1:39 pm Apr. 4, 201172
When you first meet Joe Cross in Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, he looks about as slick as any other self-made guru and weight-loss expert. Cross spends much of his film stumping for something called the "Reboot juice fast," a detoxifying crash diet that requires participants to consume only home-made juices made from a blend of green vegetables and fruits. He talks with easy confidence and he clearly has his sales pitch down cold.
And yet the more time you spend watching Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, which comes across as a mix of advertisement and earnest documentary, the more you actually become convinced of Cross’ sincerity. He’s a consummate salesman because his concern for would-be converts seems real. Cross anticipates and capably manipulates the skepticism of his audience, knowing well that his proselytizing for a diet of nothing but pureed fruits and veggies will seem gimmicky and implausible. Then again, he’s also more strident than any layperson who just happened to stumble upon an amazing diet could possibly be. His constant need to pitch his audience detracts from the overall case the film is trying to make.
One of the most refreshing things about Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead is that it’s not nearly as manipulative as its title suggests. Cross’ narrative tentatively begins as a personal journey. He relates how he first chose to visit and travel across America for sixty days in order to prove to himself how well he could resist such daunting American cultural institutions as the hamburger and French fries. Cross readily admits that his self-appointed task is pretty insane. He consequently shies away from trying to relate his experiences through video diary entries that sensationalize his weight loss with tears, screaming or any other kind of intense emotional outburst.
Instead, Cross prioritizes two kinds of supporting evidence: clinical explanations provided by nutritionists and his own homespun account of his diet; and talking-head, man-on-the-street footage in which he takes the time to find out from other people why they don’t invest in a healthy diet. The answers he gets in the latter type of footage aren’t surprising or especially original. But they do nicely demonstrate Cross’ humanity, which is what allows him to win converts to his cause in the first place. His subjects often cite weak will power and an outright unwillingness to make such a drastic change as the one Cross proposes.
What he proposes to people, actually, is not miraculous. In Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, dieting is presented, refreshingly, as a difficult chore it is. There is no trick to it. The handful of people who try out the Reboot juice diet do not wonder at how simple it all is, or why they never thought to try it before.
By highlighting the skepticism about his cure and the difficulties or undertaking it, Cross inexpertly but sincerely attempts to address the psychological root of obesity. If only he had the patience to just stick with a handful of his more thoughtful subjects instead of mixing their answers with less-credible, lower-quality responses, the result would have been more compelling.
Understandably, not every everyman can be thoughtful, but Cross seems to have felt obliged to highlight every point of view he could, running the gamut of people’s misconceptions about fasting and dieting.
These interview segments are the foundation of Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, which is essentially a human-interest story that jumps from Cross’ own accomplishments to those of a couple of people who were inspired to follow his example. That's the good part. But Cross spends somewhat more time than he should making the obvious argument that people should be living a healthier lifestyle, rather than on the real people explaining why they aren’t.
So, during his first 60-day fast, we chart his progress with an itemized list of what day of the fast it is, what city and what state Cross is filming in, how much weight he’s lost (both in pounds and kilograms) and what kind of medication he’s taking. It feels jarringly clinical, compared to his simple and direct documentation of what he encountered in the course of pushing his course of action on other people. Those exchanges are the most gripping parts of the movie, listening to Cross grapple with the common view that a juice fast is “pretty extreme.” He counters, on those occasions, by arguing that he was compelled to take equally extreme (if much less effective) measures before the diet, when he was in dangerously bad shape. He stresses the fact that he previously had to take a battery of medications to combat frequent illnesses, including an auto-immune disease that resembles hives.
He does manage to make the case, at least, that undertaking a juice fast was good idea for him (Cross weighed more than 300 pounds when he went on his diet), if it leaves unanswered the substantial question of why people who aren’t morbidly obese should ever do the same.
Is Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead an exemplary real-life story of a crazy, successful salesman who happened to inspire other people to change their lives, or is it a commercial for the Reboot juice fast? Cross tries to make his film a little bit of both, which is a shame.
In Cross' defense, he’s at least addressing the concerns of what he properly understands will be a skeptical audience. If he bit off more than he can chew, maybe, it’s because he knew on some level that he had to.
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead is playing at the Quad Cinema now through Thursday April 7, 2011.
Dear Simon,
No offense, but you particularly do not look healthy yourself. Your face is puffy as if suggesting you are overweight, or could stand to lose a few lbs. Have you thought about trying the Reboot yourself? That would make an excellent, respectable article rather than this mundane, boring piece one might call journalism. Just a thought. Happy juicing!
Josie is obviously a dick-licking troll (although you do look a little chubby - get to the gym). But I liked the article. I thought it was insightful and I had many of the same thoughts while watching the movie. Your writing is good; I've read much worse in the New York Times, TIME, Newsweek and, of course, Yahoo and the other web news outlets.
My only criticism: you might mention the low point of the movie where he visits the gun store and gets to tout his left-wing, Obama-loving Aussie-communist philosophy. It has nothing to do with juice, so it left me wondering why he had to work his little stereotype into the movie.
Oh, and of course, fasting by drinking vegetable juice looks really dumb. He interviews a doctor at the beginning of the film who points out that only *permanent* changes really work. Any kind of fasting causes your body to immediately consume all of its muscle tissue.
I'd like to see what happens to him six months later. He doesn't show himself exercising but he seems to have managed to retain his muscle tone. My guess is that he'll return to being overweight as soon as he starts eating normal food again, and when he does it will be much worse than it was before because of the lost muscle tissue.
