Movie review: ‘America the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments’

For this sequel to 2007’s far-roaming critique of the beauty industry, “America the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments” filmmaker Darryl Roberts narrowed his focus — a bit. The result is a mixed bag of a film that scores not when rehashing our national obsession with dieting but when it challenges the underpinnings of a national obesity epidemic.

Loosely structured around Roberts’ quest to get healthier through diet and exercise instead of prescription drugs, the film raises serious questions about undue influence — Big Pharma and medical professionals, the dieting industry and government health standards. But after presenting a compelling case that the official science around obesity needs a second look, this sprawling documentary digresses.

Overall, America suffers from a tendency to privilege what’s patently obvious or what’s funny over what’s pertinent. No doubt, we the people are due for some lifestyle changes, but the film glosses some of the trickier obstacles to better health.

Roberts is likable and engaging, but watching him struggle into a tight-fitting shirt or a yoga pose isn’t particularly illuminating. Moreover, his message that KFC is delicious doesn’t entirely crack the code on America’s romance with fast food.

Try to track down fresh produce in inner-city neighborhoods, and you might leave viewers with more food for thought.

“America the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments.” No MPAA rating. Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes. At Laemmle’s Sunset 5, West Hollywood.