Colon’s time came 6 years ago with the Angels. He started the 04’ season with the Angels. Colon then went on to go 21-8 with a 3.48 ERA and he won the CY Young award. Garcia, ironically had his best year in the 05’ season.

The following year Freddy Garcia would go on to have the best year of his career. Finishing 17-9 with a 4.53 ERA, Garcia led a White Sox team that had the best record in the majors. The Sox continued their great year by winning the World Series. While both pictures delivered great one-year performances, injury plagued them through the next couple of years. But now they’re back. Giving an unbelievable performance for the Yankees. Even though their pitching is exceeding expectations, help is needed.

The Yankees can use all the help they can get. A big move for a starting pitcher should be made. The Rockies seem to be asking for too much for Ubaldo Jimenez. But that shouldn’t stop Cashman from shopping. The Yankees should pursue any and every option at starting pitcher. I’m not for messing with what works. But I’m not sure if Colon or Garcia can keep up their success for the rest of the year. In the playoffs you want to be certain that you have a solid rotation. It’s time for Cashman to actively pursue starting pitchers over the next week. He also should take a look at some position players.

I think the Yankees lack utility players. Besides Andruw Jones there isn’t a player coming off the bench having an impact. On the days Jeter or Granderson have days off you need players that’ll make sure the Yankees don’t miss a step. Cashman should be looking at one more outfielder and infielder to pick up. When the Yankees get some utility players they’ll have a stronger offense.

The Yankees have pieces to the championship team puzzle. But there are some pieces left to fill. The issues of pitching and utility players must be addressed. The team is ready. Every year the Yankees are ready to win. They have the most championships in all of sports. But this 2011 season I think the Yankees have something to prove. The Bronx Bombers are a few players down and there team isn’t as strong as others. The little things that are missing go a long way. But this team has the potential and enough players to win a championship.

Megan Fox Makes Huge Career Blunder

Comments In Interview About Michael Bay Will Haunt Former Transformers Star

By AMIR ALI SAID

Megan Fox has made a huge career blunder. She insulted Michael Bay. Fox said in an interview with Wonderland Magazine, "Bay wants to be like Hitler on his sets, and he is. So he's a nightmare to work for but when you get him away from set, and he's not in director mode, I kind of really enjoy his personality because he's so awkward, so hopelessly awkward." Bay is one of the modern masters of the summer blockbuster film. He also is linked to Steven Spielberg. Not enough could be said about Steven Spielberg’s influence. Essentially, Megan Fox killed two birds with one stone.

Fox is a rising star. The Transformers franchise made her career. She starred in the first film and the sequel. Both films made tons of money and showed promise for a three peat. Whatever crossed Fox’s mind about Michael Bay or anyone on set for that matter should’ve stayed in her mind. Her comments on Bay and the blown bridge between her and Spielberg may affect her career forever.

There’s no doubting the fact that Megan Fox is a nice look on screen. She’s pretty. Her acting is solid. She's proven what she can do in a leading and supporting role. Fox is one of the few young actresses that show promise in film for years to come. She has a lot of potential and I see a lot of film roles coming her way. Whether those are quality works or just a pay check have yet to be seen. Needless to say, Fox has a lot of control. But this bump in the road with Spielberg cannot be paved.

Latest Installment of 'Transformers' Hitting Box Office Head On

'Dark of the Moon' Succeeding During Long Weekend Release

By AMIR ALI SAID

The latest installment in the Transformers series is out. Dreamworks Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Michael Bay, and Shia LaBeouf are about to make tons of money. As of yesterday, Transformers: Dark of the Moon has already made $42.8 million domestically. That's on a Wednesday. Here are some highlights of yesterday, President Barack Obama delivered his first press conference in months. The Yankees won their fourth straight. The latest installment of Transformers made nearly as much as Green Latern did in an entire weekend. Here's why...