I might try this dumb diet, but I suspect that only sensible moderation and exercise - life-long, daily exercise - will keep your weight down.
And "Josie", you filthy internet chickenshit troll: suck my balls.
Simon,
My wife and I watched this and she even cried at the end. In no way did I think I was being "sold" the whole time. You sir are simply an ass, making something out of nothing. Shame on you. What a jerk
Hey Dick Bubble! Shame on your wife for giving you that reDICKulous penis.
Wow, these comments degenerated fast!
Anyways, I liked the movie, bought a juicer, and drank some kale....
In summary, Josie did come off as a hypercritical troll, and documentary was better than average.
I saw the documentary and unless Cross has a big fruit and vegetable stand in the interstate I don't know what was he "selling"....he didn't mentioned the brand of the juicer he used either. Phillo, you ripped Josie appart but I think your comments are way worse than josie's and very vulgar if I say.
Phillo - This documentary was made 4 years ago. Joe Cross recently came to my work to talk about Reboot and I can assure you that he is still as skinny as he was at the end of the film. He explained that he did this drastic reboot to kick start his life style change. In the end, it did help change his eating habits. You're way too quick to judge!
Saw this movie and not sure what you think he was selling. The movie was released for free on youtube, his website and Netflix and he's done many screenings at places like Whole Foods. I am not even sure if this film ever made it to a movie theater at all, so I doubt he made much money off of the film. He sells no products in the film or on his website. He doesn't mention the juicer in the film, but I own the same one and their website does make mention of the movie. I am not sure how much he would really get paid from kick backs on the sale of juicers anyway...the guy is a venture capitalist, he has other means of making money. This was just a personal project that happened to be interesting.
I saw this documentary and found it interesting.
It wasn't a good documentary as documentaries go. There is a LOT of information that was simply not there that needs to be in a good documentary. If I were doing a documentary about making cakes, yet spent most of my film talking to people about how much they like or dislike cake would result in an interesting story about what people think about cake, but it does nothing to actually make a good documentary about making cakes.
There is little actual science in this documentary. No discussion about how much juice he consumed on a daily basis. There was some information about the cost of fresh fruit and vegetables, organic vegetables, and an odd comparison of the cost of a heart attack versus the cost of juicing.
Overall, I found I was drawn in to the documentary based on his rather large weight loss over the 60 days. I'm in my 40's and have had fluctuating weight over my life with periods of great shape to very over weight. So, this story drew me in on a personal level. I did notice the weight loss during the fast, but the actual physical results didn't seem to jibe with the claimed weight loss. I found that odd. To make that point every more interesting, notice the lack of comparative images by which to see the claimed weight from the start to finish of the juice fast. There is a rather very quick collage of images that made a very fast and meager attempt to show comparison.
I found that very odd. If you're promoting not just the internal health of juice fasting, but also the resultant outward physical appearance, then why not just show that in detail? After all, this is a "documentary" that seems to not really document the actual juice fast. Rather it documents people on the street and their typical views of eating, nutrition, and general health.
Phillo, you make some interesting comments, and this wrong one, "Any kind of fasting causes your body to immediately consume all of its muscle tissue."
That is not true. In the absence of enough caloric intake to fuel one's daily energy expenditure, the body will turn to burning the next readily available fuel source that being fat not protein/muscle.
A fast typically includes a caloric reduction, which translates to why there is a weight loss as the body supplements it's caloric expenditure by converting stored energy, or human fat, into a fuel source. The body doesn't turn on itself and consume it's muscle until there is extreme starvation where there is no caloric intake and fat reserves have been depleted.
Eating away muscle in the presence of fat does the body no good especially when you consider the heart is purely muscle. So, eating away at the heart while there is abundant fat is not smart for the body to do.
The gun store scene was rather odd, but you're reading your values into that scene much more than it's actual intent. Yeah, he talks with a gun shop owner. He also talks with a truck driver, blue collar workers, white collar people, white people, black people, etc...
You put together Obama, communism, Australia, and liberals. Yet, you fail to notice that Joe is a pure capitalist.
Oh, one more thing. I think you turned off the film too early. Joe is shown exercising and working out quite a bit after the initial 60 day fast. He continued to lose weight, easily seen in the film footage, and his exercise regime is one of endurance and overall health as he certainly is not doing the type of exercise required to add muscle mass. Joe looks quite healthy by the end of the film as well as the truck driver he helped.
It was an intriguing story and it drew me in mostly because I can easily identify with Joe as I too am an aging male that has ignored staying healthy over the past decade of concentrating on career and family and not so much on my own health.
I am seriously considering a juice "fast".
BTW, he may no mention the juicer brand but we know what it is because it's clearly shown in a few scenes. Can't blame a business man for a bit of product placement. Breville juicers may have paid for some of the filming equipment.
Wow, I never ever post my opinion on the Internet but your write up shocked me. He was trying to help people with their poor eating habits. In no way did I think he was trying to "sell" something to the viewer. Your review is extremely poor and biased. Good try attempting to analyze the movie. Oh, and your title sucks.
I too have never made a comment on the internet, however i was compelled to write since i cant imagine what you thought he was selling, except to improve your health and life style. Not really sure how he makes money off of that????? It seems like a great way to see results and motivate you to continue making healthier choices.
