Since the film is based on Eric Schlosser's hard-nosed, 2001 nonfiction bestseller, filmgoers may expect a more vigorous, downright-searing attack on the effects that fast-food establishments have on our lifestyles, our waistlines, our agriculture and animal husbandry. However, by taking a fictional approach, and drastically easing out of the attack mode, "Fast Food Nation" offers about as much bite as a day-old French fry.

Passing on a documentary approach, Linklater and company have fashioned a satire with Greg Kinnear as an executive at a burger chain called Mickey's. He goes to Texas to investigate operations at one of their "restaurants." He also checks out how the meat is brought to the grill, by looking into ranch and slaughterhouse operations.

What he finds is disgusting, but not enough to change his attitude. The only attempts at crusading come from some inept, small-time college kids who won't change a thing

For similar films that get it right, check out "Thank You for Smoking" and "Super-Size Me." As for "Fast Food Nation," these burgers are flipped, over easy.