In this made for Lifetime TV movie, a female highschool jock transforms her athletic body with the aid of a fat suit to film a documentary on life as an overweight teen in hopes of winning enough money to go to college.
Kaley Cuoco from the television series 8 Simple Rules, Charmed and Big Bang Theory portrays the role of Alyson, a bright, popular girl. Her diabetic mother is played by comedian Caroline Rhea. Other supporting actors include scene stealer Melissa Halstrom who plays Ramona an overweight teenager Alyson befriends at summer school, Brandon Olds plays Alyson's insecure, overeating brother and Scott Little plays George, Ramona's best friend.
To Be Fat Like Me has good intentions but definitely comes across as preachy at times. It argues that fat people should be treated like everyone else but then takes the opportunity to put in a speech about proper eating and taking care of yourself like any self-respecting fat person hasn't heard it before. But it does have some great moments of redemption like showing audiences that people should be called out on their rudeness and the importance of sticking up for others who are being treated badly, and finally, that checking your own beliefs at the door isn't as easy as saying it should be so. I was impressed with the makeup used to transform Kaley but I could definitely sense an awkwardness with the body that a fat person wouldn't necessarily have. But I guess could be interpreted as part of the character's lack of comfort in her new persona.
The best quote from the movie is the last line spoken by Kaley/Alyson to the viewers: "A jock, a fat girl, for one summer I was both, in one of the oldest caste systems in America. Because, fat or skinny, popular or freak, it all comes down to this--the world will tell you who you are until you tell the world."
Overall, it is a good made for television movie and it is worth a moment or two of your time to watch it. Maybe even make it a family night movie to encourage some positive discussion on providing support and offering acceptance in a non-judgemental way.
At the moment I haven't been able to find this movie on video but it is starting to show up on other network television stations so keep an eye out for it.