I think the reviewer did not watch the entire film. Cross resets his relationship with food and drives around American championing fruits and vegetables. With Dr. Joel Fuhrman on speed dial and with a Breville juicer by his side, he hits the road crossing America demonstrating we have two choices -the sad american diet and a life of pills and ills, or vegetables and fruits based diet and a body that is healthy and vibrant. And on his journey,he meets his doppleganger in truck driver named Phil. Joe's Eat to Live 10 month plan restores Joe, and is vastly inspirational. Phil get well,too! Joe Cross gets a standing ovation from me. Day 17 of juicing, under 200 pounds, and on the road to wellness. Thanks Joe!
To the author- Way to draw attention to yourself by bashing a low budget film that didn't leave me feeling swindled or mislead. Was the hit count on your website low? Needed some controversy to draw the clicks? As others have basically pointed out: Where's the "catch" your title mentions? If you think his film was misleading or incomplete I think you ought to consider your own work more closely.
To those who bemoan crash diets for results that don't last- the fast is called a "reboot", as in restart. It supposedly leaves you on a better footing to make wiser health choices afterwards, not return to "normal food". Normal food and activity is what got him and you fat in the first place. Wake up.
As for the name-callers- well, this is the Internet. But the instant you make a crude remark to bolster your case, I discount it immediately. Your opinion is void, since you lack the common courtesy to address others intelligently. I weep for the future of civil society.
Wow you obviously didn't catch the part where this fast that you are calling "his diet" is actually derived from Dr. Fuhrman. Also this is not "pureed" fruits and veggies. There is a difference between juicing and baby food!!! Maybe you should do more research on this topic before you write a story full of crap. This is exactly why Americans are fat. They believe eating a ton of meat is the only way to get your protein in and they judge anyone that lives a vegan lifestyle.
Do all internet comments have to involve personal insults?
I watched this film a couple of days ago, and while I really enjoyed the story and the successes of the poeple who tried the juicing, I also realized by the end that he hadn't really told me much of anything of concrete value. No juice formulations, no real explanation of what he was doing during his day or what he was eating. I suppose I could have paused the video and inventoried the shopping baskets when they made brief cameos. That would be a start.
I would also note that visiting the man's website and accessing any information at all requires a registration/login process.
First we have the very slick (and interesting) sales pitch leaving you wanting to learn more, followed by getting customer 'investment' by registering at the site. These are pretty obvious standard sales techniques, intended to whittle out the curious and leave most-likely-to-buy customers.
What is he selling? I don't know. I haven't registered. I would imagine he's selling the juicers, a diet plan, lifestyle plans, etc. Maybe just membership in "the club".
so, yeah. The film certainly has many hallmarks of a sales pitch. And it was also an interesting story (or, rather, collection of stories).
He's living the American dream...er...Australian dream? An entrepreneur who had an idea, tried it out and marketed it for others, and boosted not only his personal wealth but health in the meantime. There are thousands of people who deserve to be scrutinized for how they live their lives. I don't understand the point of ripping someone apart for a documentary that is pseudo-sales pitchy. I'd rather see a motivated self starter like Joe fill my airspace, than boring info-mercial's that use "celebrity" to market a product.
In my opinion Fat Sick and Nearly dead is a great inspiration and gets a lot of people fired up to make a big change in their life. It works and it works well, but the trick is sticking to it. If you can get through the juice fast you will feel better than you have in a long time and if you use that as motivation to make the change for good you will not be disappointed. My last blog..ballet bible. Thanks for your article, Simon.
well i saw the movie. can not say i have the money as he did, but iam trying it any how on day two now and feel like i am going to starve. iam a full time collage student so i hope it does not put me to far down waiting on the energy boost.
You, sir, need to go on the 10 day reboot. It shows in your face. Very puffy. I've been on a lot of diets during my lifetime and this one reminds me of what I ate when I was a child. Not the juice, but the fruits and vegetables and very little meat because we couldn't afford it. Today, I am much healthier than my counterparts, but I too, feel the need to "juice" to reboot my system. Nope, I'm not going on the 60 day juice fast, but a partial one seems very sound to me. We Americans, in our society, have forgotten what our grandparents went through. The Depression and WWII made us a nation of veggie and fruit eaters when we could get it. Meat was definitely not on our diet on a daily basis.
So, before you knock anyone, try it yourself. Like your parents probably told you, how can you dislike something if you haven't tried it. I do not feel that Joe Cross was trying to sell me something, but trying to show me that our current food habits will certainly kill us off earily if we don't change. But of course, we have to make that decision for ourselves and obviously, most of us don't want to. That's what I saw, but for the life of me, I don't know what you saw. It's obvious to me that this is a way to restart your eating habits, or at least adjust them somewhat. It certainly can't hurt us if we eat more fruits and vegetables.
Oh yes, I'm going to start the 10 day juice diet just to see what will happen to my body. I work full time, and am 73 years old. My parents did something right, perhaps it was all the fruit and veggies I ate when I was a kid, and very little meat, that has kept me as healthy as I am. I'd like to continue to stay healthy and think this is a good way to do it.