The Transformers franchise will likely make money in the hundreds of millions if it stretched out over 2 or 3 more installments. This franchise is a cash cow worldwide. The film's are shot well. The storyline's are efficient. And Tons of kids around the world want to see the film. Adults want to harness their inner child with Transformers. Plus, the film's are just flat out fun. The Transformer's films are an event. An event that many want to be apart of, it'll never fail. Even a few hiccups along the way haven't stopped the film's cashflow.

Megan Fox made a huge mistake. She insulted Michael Bay. Megan Fox said in an interview, "Bay wants to be like Hitler on his sets, and he is. So he's a nightmare to work for but when you get him away from set, and he's not in director mode, I kind of really enjoy his personality because he's so awkward, so hopelessly awkward." Of all directors and producers to never insult Michael Bay would be in the top 15. His overall pull, outlook on film, an brain cannot be duplicated. For one, Bay didn't even make it a point to have Fox fired. Instead, it was the work of his friend and Co-Producer Steven Spielberg that got her fired. That being said, production of the latest installment moved on without the rising star.

I'm looking forward to seeing Transformers: Dark Of the Moon. It looks better than Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Plus, without Megan Fox I wonder how the film will turn out. Then I want to see if the film will live up to the hype or the posters. I remember seeing the first trailer and a poster and feeling like this was going to be the best Transformers yet. That'll be hard considering the fact that the first installment was really good. During this long weekend Transformers: Dark of the Moon will make a lot of money. Hopefully I'll get to see the film as well.

Sequels Battle For Top Spot At Box Office

'Hangover Part Two' Leads June 14th Weekend Worldwide

By AMIR ALI SAID

The box office war waged between The Hangover 2 and Kung Fu Panda 2 has gotten interesting. The second installment in the Hangover series has made $436 million so far. One of the film's opening week counterparts, Kung Fu Panda 2, has made $345.6 million. As both film's begins to wind down at the box office I think The Hangover 2 will probably win this battle.

Both of these films were expected to make tons of money. Coming off of spectacular finishes with their first installments, both films had high expectations. I wondered which film would make more. In an earlier post I came up with an answer The Hangover 2. I was taking a risk. There are more kids than their are adults. Kung Fu Panda 2 is solely a kids film. The Hangover 2 has a pull for kids from 13-40. That range of kids from 3-10 highly outweighs the latter. Therein lies the question, how does The Hangover 2 outgain Kung Fu Panda 2.

I think the reason why The Hangover 2 has done better than Kung Fu Panda 2 is because of the engine behind both films. The Hangover was great. The first installment made $467 million. The installment had a perfect set-up for a sequel that could go in any direction. Now that the film is out tons of people want to see what the new comedy can do. Plus, the trailer and posters are very intriguing and probably gets a laugh out of anyone who sees them. But with Kung Fu Panda 2 I don't get the same feel.

I saw Kung Fu Panda and I liked it. It was a quality animated feature with jokes here and there. There wasn't any over reaching or desperate attempts for laughs or claps. The film was interesting, there was something to the film that I liked. But Kung Fu Panda 2 seems like a desperate attempt to make money. The storyline doesn't seem to be as tight as the first. It seems like more slapstick comedy is involved. And I don't think it will be as good or even close to the first installment. Most kids won't care about storyline. But sub-consciously I believe kids don't think the film is as good as the first.

Lakers Tap Mike Brown; Questionable Choice

Former Cavs Coach Mike Brown Set To Watch Over Re-building Lakers

By AMIR ALI SAID

The Lakers have found their new coach. Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown signed a four year deal two days ago. You may remember the name Mike Brown because he presided over some of Lebron's best years as a NBA player. Back then, Lebron James was a piece of raw, untapped, great Akron, Ohio talent. Lebron lead the Cavs to multiple playoff appearances. But Brown didn't have much to do with The Cavs success.

