The major problem with “Run, Fat Boy, Run” is that you’re supposed to root for the protagonist. Unfortunately, in this case, the protagonist is Dennis (Simon Pegg), a slobbish slacker who left his pregnant bride Libby (Thandie Newton) at the alter 5 years previously. Dennis is such a loser that it’s hard to root for him let alone want him to regain Libby’s affection. In fact, for two-thirds of the movie I was rooting for Whit (Hank Azaria), a man who is everything Dennis is not. But obvious machinations of the script ultimately tip the scales in Dennis’ favor.
“Run, Fat Boy, Run,” is a mixture of three genres, comedy, drama and sports movie, and the transition from one to the other isn’t always smooth. The broad comedy (a blister the size of a golf ball on the bottom of Dennis’ foot which pops and squirts a slimy goo) seems out of place with the serious issue of a son running away. And the last third of the movie focuses on the marathon that Dennis and Whit have entered to run.
Although Dennis is supposed to be Everyman, his character is not developed enough to establish that in the minds of the audience. And the other characters in this movie seem to be stereotypes: the sweet girlfriend who still loves the protagonist, the new boyfriend who is really a jerk, and the best friend who is only interested in gambling.
According to director David Schwimmer, “Run, Fat Boy, Run” was originally supposed to be an American movie, set around the New York Marathon. However, when the funding came from a British source and Schwimmer was told to make a British comedy, Simon Pegg did a rewrite of Michael Ian Black’s script. “Run, Fat Boy, Run” is marginally funny, with Schwimmer showing promise as a director. (3/26/08)
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