Rethink your review and please, do try the 10 day juice diet, it certainly looks like you need it. Don't forget to walk during all that time too.
you are a dumb ass. you have no idea how the reboot changed my life, and the lives of MANY others for that matter. I didn't buy anything that Joe Cross was selling. He GAVE me my life back, and how dare you knock someone that is HELPING people lose weight. Go on a diet, you need it and your an idiot. maybe doing the reboot will help clean your mind. And "crash diet"???? Did you even watch the whole film????? **SH** get a life
I was very fascinated and drawn in boy the film, which I saw on Hulu. I was definitely inspired and impressed. However, when I went to the site for the film, it looks like Joe is financially involved with the juicer company, the Reboot program, and maybe even that doctor in new jersey. I think that would be fine, had it been disclosed, and it really left me wondering: Did I just watch a feature length informercial? To what extent was the information manipulated? Was there anything crucial that I wasn't shown? Did Joe really meet the truck driver by chance or was that pre-arranged? I am an optimist and sucker at heart so I tend to believe what I saw was 100% genuine, complete, and produced/edited without a hint of deception or a hidden agenda/conflict of interest. However, the whole time I was watching, I kept asking myself — who is funding the production? and why? As a digital filmmaker I know that a film of this production quality was not made with a christmas camcorder and one guy. I figured a rich guy like Joe had money to burn and enjoy, with no ulterior purpose. Then I was wondering why Joe was paying for the truck driver to juice rehab at the lakeside resort. I wanted to believe this was purely out of the grace of his heart — or at least for art, purely for the sake of the film. I don't really care if Joe is invested in the juicer brand or the reboot program, but I think it's fare to know if he was from the start or if he decided to invest what he believed in after he made the film. Either way is OK, but it would ease my suspicions if he was upfront about it. There could be a coda, for example, at the end of the film, that says: "After filming Joe decided to join X brand juicers and the Reboot program as an evangelist and investor..." (or whatever the truth of the matter is). [I just read a comment on another site that Joe's company manufactures Breville juicers... there is a serious problem of transparency in this film — which is a shame]
Holy negativity batman...
You need write with a more positive approach, Simon.
Or at least do ALL OF your homework first!
Josie.Noelle was blunt I must say, but they have a point, your article is bias due to the fact that you haven't tried it and your notion is from what you think on this whole ordeal (I'm doing the cleanse lol). If you tried it yourself, then you could have a option evoked from your own expirence. Your not the only one, alot of the people that haven't tried it think it's tomfoolery, I don't blame them, but you can't degrade it until you try it for yourself. Even if the movie was made for profit, i'm still glad that I bought a Breville and watched the movie: It inspired me and I really am getting use to my Breville. (Hoping to "reboot" my system and drop some pounds) Wish me luck on my juicing.
Also, I'm on day 2 of my cleanse.
In addtion, my cousins juice, they were both obese (maybe morbidly-obese), but my aunt told me that my male cousin has lose over 100 pounds from juicing. A friend from the juice also juices and she's lost weight too.
Leave to some wanna-be "critic" to have to overwrite and spew whatever negativity they can into an article so they can pretend they're capable of reviewing a film. This article was bad beyond belief, but hey at least you you're getting attention.
I agree, the gun shop scene was completely random as was the border control comment. But to say this was selling something (other than the fact that processed foods and cooked animal meat does not digest in our system well) is simply incorrect.
Im ashamed I even took the time to read this guy's article. I lost 90 pounds last year on a low calorie diet and I loved this documentary. Although, I wish it would have been more informative on juice recipes and daily intake amounts. I do not care if he is selling the juicer. If this particular juicer made Joe's daily routine easier that it great. The juicer I have, you have to cut the fruit in half and press down on top of this point triangle thing and the juice fall to the bottom of a glass bowl. It takes many many lemons for one glass of lemonade. Anything has to better than that! If this machine uses up the same amount of veggies this diet could get pretty expensive but well worth it if you are as said "one cheeseburger away from a heart attack". I hope it helps many people.
I don't know for sure if the movie was a scam or sincere , but the way it was presented, I found it more intriguing and inspiring than anything else. It was definitely inspiring to me. I am on day 14 of a self imposed 30 day regime of all fruits and vegetables - one or two juices a day or one juice and one smoothie with all vegetables and fruits the rest of the day - and I am feeling very good. Surprisingly good. I have tried all kinds of weight loss programs and I have to say unlike any low carb diet or prepackaged program, this has made me rethink my way of eating. I have been satisfied with the program. and when I'm hungry, I eat some fresh or cooked vegetables and/or fruits. I did go to Joe's website and signed up and looked at the programs and recipes (which are all free) and I feel great that I stumbled on this little film. It has been a great experience and since I'm half way to my self imposed goal of 30 days, I think I will actually make it. There are some great recipes on the site and so far I can't see any fallout harm from his movie. If anything, it was very inspiring and much less costly than most weightloss programs that don't hesitate to dig deep into our wallets when we are vulnerable and tired of our bad habits. I hope it helps others save a few $$'s by doing this cleanse rather than spending so much on another temporary fix.
Dear Mr. Abrams,
Sorry, but I think you've been a bit lazy with this article. I understand your premise regarding the motivation behind the movie, but you failed to do any additional research.
Please follow up by trying to "follow the money". Research the website, both what is available without joining, and what you get when you do join. What are the possible revenue streams? Does the incoming revenues seem to just be money grabbing, or is it being rolled back into building a community that benefits the health of many people? Yes, Cross is a successful capitalist. But that doesn't mean that he can't also be a humanitarian. After doing the research, please write another article and tell us what you think his real motivations were.
You asked the question... Now go out and do the journalism footwork. Go out and find the answers!
Woodie, Good on you Joe, enjoyed the DVD I found it inspiring and at least you have done something about your weight, a pitty many Americans can't follow. To those with the vulgar language feel sorry for you w......
Great DVD , feel sorry for those who cannot see through this to see the benefits. American people need to take note they are killing themselves. To the vulgar language of the above, wwwww............... pity.
