Movie Review: Shallow Hal

Shallow Hal is a 2002 romantic comedy starring Jack Black (as Hal Larson), Jason Alexander (as Mauricio Wilson), Tony Robbins (as himself), and Gwyneth Paltrow (as Rosemary). A Cinderella story for those considered outcasts in society due to their physical appearance. A chick flick centered on one man's successful journey in finding true love when he changes his perception to seek the inner beauty of people. A must see movie for the romantics in the world.

However, most people including my husband and some critics thinks the Ferrelly brothers and Josh Kausner created this film to poke fun at physically challenged people, but I see a movie using humor to challenge the viewers to question their own perception on beauty. Besides, do you think Tony Robbins would ruin his famous reputation as a TV guru by appearing in a movie that would poke fun of people? I think not. Tony Robbins is in the business in helping people find their inner strength; he is not in the business in putting people down. For the sake of his reputation, a person like Tony Robbins keeps an arm distance from any controversial shows that would insult probably 95% of his fans and the viewing public. Insulting the public means losing money. Watch the movie and tell me what you think Tony Robbins purpose in being in this movie? Is Tony Robbins helping Hal and the viewing public by educating them on beauty or is he in the movie to insult the public? You be the judge.

On the subject of beauty, what is your definition? What outside influences affects your opinion on true beauty? Are you like Hal and Mauricio and judge people on their outer appearance or do you invest time to seek true beauty found within a person? Let us be honest with ourselves, we all either been in Hal and Mauricio's shoes in this world or have experiences the ugly duckling syndrome. Our society has pre programmed us on the standard of beauty through family influences and the entertainment industry for so long that we judge people first on their outer appearance. This movie is all about how we see the world and gaining a new perception on beauty.

Be honest with yourself, would you even watch a movie that openly suggest we change our perception when viewing the world and the people in it. An educational film? A documentary on perception and beauty? I think not. I rather have an entertaining movie like Shallow Hal educate me on beauty then sitting through a lecture on different perception of beauty when I get home from working hard. Besides, what is wrong with adding a little humor on serious issues plaguing our world? It is my belief that if you are disturb with any element of this film then you are guilty of being shallow and judgmental. Just watch the movie and discover if you display the same characteristics and judgments to be shallow. Open your eyes and see the real beauty that this world has to offer.