JAMES CAN EAT
Vlad Yudin‘s documentary JAMES CAN EAT dives into the dramatic world of competitive eating through the journey of Australian champion James Webb, AKA JWebby. The story brims with controversy, sabotage, favoritism, pride, and social media mayhem as James Webb faces adversity in pursuit of the ultimate competitive eating prize and his honor.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing the annual celebration of gluttony, otherwise known as Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, you understand that there is nothing like it. I like to describe it as witnessing a car crash that people are cheering for. It is a visceral and shocking event. James’ goal is to improve every year while chasing the title.
The doc features sit-down interviews with the world’s most successful competitive eaters as well as James’ family members. The latter informs his motivation, from his love of soccer to bodybuilding. Yudin sets the audience up to root for James as we lead up to the 2023 Hot Dog Eating contest. 10 weeks out, and something diabolical occurs in middle America. We learn about the physical barriers, including his brutal two-year hospital stay after his Guillain-Barré diagnosis. But Webb refused to lose.
Webb’s rising star is a boost to the sport. The competitive eating veterans validate his abilities at every turn. Even the ultimate champ, Joey Chestnut, loves him. James’s success online also comes with the dark side of social media, as anonymous users question his integrity. Webb will go to any length to beat Joey, and with all due respect. The irony that runs through the film is jaw-dropping.
Doo Soo Kim‘s tight close-ups in the opening credits alongside the rather ominous score might make you think you’re about to watch a slasher film. If you can’t stand to witness grown men stuffing food into their mouths, then you might be right. Yudin subconsciously taps into the horror of it all.
If you think you’re not interested in competitive eating, think again. Yudin allows Webb to shine. Make no assumptions about James Webb. His personality is infectious, and his undeterred passion is inspiring. JAMES CAN EAT is an engrossing peek behind the scenes of the sport. Does James achieve his goal? You’ve gotta watch and find out. So much will have you shaking your head, and I, for one, will never look at Nathan’s contest with the same respect, but I will forever honor James Webb’s honesty.
JAMES CAN EAT trailer:
Generation Iron’s compelling new documentary JAMES CAN EAT
will be available on VOD and streaming exclusively on Prime Video on Friday, August 22nd.
Featuring JAMES WEBB, JOEY CHESTNUT, AND GEORGE SHEA
Directed By VLAD YUDIN
Produced by EDWIN MEJIA JR., P.G.A. and VLAD YUDIN, P.G.A.
Cinematography by DOO SOO KIM
Edited by ADIO ASH
https://generationiron.com/james-webb-can-eat-movie/
Documentary | 107 minutes | Not Rated | 2025 | English | USA
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