"Lbs." has already garnered much critical acclaim and commercial attention. Variety calls "Lbs.", "a narrative companion piece to the popular Sundance independent documentary Super Size Me." To date "Super Size Me" has earned over $27,000,000 worldwide, so you can understand CAVU's enthusiasm with regards to releasing 'Lbs".
Recently, Carmine appeared at the annual NAASO (the North American Association for the Study of Obesity) convention in Las Vegas where he spoke in front of 2000 doctors, scientists, health and fitness industry personnel before a screening of the film. The response from everyone has been incredible, and we are now working with NAASO, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), the American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Heart Association, treatment centers, and numerous other health organizations around the country to spread the word-of-mouth on "Lbs."
CAVU Pictures has acquired worldwide distribution rights to the critically acclaimed independent feature film "Lbs" which we plan to release theatrically nationwide in 2008.
"Lbs.", which premiered at the Sundance film festival, is a fresh and entertaining account of one man's battle to defeat his addiction to overeating. During the course of the film, the main actor Carmine Famiglietti (who also co-wrote the film with director Matthew Bonifacio) goes through an amazing transformation, actually shedding 175 pounds during the production! With generous portions of warm humor and heart-felt pathos, "Lbs." is an intimately personal, honest and compelling chronicle of a man finding his self-worth and acceptance.
What the Press is saying about "Lbs"
"A touching, frank feature-film debut for both director Matthew Bonifacio and lead actor Carmine Famiglietti... his physical transformation over the movie's running time is astounding...." Brittney Gilbert, NASHVILLE SCENE
"...a narrative companion piece to the popular Sundance documentary SUPER SIZE ME... 'Lbs." is a fresh and entertaining account of one man's battle to defeat his addiction to overeating. Famiglietti's performance carries the charge of real physical and emotional catharsis” David Rooney, VARIETY
"Doing the DeNiro thing in reverse, star and co-writer Carmine Famiglietti lost 170 pounds & Lbs. never resorts to cheap fat jokes... pleasantly melancholic mood hits a similar note as 'The Station Agent'” Dan Buskirk, PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
"...winning performances... Christian Bale's starvation in 'The Machinist' will seem like amateur hour... here's hoping we see a lot more of (Carmine) Famiglietti." Tod Caviness, ORLANDO CITY BEAT
"Anyone who has experienced an addiction or is just in search of a strong family film will love this one.”
Rita Mitchel, FILM FESTIVAL TODAY
"It's a message that carries weight." -Marc Ferris, NEWSDAY
"Absolutely delightful and touching feature directed by Brooklyn native Matthew Bonifacio.... as amazing as Morgan Spurlock's ('Super Size Me') weight gain may have seemed, equally impressive is the feat pulled off by Queens native Carmine Famiglietti, who actually lost 170 pounds while making this film. That's what we call dedication to your craft!"
-David Ling, PAPER MAGAZINE
"A well-acted and well-written, funny and touching story."
Dan Gross, PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS
"...(Carmine Famiglietti) is extraordinary...an inspirational film by Matthew Bonifacio... a testament that the American obesity problem is a topic that can be fearlessly tackled... effectively brings the issue to the forefront... humanizes the obese individual as one who isn't just a 'fat slob'..." -Tiffany Whitney, IHIGH.com
"... a hearty movie with substance and realism... Lbs. trims the fat of cliches and platitudes..."
Brad Schmitt, THE TENNESSEAN
"With generous portions of warm humor and heartfelt pathos, 'Lbs.' is an intimately personal, honest and compelling chronicle of one man finding his self-worth." -Andrew Preis, PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL
"Carmine Famiglietti is not your typical matinee idol, yet he still has the power to break hearts. He and director Matthew Bonifacio have written a moving portrait of a man's struggle with one of the most misunderstood addictions- overeating. Bonifacio takes this unique story and gives it a cinematic voice that is fresh, honest and entertaining." J. Cooper SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
"A wonderful performance by Carmine Famiglietti... a must-see movie." John Douglas, GRAND RAPID PRESS
"I was taken with the film for it depicted graphically how one structures a binge & I was struck by the need to hibernate to turn down the intrusions which caused him to eat. I was struck by his frank discussions. The combination was the most powerful statement of the problem I have seen.” -Director of Severe Obesity/ Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco -Sasha Stiles M.D.
" 'Lbs.' is an outstanding movie that illustrates the struggles faced by people with eating disorders and obesity. The stigma so frequently experienced by overweight and obese patients is poignantly captured in the film. The story of the protagonist's friend who suffers from drug addiction is skillfully interwoven with his story and highlights the similarities and differences between addictions and eating disorders. It is the first film that I have seen that has had a sympathetic portrait of what it is like to suffer from an eating disorder complicated by obesity". -President of the National Eating Disorders Association -Pauline S. Powers, M.D.
"Disarmingly natural, sincere and funny a far more thoughtful and convincing film than the thematically linked 'Super Size Me" John Douglas, GRAND RAPID PRESS
in theaters summer 2008