I watched this doc 2 times so far and even though I see the "salesmanship" you refer to, I think it is one of the best docs I've ever seen. It isn't about selling the juicer. It is literally about this one man's journey to cure himself. He shows how hard it is, the temptation to break it. He helps a ton of others, obese and normal weight. You didn't mention the woman with chronic migraine headaches as one of those who he helped. Isn't that what you wanted to see, a non obese person's life affected by this? Perhaps you should watch it again. It is extreme but so was Joe's health condition. I had heard all the cheerleaders about juicing before but he made it real, showed the perils and pitfalls of such a journay and I'm one of those that he inspired to give it my all to change my health.
Simon,
Does Joe Cross work for, or have money invested in, Breville? Has anyone looked into this? I saw the movie last night, but it wasn't until this morning that it occurred to me that this "documentary" might really be a very clever infomercial for the Breville juicer.
Kim, (see review above) your assessment that this movie is "about this one man's journey to cure himself" is precisely what I think the makers of this movie want you to think. I think a lot of fat people are running out to buy "that juicer used by that guy in the movie."
Why split hairs over this? If it works for most people who try it, why knock it? Find the pill that takes weight off and critisize it for the side effects, but why knock juce? What was shown was factual and the one thing that is irritating about facts? They are stubborn. I am going to try this reboot, and I have a feeling that I will be well pleased. Why? The facts. Facts are kinda funny in a way. They just seem to never be at the mercy of an argument.
The diet is available online totally free. He's not selling anything! I tried the reboot diet myself, although I am not particularly overweight. It is a cleanse more than a long term diet to lose weight and it is meant to kick-start better eating habbits for a long term diet and weight loss. I'd say it worked. I felt great while juicing! Slept like a baby. And even though I didn't lose any weight during the diet, I lost a few pounds shortly afterwords, which is all I needed to lose anyway. I eat pretty healthy already so the diet was not much as far as a daily calorie reduction for me, which is why I did not lose weight while on it. Although it's all fruite and veggies, the portions are quite substantial (for me anyway). I stuggled to get it all down more than I struggled with ever once being hungry. My only complaint would be the time consuming prep of all the juices and snacks. It all was VERY time consuming with the chopping and peeling and seeding and pitting.... and then cleaning the juicer 4 or 5 times a day. And yes, it was a little pricey. But that's expected. I really wouldn't knock the guy, the diet or the video... it's all free public info. Not a sales pitch. I'm sure juicing is not for everyone.
World War II provided a graphic example of how the ravages of these diseases could be totally halted. Norway was one of several western European nations occupied by Nazi Germany during the conflict between 1939 through 1945. The Germans removed all animal livestock from these occupied countries. The native population subsisted on whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruit. Almost immediately death from heart attacks and strokes in Norway plummeted. With the cessation of hostilities in 1945 animal products became available as well as an immediate return to the prewar levels of deaths from these illnesses
I bought a Breville 510 juicer after watching the FS&ND documentary twice. Today is my 73rd day of drinking 24 oz of orange juice in the morning, 45 to 60 ounces of green juice during the day, drinking 2 or 3 bottles of water a day, and eating vegetable salads for lunches. I've only lost 9 lbs and 3.5 inches from my waist, but I only had about 13 lbs to lose to get back to my normal weight of 125 lbs and waist of 28".
I'm so glad that I watched the documentary, because I've been feeling amazingly well and about 30 years younger. I was able to quit drinking six cans of Pepsi every day and quit eating the SAD (Standard American Diet). I'm finally feeling healthier than I've felt in a long time.
Your review stinks, and I also think you should reboot your life!
He isn't selling anything. He has managed to inspire a great number of people to change their lives for the better. I applaud him and the movie for reaching out across America and effecting conscious change. We need it individually and as a culture. I am on my second juice fast since this movie. The first one lasted for 10 days and i lost over ten pounds. It has inspired me to change the way I have been eating after the fast completely. I have started exercising regularly and have continued to lose weight and feel great. I am doing a second fast to support my boyfriend in his fast.
For anyone thinking about trying a juice fast DO IT! It is rewarding and begins to feel amazing after the first few days. Get inspired and change your life!
Unbelievable all the comments and vulgar language!! But then I suppose these days people will say just about anything as they hide behind the anonymity of their keyboards....sad case in point about the state of our culture. This review is completely off base and thank you to everyone who made such great points in support of the film while calling out the false points made in this article. For those of us who have reached 'middle age' and are struggling with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack/disease (both within a year in my home) we are far from gluttonous (I'm not even overweight much less obese) but like most americans have not put our health on the top o the priority list. we are looking for a better way than all the meds pushed on us by the pharma's. I asked my physician directly if there were any other options to lower my cholesterol besides the drugs, her answer was 'not really, take the meds' well I don't want to take the meds anymore, that's what's missing in this whole debate no discussion about every other commercial pushing some drug in our faces, most of which list side effects that are worse than the condition it's meant to treat. There ARE natural ways to make ourselves healthier, and Joe showed us how to take matters into our own hands, After all, we made ourselves fat, sick and nearly dead. Joe didn't market a thing during this film except a concept that it is our choice to be healthy and showed us a viable way to be so, not some miracle pill or fad diet. I learned a great deal from this documentary and as of tomorrow will be starting my first reboot, i will repost with results and before/after of our cholesterol and blood pressure readings. it's up to US to keep ourselves healthy and prevent/cure disease, not the physicians who are in bed with big pharma and just keep pushing more and more meds. there has been nothing marketed to me whatsoever, I already own a juicer so Joe has not made a penny off this believer. People, you have a brain for a reason, use it!! This wasn't some hidden agenda to market anything...those of you who have tried the reboot...have you spent a penny other than your food costs? I suppose someone will say Joe is getting a commission from farmers now eh?..stupidity
THE REAL STORY BEHIND; FAT, SICK, AND NEARLY DEAD
Joe Cross uses a basic documentary approach to argue for changing a person's diet from fattening, artery-clogging fast food, nutrition-empty meat (that is loaded with antibiotics, growth hormones, etc.) and sugar rich foods, to simple vegetables with lots of "micronutrients." Moreover, "Mean Green Drink" is a euphemism for YUCK.
