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In
demand British comedic actor Simon Pegg stars as Dennis, an immature,
irresponsible, and out of shape single father who has been trying
to make amends for leaving his pregnant bride to be Libby (Thandie
Newton) at the alter 5 years ago. When Libby begins dating a well
off American financial consultant named Whit (Hank Azaria), Dennis
intends to show him up and win Libby's heart by completing the famous
Nike River Run marathon under the guidance of his best friend Gordon
(Dylan Moran). Cue a training montage featuring Pegg in the tightest
short shorts this side of a gay parade!
Considering the talent involved, Run Fatboy Run should have
been much better. Friends star David Schwimmer takes
on directorial duties (no doubt to branch out after playing the
same role for so many years), and while his direction is adequate,
Schwimmer's inability to take risks with the material handed to
him leaves the film languishing in clichéd sports movie schmaltz.
Even the hilariously spirited fight scene between Pegg and Moran
comes off as repetitive, considering that Colin Firth and Hugh Grant
did it much better in Bridget Jones's Diary.
What keeps the movie from drowning in its stock filmmaking are the
performances. Pegg proves he can survive without Nick Frost and
Edgar Wright by his side, injecting humour and a loveable clumsiness
to a character - aptly described as a "cock" by one elderly
lady - who is introduced not doing the most chivalrous of deeds.
However, the best laughs come from Irish comedian Dylan Moran, who
steals every scene with his sly wit and dry delivery. Also, a cameo
from Little Britain's David Walliams is a highlight.
At its heart, Run Fatboy Run is a film about redemption and
responsibility. Some of the humour on hand can be rather crass and
immature, but the performances from Pegg and especially Moran will
insure a few laughs.
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