I was expecting a topical satire with social commentary, but it felt overly preachy and lagged in parts, resulting in something that detracted from its entertainment value. Eric Schlosser, the book's author, also wrote the screenplay and was an executive producer. In transferring books to the screen, it's very common for the original creator to be left out of the process. This subject was obviously important to him, but perhaps he should have stepped back and let others carry that vision.
Even though its pace dragged, the acting helped make up that deficit.
In his one scene, Willis was great. As the guy in the trenches whose years of experience are rooted in reality, he vacillated very nicely between being helpful and threatening. Kinnear also did a good job as the corporate executive facing several unpleasant choices, balancing his dilemmas with aplomb.
In addition to its swipes at the fast-food industry, immigration, politics and other contemporary issues are slammed and nothing is spared. Beware of graphic images because this is an intense film, not intended for anyone with a weak stomach. Overall it's not easy to digest, but definitely is food for thought.