This documentary serves little more than to undermine the deepest American traditions and customs. Cross portrays himself as the Everyman Advocate for a simple and purer life. A life that promotes health and will lead feeling energized and being independent of disease. First off, it attacks American traditions, indirectly, by implying that we should serve that awful drink for Thanksgiving dinner. Second, Cross would have us give juicers to all our family members for Christmas (probably with a battery in back of the car so we could all "juice on the go.") Finally, Cross would probably rather have us give up the heart-warming icon of a chubby Santa Claus, and replace it with a ripped Fabio in a beard.
It is clear to any astute reader that Cross is an enemy to to the heroes of this culture: The American Cattleman's Association, food conglomerates like Kraft, and the true driving industry behind healthcare, the drug companies. Since before the 1950s, we were told to eat beef, drink milk, and then when we are fat and sick, take drugs.
Cross would probably have us believe that the American Cattleman's association, the Burger Kings, and Pfizers are all in bed together! To imply that there could be large-scale collusion and Cross attacks the free market system itself. If one attacks our wonderful free market, then this is tantamount to advocating socialism. If one advocates socialism (by implication in the way Cross does), then we will be reverting back to the fascism of Lenin, Hitler, Castro, and those damn red Chinese!
This movie has far more serious implications than to get overweight, complacent Americans to change their unhealthy ways. This movie, in its intent and consequence, is the epitome of an attack on America's precious way of life. Cross probably has a commie flag hanging in his bedroom!
I shudder to think what would happen to this fine land if the big pharmaceutical companies, the food conglomerates, and the Cattlemen lost their power to influence our daily diet, lobby congress, and line the pockets of every politician in D.C.
Society would unravel and we would be living like Indians, or worse yet, the Amish.
eanchust
Flabbergasted at all thin insulting. Can we state our opinions in a healthy, non insulting, constructive way? Some very valid points drowned by negative off focus attacks and unnecessary insults.
I don't really care if Joe becomes wealthier than Bill Gates or Carlos Slim!!!! He will probably not win the Nobel Prize for medicine. But he and Dr. Joel Fuhrman should win it. How anyone could see this documentary and excise a "sales pitch" in it is bewildering to me. I've been juicing for the past three weeks. I've lost 28 lbs. and feel great. Oh, and incidenttally, I did buy a juicer! I went to Costco and bought a "Jack LaLanne" ! So Joes "sales pitch" to buy a "Breville" failed miserably with me. That's because I actually watched the documentary FOUR TIMES before I even NOTICED that the brand of the juicer was Breville !!!! What lousy marketing Joe !!!!!! Is the Journalism Fraternity so esoteric as to exclude fact gathering BEFORE article composure? Do you claim divine inspiration to the exclusion of watching the film all the way to the conclusion??? Pompous A..!!
It's a great feeling to not really care about anyone's opinions regarding this subject. I am starting by reboot in 2 days. The reasons are very obvious to me. Some people are talkers and a anayizers. The quality people are DOERS!!!! Thank you Joe and anyone else who promotes positiveness.
It is marketing genius. Have you not noticed yet that he is selling his own brand of Reboot drinks (available in stores like Woolworths...didn't know that store still existed). Ultimately, it was a pitch to get people both off the obesity/sick path and to juicing, and if you're too lazy to juice, buy his product. No doubt, people will. And this man known for his business prowess will have extended himself well into another industry.
I applaud him on all fronts.
Well, I have read a lot of the comments, and I must say.
People really don't like to see the psychology of things so bluntly picked apart, especially when they feel an emotion about it.
I, too am one of the many people who found this "film" to be very interesting, and helpful, but was also asking my self "Is he involved with this juicer manufacturer?". It was very inspiring to see Joe, and Phil change their lives around, it made me urge my friends and family who are overweight to make a change in their diets, but I think that just may be the idea you're trying to get across. I feel manipulated by this film, not that I think it doesn't work, but I noticed the little things as many of you did "why show so few pictures of his physical changes?" "why not say how much they should drink, or what exactly they're drinking?" "Did he get fat for this movie?" the only people who vouch for him who say he had been this way are his family, friends, and employees, the only pictures of him being fat are at his current age. Which leaves the question "WHYYYYY leave these things out?"
because before or after you get your juicer, you'll probably look up more info on juicing, and you'll stumble upon his web site (which I will not site), but yes, he does have a site where he does sell juicers, shirts, bags, DVDs, nutrition guides, screening bundles, so you can convert more people, etc...
It does upset me, that, that was (seemingly) his reason for making this film, however he is still trying to make a needed change in a world that is going downhill health-wise.
The point is, that you can still accomplish the results of this film without buying a single thing from him, so I made a point to tell my self (even before I researched a single thing about him) that I would not buy "whatever juicer it is they showed in the film", I didn't even know the name of it, but I won't buy it. My reason being, that if you want to sell me something, don't act like you aren't trying to.
I am in good shape, I have above average eating habits, but I drink far too much, and I work at two restaurants, so I am going to reboot my system in hopes that I can better control my eating habits, and my drinking habits. There is no doubt that what we consider "above average eating habits" are still below a standard that was lost long ago, and I plan to try my best to at least meet that standard.
