“Run Fatboy Run,” the new film directed by former “Friends” star David Schwimmer, does a top notch job of taking elements of British comedy and using them in a movie that Americans can embrace. Although it lacks the spark that will make it a cult classic like star Simon Pegg’s other films, “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” it is entertaining through and through.
In “Run Fatboy Run,” Pegg (“Hot Fuzz”) plays Dennis, a generally “unfit” individual who bolts on his wedding day, leaving his pregnant fiancée, Libby (Thandie Newton, “Crash”), at the altar. Five years later, Dennis lives in a tiny apartment and works as a security guard at a women’s clothing store. (The “Hot Fuzz” fanatic in me loved seeing Pegg back in uniform.) When Libby gets engaged to a wealthy American marathon runner (Hank Azaria, “The Simpsons”), Dennis decides to prove to himself and Libby that he can do something worthwhile by training for and running a marathon. Helping whip Dennis into shape are his best friend (Dylan Moran, “Shaun of the Dead”) and his landlord (Harish Patel).
Though the trailers (and really, the above description) make the film seem like the marathon is an effort to win back Libby’s heart, Dennis is running to prove his worth as a man and as a father.
Simon Pegg has already proven himself as a comedic powerhouse and he uses that talent here to do a more low-key film than we’re used to seeing him in. Though he’s not being chased by zombies or gun-wielding Brits, Pegg combines lovable charm and sardonic wit to play Dennis. He alternates between the clever dialogue and the physical comedy of the film well and portrays a character that audiences will naturally root for.
Thandie Newton is fine as Pegg’s former fiancée, but she tends to disappear behind the comedic genius of the men in the film. She fails to bring anything special to her performance, making it seem like literally anyone else could have played the role and no one would have noticed.
Hank Azaria is perfect, as usual. In this film, he stretches his legs (no pun intended), playing more of a straight-man than he usually does. Though he’s meant to be the villain, his performance is layered, adding depth to what could have easily been a one-note, moustache twirling bad guy.
Director David Schwimmer and writers Michael Ian Black and Simon Pegg have done a commendable job with “Run Fatboy Run,” combining heartfelt moments and sidesplitting hilarity with an ease that even Judd Apatow would approve of. Though the film’s happy finish is predictable, the race to get there is worth the effort.
