Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Smith's manic weight loss quest addresses mental wellness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Best Shape of My Life
What's the Story?
In BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE, superstar Will Smith (Men in Black, Independence Day) takes on a self-imposed challenge to drop 20 pounds in 20 weeks, while he finishes writing his autobiography. He admits to weighing more than he ever has, as he strips down to his tee shirt and shorts to get weighed. He diets and fasts, working out for hours every day, pushing himself to his physical and emotional limits. He examines his innermost fears, his past, and his childhood as he simultaneously writes his autobiography. But can he reach his goals? Or will he break down in the process?
Is It Any Good?
This moral tale about a man's ambition and his quest to push himself might ultimately confuse fans. It's simply very hard to see a person body shame him or herself in front of a camera, and in Best Shape of My Life, that's exactly what Will Smith does. But beyond that, while this super-intelligent, and extremely driven man pushes himself to the brink of physical perfection, he also begins to peel back excruciating memories of his personal journey.
Though the quality of the filmmaking is very fine, and the story is well-told, there are moments where the ends seem to justify the means. Will Smith touts his ability to persist at all costs. But the cracks in the Hollywood facade begin to appear, and the whole charade of this series begs the question: why set such intense goals to begin with? After all, Smith doesn't operate in a vacuum -- he brings a string of people in his team along for the ride -- for better, or for worse. Kids will want to watch it if they're fans, but adults might want to be ready for some discussions about what's reality and what's showbiz.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about healthy self-image in Best Shape of My Life. What is unhealthy about Will Smith's weight loss regimen? What constitutes a healthy body image?
Will Smith compares his body weight to images of himself when his body looked very fit. How does seeing idealized bodies in the media make you feel?
Will Smith talks about his ability to achieve anything he wants to. What does this say about perseverance? Does his perseverance inspire you?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 8, 2021
- Cast : Will Smith
- Network : YouTube Premium
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 20, 2021
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