User reviews

This movie was aired on WNET Feb 9, 2013. The acting was very good, the screen play was very good and the script was very good.

So as not to repeat the excellent insights of the other reviews of this film, my only comment was regarding the scenes where: (1) Carmine Famiglietti (Neil) is vomiting up the smörgåsbord of junk food he had just ate in his hotel room in Brooklyn after he had returned to Brooklyn from his soul searching in upstate New York; and (2) Subsequently Neil attends an Overeaters Anonymous (OA) Meeting (not specifically stated) where he gives a testimonial of his personal fight with his food addiction.

These two scenes seem to indicate that Neil has become a bulimic to conquer his weight problem. Many food addicts do become bulimics and do attend OA meetings to cope with their demons. Unfortunately, this thread is not explored and the movie ends with Neil sun bathing at Coney Island lying next to a young hottie.

This movie would have been absolutely trailblazing had it really explained how Neil's motivation caused him to lose the 150 pounds. Clearly Neil had not changed his outlook on food, otherwise would not have pigged out in his Brooklyn hotel room following his failed date with the waitress. Clearly Neil has not come to grips with his sense of insecurity and he is still the passive person he was when he was 315 lbs.

Despite the above gripes this is an excellent film worth viewing.

Anyone that has ever dealt with obesity will find a voice in this movie. The main character knows he has a problem and finds ways to deal with it. If your looking for a film that was shot in gorgeous locations, deals with the gritty and not so pretty life of an obese person, and shows the realities of fat intolerance and bigotry then this is the film for you. The twists and turns of life and the shear joy of food resonate so truthfully. No sugar coating or feel good, quick fixes thrown in for good measure. I've never been to New York, but I can tell you that the problems he deals with can be seen in "Anytown, USA" This is a must see film, not only for those that have problems with food but for those they love as well. Nothing in life is easy, except for the love of food.

A great indie film. People dealing with the difficulties of life and embracing change. The script rings true throughout. The acting is solid and heartfelt. There is not a single clanger in this film. Well edited, shot, cast, directed. A perfect indie film.

The story is simple, an ordinary fat man unhappy with his life, seeing his weight become a problem for those that love him puts himself into isolation to try and deal the problem head on.

It reminded me of The Station Agent with Peter Dinklage another indie film about body issues, separation from normal society and the search for connection. Both are fantastic films and both mean a lot to me. Films about change and redemption, about the daily grind that is this life. Highly recommended!

I saw this movie years ago, and it really left an impression on me, but when recently reflecting on some serious food addiction issues, I had a hard time finding it, because I couldn't remember the title, it does not show up in keyword searches or even synonyms, and it was apparently not widely seen, so it does not even show up in the usual lists of best movies about food addiction issues.

It seems like an authentic attempt to look at serious life-threatening consequences of failure to address food and health issues, and the consequences for those around us. The main character really has a battle on his hands. Some here have assigned comedy as one of the labels, but I remember it being more just a straightforward drama.