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"Lbs." is a 2004 independent film that follows the story of Neil Perota (Carmine Famiglietti), a young man struggling with obesity. The film opens with Neil leaving a weight loss camp after losing a significant amount of weight. He returns home to Queens, New York, where he runs his family's Italian deli. However, Neil struggles to maintain his weight loss and gradually starts gaining the weight back.

As Neil's weight increases, so does his social isolation. He feels uncomfortable in his own skin and has trouble connecting with others, especially romantically. He's also in deep financial trouble since the deli is not doing well, so he is forced to take desperate measures to make ends meet.

Throughout the film, Neil tries various weight loss methods, such as joining a gym and following a strict diet, all to no avail. Eventually, he decides to undergo weight loss surgery, but both his insurance and his family react with skepticism.

What sets "Lbs." apart from other movies about weight issues is the honest and nuanced portrayal of Neil's struggles. The film avoids easy answers, showing how complex and difficult weight loss can be, especially for those dealing with chronic obesity. The movie highlights the emotional toll of being overweight, such as feelings of isolation, depression, and low self-esteem.

Carmine Famiglietti delivers a compelling performance as Neil, navigating the film's emotional highs and lows with authenticity and empathy. Michael Aronov and Miriam Shore also shine as Neil's best friend and sister, respectively, providing much-needed support and humor.

The film's direction by Matthew Bonifacio is understated but effective, capturing the gritty reality of working-class Queens and the struggles of Neil's daily life. The film's independent roots and low-budget add to its raw honesty, making it a refreshing antidote to Hollywood's glossy portrayals of weight loss.

Throughout the film, "Lbs." offers a window into the complicated, often stigmatized world of obesity. It's a movie that paints a sympathetic, vivid portrait of the challenges of weight loss and societal pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. It's also a hopeful film, showing that even in the darkest moments, there is always a possibility for change and growth.

Overall, "Lbs." is a powerful and timely film that deserves wider recognition. It's a movie that speaks truth to power, breaking down barriers and inspiring viewers to embrace their beauty, regardless of their shape or size.

Lbs. is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 63.