Media Maven: “Run, Fat Boy, Run” Movie Review

 
Run, Fat Boy, Run
Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton, Hank Azaria, Dylan Moran, Harish Patel, India do Beaufort

“Run Fat Boy Run” is a slight film advertised as a comedy. The title itself may have more accurately described this story. Simon Pegg plays the central character, Dennis. He is a hapless, unmotivated man who lacks ambition and maturity in life. However, it would be a stretch of the imagination to suggest this 35-year-old man could be taken for a boy.

Our film opens five years ago, when Dennis is literally sweating and nearly passes out on his wedding day. He is not drunk or ill. He is scared to make a commitment to his pregnant fiancé.

Now fast forward to present day. Thandie Newton plays Libby the jilted, single mother of five year old Jake left at the alter five years ago. She seems to have done well for herself. She owns her own coffee shop, lives in an upper crust neighborhood and is dating the wealthy, super-successful Hank Azaria. (Note: Hank has aged well since the last time we saw so much body exposure from his character in the film “The Birdcage.”)

David Schwimmer was the director of this film and it looks like he hasn’t stretched any further than making a movie that resembles a 30-minute sitcom. The plot was formulaic and predictable. The character contrasts were too obvious to appreciate.  As director of this film, Schwimmer used sophomoric site gags to lure us into liking Dennis.

Simon Pegg has proven his ability to win the attention of his audience from his performances in “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz.” Both films were great forums to showcase Pegg’s comedic talent.

However, in this film we only get to see a flat, one dimensional performance. Perhaps Schwimmer isn’t the only one to blame for this bland, run of the mill movie — because Pegg was a co-writer for this script.

Either way, it gets a rating of two chic stars. Wait for it on DVD.

Chic Stars: Two Chic Stars

Jan’s Movie Rating System:
5 – Top notch entertainment
4 – Compelling, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Comical
3 – The a) story b) actors c) special effects saved/made this movie.
2 – If you are bored watch it, or wait for DVD
1 – Don’t bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasé, an enigma

PHOTO CREDITS:
www.runfatboyrunmovie.com