I probably won't tell many people though, it makes me feel like a victim, inevitably defending my self "IT DOES WORK!"
I am the cook at both of my jobs btw, hence why my habits are sometimes swayed.
Oh! and I keep forgetting one of the most important things...we NEVER SEE HIS HIVES! how are we supposed to know he actually had this disease? we see a couple of close up pics that don't show a face...probably from google images...but never solid evidence.
The only thing misleading here is the title of this article. It should be "Phony Journalist Looking For Website Traffic". What catch are you talking about? If all you were trying to do was to get me to read to the end of the article you won and I'm the sucker. This "film" wasn't terrible but it wasn't great either. I'm not sure what you think this guy is selling?
Wan't to know what this comment has is common with your article? It's poorly written, one sided and lacks substance.
This article is definitely one sided...
Simon, I have looked at the reboot webpage myself and there is no sale pitch going on there or in the movie. It seemed like a personal venture that Cross documented and wanted to share with others. On his reboot website you and everyone has free access to all the juicing recipes and plans without paying for anything. However, there is a store where you can purchase a juicer on his website. But anyone can buy a juicer elsewhere, but it is there for those who would rather make it a one stop shop. I myself bought my juicer awhile ago on ebay and I plan on doing this juicing fast. It doesn't hurt to try it and it's at no additional cost to me. So before you go and say that he is making a sales pitch and talking about something you obviously have no clue about, I suggest you do some research.
I'm not going to sit here and read months of comments. I'm not sure whether it was cleared up yet or not but he is not selling anything. I believe the question should be does this guy, a STOCK BROKER, have STOCKS IN any of the companies involved? aka. Breville or Wholefoods. Let me know if you have the answer.
Pillo is Simon. Duh!
You sir...are a total cynic....Joe Cross (and Phil Staples) have inspired thousands to examine their diet and lifestyle. Not many out there are doing that...not a bad thing to "sell". We have an obese epidemic that is only getting worse each year. I take everything with a healthy dose of skepticism...but I tried it and it works for me. Just shut up and let people decide what's right for them...
Wow, it was a really good video. i didn't see it as an advertisement like you did. i though it was an inspiring story of a man who lost weight through juicing. I think it will help many people. Thanks for discussing this video. I recommend it to friends and family.
Jen, http://juicersgalorestore.com
Love he juicing and putting my whole family on it Started on Sunday and already lost 5 pds.
It is a great way to cleanse the mind and body.
Happy Juicing!
Thanks Simon for writing that stupid article because now it has just impowered more people to try juicing. It's a great thing to see all of these people juicing. Today was my 7th day and I'm 7LBS down so why don't you just try it and get it over with then you will know what all of us juicers know. HAPPY JUICING
This writer is mad because he didn't think to make the film. It's much harder to make a film that inspires many people than it is to sit around and write about how bad someone else is. I smell jealousy and it's not a pretty scent.
Simon, you need to watch the entire movie before writing anything critical. In my opinion, it was and excellent and inspiring movie. People in my family changed their diets as a result of this movie and my father ended up losing over 100 lbs just from the juice fast. Not to mention, he revamped his entire diet after returning to solid foods. There is something to say about eating raw veggies and fruits. Obviously, this country is heading in the wrong direction. Cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are at an all time high.
I am living proof that the movie kicks some major ass and the reboot is awesome! See my 3 30-day juice fasts and major weight loss and health gain at gfveganlife on yotube. I went from a stumbling lethargis waterbag to a leaner energetic happy bubbly girl! I highly recommend the reboot! Changed my life and the way I eat. I am healthy now!
Good lord man! How can you make such brass and incorrect statements when you yourself look as though you are in desperate need of a reboot yourself. Please do a search on Youtube and see ALL the success stories (including my own) of people whose lives have been dramatically changed and improved DIRECTLY due to this movie! I did the juice fast when I was beginning to fear nothing else could possibly help. After seeing the movie I immediately started the fast and in 65 days lost 60 pounds and changed my entire outlook on life. I have since continued my weight loss journey and am now a full 100 POUNDS lighter and more fit than I have ever been in my entire life! I find people like you who criticize without even trying something to be soooo damaging to society in general, for if even one person takes your crap writing to heart and does not change their lives, thus leading to an obesity related death, you are a murderer. Plain and simple!
Do a search for me on youtube. "Losing it in China" or Ant Justant and have a look at how Joe's movie changed my life before you criticize my words above. My Starting picture looks ALOT like your current one.... Try before you criticize buddy....
Your a Republcian douch bag. They movie wasn't selling anything. But hey be unhealthy and listen to whatever Fox News tells you.
People! He was obviously selling a healthy lifestyle decision, and I'm sold! I'm doing the reboot juicing tonight with my family. Now I just need to find the recipe on the net, which is how I found this article.
Gday, i just seen the movie in australia. i too thought it was initially a sales TV advert, but was confused that the guy didnt appear to be selling anything.
maybe there could be some merit in the movie!
i cant find the recipe on google anywhere, if he was trying to sell something, he has a bad sales team.
take it at face value!!! ... veggies are better than burgers.
ohh great! now that i was stupid enough to post a point of view, i get heaps of pop-ups informing me of the 'fat sick and nearly dead' merchandise! how stupid was i ?
i dont think that i will be buying the holiday gift set or the t-shirt or the DVD, or the special tea (although, i seem to remember that the film said to not drink tea and coffee!
i am just going back to the healthy "shrims on the barbie" and kangaroo steaks. mmmmmmm
why do i even bother typing to this page? on average, there is only a response every 2 weeks.
ps i just gone bush to find some good tucker for me barbie, stuff the wussy veggies! carrot juice is for girls and dingos!