The coach however, Mike Brown, appeared to just sit on the sideline and watch the success. Didn't seem like there was any coaching involved. Mike Brown and the Cavs front office seemed to ride Lebron's success and leadership. But there didn't appear to be any coaching or front office support around Lebron. Case in point, Mike Brown didn't do anything great as a coach. It didn't look like he did anything to help his Superstar get some help on the team. In fact, last year, pending free agency Lebron decided to "take his talents to South Beach." Mike Brown was fired during the 2010 off-season. Now, he's the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

I don't think the Lakers front office used their brains on this one. Looks like they didn't pick Kobe's brain either. Instead, they went ahead and hired Mike Brown. The Kobe Bryant era is coming to a close. Kobe will be 33 when the 2012 season starts. That leaves the Lakers with just about 3 or four years to find the next All-Star to lead the team. But with the last few years they can get out of Kobe there are still pieces missing around him. Down the road, he needs to groom someone to takeover. I don't see that person on the Lakers roster.

The Lakers are on the cusp of re-building. The Mike Brown era is beginning. Phil Jackson is leaving. Pau Gasol proved in the playoffs how soft he really is. He himself will be 31 when next season starts. Lamar Odom and Ron Artest will turn 32 during next season. Derek Fisher will be 37. The Lakers have a old squad. Whether it's in free agency or the upcoming NBA Draft, the Lakers need to get younger. Mike Brown presiding over this re-building team will not work. The Cavs didn't trust him enough to rebuild theirs.

'Pirates of the Carribbean: On Stranger Tides' Hits Box Office Hard

Latest Installment Jumps Off To Great Start

By AMIR ALI SAID

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is a hit worldwide. The latest installment in the series has $346,400,000 so far. The budget was only $150 million. The film has made huge profit only 5 days after it's release. If this is any sign of what's to come, we may see this installment reach a billion dollars worldwide. The previous installment, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End made $960 million worldwide. What's the secret to the franchises' success?

I'm not sure if there's a secret. The Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise is very engaging. I've gone to see every installment myself, except for the most recent. The film's aren't the best in the world. But they're good, funny, solid installments. Worldwide kids and adults flock to see the film and Jack Sparrow's (Johnny Depp) adventures. Pirates have long been an attractive theme in film and books. The franchise took to another level and made great casting decisions.

Lackluster NBA Playoffs Heating Up

Match-ups Getting Intense, Nice Finals To Look Forward Too

By AMIR ALI SAID

The NBA Playoffs is gearing up to be one big surprise bubble. The Lakers have been swept by the Mavericks. The Knicks were clobbered in four by the Celtics. The Celtics are slipping against the Heat. The Grizzlies are on a tear. Led by Zach Randolph, the Grizzlies beat the Spurs in the first round. The biggest surprise in the playoffs yet. But now they've hit a wall against the Thunder. In the east, the Hawks and Bulls are also tied. So were do we stand now? The Heat seem to be hitting their stride at the right time, and the MVP Derrick Rose led Bulls look at a tied series. But I have my favorite.

I'm all for rooting for the underdog. I hope the Grizzlies make it to the finals, but it's not likely. The Thunder have proven they have a better overall team. The only problem sometimes is there teamwork. That being said, if the Thunder don't correct that, they may not make it past the Grizzlies. But if they do, because of shear talent, they won't be able to match the way the Mavericks play together.

The best match-up in the finals at this point would be the Dallas Mavericks VS the Miami Heat. The Heat are seen as one of the best teams coming out of the East. That's true. But what the Mavericks did to arguably the best team in the West can't be ignored. In a final's match-up between the two I think the Mavericks would win. There teamwork, three point shooting, and bench support far outweighs all the talent of Lebron James and Dwayne Wade.

But the Heat aren't even a lock as the Eastern Conference representative. They have to finish off the Celtics then face the Bulls or Hawks which aren't easy opponents on any level. The Bulls led by Derrick Rose have a strong defense and clutch offense all around. The Hawks, also have some of those components in Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford, and Jamal Crawford off the bench. As the series between the Bulls and Hawks heat up, the Celtics or Heat will have a project on their hands in the conference final.