Movie Review: Run Fatboy Run (2008)

Run Fatboy Run is a film that is a hodgepodge of different movie genres. It is a cross between a comedy, a love story and a sports tale. Despite the combination, the movie is monotonous. It is no different from all the other comedies that have been made before.

Run Fatboy Run is a very trivial movie. You will not be missing anything if you do not go out and watch it in the cinema. It may be tolerable for those who love romantic movies. The touch of romance in the story will definitely appeal to those who are romantic at heart.

The comedy in the movie is a little gross so it is not for the weak stomached. It is also not appropriate for small kids. The movie has a PG-13 rating so it keeps the profanity and gross-out scenes at an acceptable level. Some of the profanity in the scenes were bleeped out which makes the scene very awkward. Extreme profanity should have been avoided altogether if they were going to bleep it out in the movie. Even if it has many flaws, the movie's director David Schwimmer, from TV's Friends, manages to give a light touch to the movie and keeps it from going overboard.

The characters in Run Fatboy Run have accurately captured the real essence of humanity. Everyone can relate to at least one of the characters in the movie. The great characters in the movie make the movie interesting and tolerable to watch.

The story revolves around Dennis played by Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead). Dennis runs out of his pregnant fiancée Libby, played by Thandie Newton, right on their wedding day. This has left a mark in Dennis' life which has not healed over time. Half a decade later, he is working as a security guard at a shop that sells women's clothing. He has a young son Jake (Matthew Fenton) and has gained a few pounds through the years. Despite the years that have passed he still feels that he has made a mistake in leaving Libby at the altar. The story takes an interesting turn when Libby get a new health-conscious boyfriend named Whit (Hank Azaria). In an effort to redeem himself in Libby's eyes, Dennis sets his mind on competing alongside her new boyfriend in a marathon. He hopes to win back Libby's heart and win the marathon as well.

The story of Run Fatboy Run unfolds as Dennis tries to get fit for the marathon and gets back his self-esteem in the process. The characters of Libby and Dennis were written with real emotion which makes the audience empathize with what they are going through in the movie. It is the redeeming factor of the movie. The overall story may be flimsy but it has a heart. It gives hope for those who have made mistakes in the past. The movie ends with everything falling into place, leaving the audience with a good feeling.

Run Fatboy Run is an inconsequential film to see on the big screen but it may be worth watching on cable TV just to kill the time. The humor of the movie is a little weak. It could probably manage to squeeze out a few laughs. Some of the funny scenes tend to be a little strained and awkward. The movie lacks depth and does not have anything to offer that will make it different from all the romantic comedies or underdog movies that have been made before.