Simon, WATCH THE MOVIE BEFORE YOU REVIEW IT! You didn't even mention the morbidly-obese Phil who dominates the later half of the film. The premise of the film is about TWO gentleman going on a healing journey!!! I love good criticism, but this article is absolute garbage. I'm 100% convinced that YOU DID NOT WATCH THE ENTIRE FILM. Seriously, can you answer that question for me and the others who have commented here?
For those who thinks this movie was a sales pitch........Go back to Star bucks and Mc Donalds and be happy, nobody is judging you or forcing you to eat better.
Live as you see fit or as told by your doctor (I will personally never trust a doctor or medical study ever again because they are the true salesman covering up syptoms with their products - but thats just me, Im not asking anyone to follow suit)
Why do the sick and obese have so much to comment on any dietary movie that has been released. I always notice that its mostly people following the regualr American that get the so-called "ageing" diseases like cancer, MS, heart disease, joint pains etc and it is always these people or Doctors or medical studies that have something negitive to say.
Then there's the odd person who's tried a juice fast incorrectly by not juicing a daily variety of fruits and veg. Most drink lemon water for weeks - obviosly thats going to make you sick. I even saw an article of Angelina Jollie sayng that becoming vegan almost killed her - obviosly it would if you do it in an extreme manner without proper knowledge.
I urge those that think these diets are BS to just walk away from it and continue their lives as usual. Thats all there is to it and if someone tries to push a diet on to you be rude to them and walk away - you have free will so use it, but don't come with fake studies, or pay Doctors huge sums to lie to the rest of us. USA has the worst eating plan in the world and drug us up with pharmacuticles to keep us just able to keep doing our work so componies can grow. Inturn we spend our hard earned cash on supplements and pills to stay alive.
I won't go into my personal story but for those who really want the truth - try each diet until you find 1 that works - you are the few that is at least moving forward. Try not push you beliefs onto uthers and live by example not by trying to force them.
Diet is what a species comsumes regularly to sustain itself in a healthy way, not something used for some weight lost - then back to junk food.
I see that I had to leave my email address before being able to post.
Simon - what a briliant salemans you are. Im annoyed but I give you credit at least.
Simon,
Like Joe and Phil, at least you're trying to enhance on an area of personal development. Keep writing.
Initially, I found Joe condescending as he talked to people about juicing while traveling across the country. I don't know if it was Joe's accent or his mannerism but his communication with some folks was uncomfortable. Maybe it was designed this way because by the end of the documentary, I loved Joe and especially for the compassion he had towards Phil.
I'm also juicing and I don't think he is what you think he is. I've lost 15 pounds in less than 2 weeks. I guess your skepticism is due to not knowing. All I can say is that it's working for me and my friends that decided to take the challenge. As far as I'm concerned with the situation it isn't a scam and he isn't trying to sell anything but natural healing health and his personal method of curing his ailments.
This article seems to be too much like a film review than affirming any accuracy. I sense the writer has some underlying hostility about the success of a salesman with a great story. Time to call check mate, son.
I quite enjoyed the film and getting to kow Joe. I didn't really see it as a "how to" but more as a "why to". I was a bit disappointed that he didn't give us his recipes but hey, George Lucas didn't give me a Stormtrooper action figure in 1979 either... Mechandising is where lower budget films can make some money I suppose.
As for the gun store segment, I think it was genuine incredulity. There is nothing like that in Australia. Nothing at all, it is totally alien to us, as is the American obsession with guns.
Oh, and those suggesting Austrlians are communists.. Get fucked you one eyed backwater mother fuckers.
Just found this website and decided to post. I saw this movie a year ago and found it fascinating then. But didn't have the willpower to try a 10 day juice fast. Saw Joe Cross on Dr Oz and was bitterly regretting packing up my DVDs and placing them in a storage shed. Now I have had a juicer for about 5 yrs, one of those fancy Jack Lalanne models, and I promise you I haven't used that thing more than 15 times in the 5 yrs. It is too much trouble having to slice and dice all your fruiyts and veggies to get them down the small chute and the cleanup process is hell because my mother threw the key away to unlock the slicer. Then I realized that too had been packed up in and placed in storage. Needless to say, I was over that juicer and decided to see if I could find a better quality one. After looking online, the Breville was given high marks for ease of use and cleanup. I hightailed it to Bed bath and beyond and low and behold the Breville was right up front with a free copy of the DVD with a juicer purchase. So that solved the problem of my video and juicer.
Now, I've watched the movie twice. I did not see product placement going on when I was watching it. Unlike The Biggest Loser, who name drops Subway and that damn gum all the time, I didn't hear Joe Cross name dropping Breville at all. If I wasn't in a funk of not wanting to dig through a storage shed of crap I need to get rid of, I wouldn't have even had to purchase one. I believe that this works. It makes too much sense logically for people to even argue against it. And it is a reboot of the system. Not a permanent rest of your life thing but a way to get you thinking about what we stick in our mouths everyday.
I am 150 lbs overweight. I also suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I have got to do something to get myself together. This seems like the simplest way to do it. I'm not saying it will be easy but at least me and my mother won't be arguing about which fast food hell hole to eat at tomorrow night or the next. When I get home from work everyday, all I feel like doing is vegging out in front of the TV. Maybe this will give me the energy I'm looking for.