Run Fatboy Run (2008)

O Masterpiece
X Excellent
O Good
O OK
O Mediocrity
O Avoid

Review by Jason Pyles / April 22, 2008

I had no idea David Schwimmer (“Friends”) had it in him, but he obviously does. He directed “Run Fatboy Run,” and it is excellent — one of my favorite films this year.

As “Run Fatboy Run” opens, we’re shown a quick back story: Dennis Doyle (Simon Pegg) leaves his pregnant fiancée, Libby (Thandie Newton), at the altar. This decision is one he regrets, for he truly loves her and their lovechild son, Jake (Matthew Fenton).

Five years later, Dennis is still trying to reclaim his family but to no avail. His life is still in shambles, jumbled and in disarray, and Libby is still not impressed. In fact, she has begun dating a great new guy named Whit (Hank Azaria, “Friends”). Whit has it together, and he’s a runner, too.

Dennis doesn’t consider himself to be fat, just unfit. He sees the potential danger of Whit’s impending threat to permanently ruin his plan of winning Libby back. So Dennis decides to begin training to run in an upcoming marathon (yes, that’s 26.2 miles), the same marathon that Whit is running in. He inexplicably believes that somehow, finishing the marathon can win Libby back.

As strange as it sounds, “Run Fatboy Run” is much more than a comedy. It is also remarkably inspirational, touching, sad, pensive, moving, and complex. But inasmuch as it is a comedy, it’s funny — for sure — and I’m generally critical of comedies.

“Run Fatboy Run” has an uncommon power. Its protagonist is an everyman, a guy who means well but has regrets, probably like many of us. He is the kind of person (also like many of us) who doesn’t finish what he starts. When Dennis finally decides to change his life, it’s truly wonderful to watch.

Directed by David Schwimmer
Simon Pegg / Thandie Newton / Hank Azaria
Comedy / Drama 100 min.
MPAA: PG-13 (for some rude and sexual humor, nudity, language and smoking)

U.S. Release Date: March 28, 2008
Copyright 2008: 269