Plenty of fun!

Following the lucrative successes of both Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, actor Simon Pegg steps away from his usual suspects (Edgar Wright and Nick Frost) for something rather different. Pegg and director David Schwimmer (yes - Ross from Friends) previously worked together on Big Nothing. Apparently the wonderful camaraderie between the duo proved so strong that they reunited for Run Fatboy Run. In essence, the film is a British romantic comedy merged with rom-com that provides solid entertainment for a rainy afternoon.
The film is bright, entertaining and fun: not a masterpiece by any means, but it's unfairly pasted and tragically overlooked. It provides sufficient gags (granted they're not memorable), charming characters, an ideal cast and a heart driving the proceedings. Sure the film is clichéd and had the potential to be better, but it supplies enough chuckles to establish Simon Pegg as a leading man and demonstrates that David Schwimmer may have found his calling as a director.

The story of Run Fatboy Run concerns overweight slob Dennis Doyle (Pegg). In the opening scene it's his wedding day, and he's scheduled to marry beautiful pregnant fiancée Libby (Newton). Dennis, however, gets cold feet and leaves Libby at the altar. Five years on we find Dennis still alone and unhappy, working as a security guard at a women's lingerie shop. He still occasionally visits his son and still has feelings for Libby who has not yet forgiven him. Dennis soon discovers that Libby has moved on and is dating a sophisticated, charming American named Whit (Azaria). Of course, Dennis begins to grow jealous. Whit is in training for an upcoming marathon that he's running for a charity. In a desperate effort to win Libby back, Dennis decides to run the marathon as well. But Dennis is an unreliable quitter who has spent his life running away from everything, thus even his closest friends are sceptical about his chances. Dennis' best friend Gordon (Moran) provides him with motivation and driving force to finish the race and prove he's a changed man.

David Schwimmer was always destined to succeed behind the camera. During his Friends days he directed several episodes of the show. With Run Fatboy Run there is obvious potential shining through in Schwimmer's directing. Even with a limited budget, he perfectly captures realistic London locations and manages to maintain a pleasant atmosphere. On top of this, never is there a contrived moment to unearth.

The script was originally set in America, but Pegg conducted a massive rewrite to alter the location to England (because a British company agreed to fund it). However, Pegg's limited involvement with the laughs is painfully obvious. American humour unfortunately dominates the screen too often. Things like nudity, vulgar language, repulsive scenarios and even some racial stereotypes. Perhaps if Pegg got together with his traditional partners in crime, this could have been far better.

As an actor, though, Pegg steals the show. He trudges through the predictable events with spirit and charm. He also manages to make his actions and lines winningly human, and handles the romantic stuff believably.
Dylan Moran is a scene stealer. He pretty much plays his regular character ala Black Books, but that's the role everyone loves him for. I can never get enough of Moran's acting when this character takes flight. The chemistry between Pegg and Moran is something special...maybe Nick Frost could get worried.
Thandie Newton is decent in her role, and then there's Hank Azaria who never appears to fit in satisfactorily.

Overall, Run Fatboy Run is a likeable and refreshing modern comedy. It's riddled with clichés and is underwhelming in the laughs department, however it's pleasant company to keep when you have a few boring hours to spare.
In my opinion, the film is underrated and quite misjudged. It's not in the same league as Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz which is unfortunate, but it was never meant to. It's straightforward predictable comedy; nevertheless if you throw Dylan Moran and Simon Pegg into a scene you have an extremely fun time on your hands.

7.2/10