Run, Fatboy, Run Takes the Cake

If you're a fan of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and the TV show Friends, it's a safe bet you'll enjoy Run, Fatboy, Run. Run, Fatboy, Run is a romantic comedy directed by David Schwimmer (Ross from Friends) and starring Simon Pegg (Shaun from Shaun of the Dead). Simon Pegg is as enjoyable as ever, displaying his unique brand of British attitude and unusual physical comedy. David Schwimmer keeps the laughs going and the film rarely slows as it traverses from everyday comedy to dramatic resolution. However, elements of the concept and certain dramatic devices are weaker than they could be. If you're not already a Pegg and Schwimmer fan, you may want to approach Run, Fatboy, Run with caution.

Dennis (Simon Pegg) left his pregnant fiancée, Libby (Thandie Newton), standing at the altar five years ago and consequently began his theme of running away. Now, he's trying to get his life together, prove himself to his son, and win her back from her new boyfriend, Whit (Hank Azaria). Simon Pegg is a little slender to be called a fatboy, but he makes up for his only moderate belly by carrying himself with plenty of character. The characters surrounding him do a good job of bringing out his personality as well. While Dennis is driven by guilt, his close friend Dylan (Dylan Moran) is guiltless and impulsive to the great benefit of some of the comedic scenes. Thandie Newton also plays her role skillfully, but is underutilized by the occasionally awkward sequence of events. This is most apparent in the lackluster resolution to the film, which staples the story together hastily.

Critics are always a little hard on comedies such as this one. They are given ammo in that the story does not rise above the generic and the characters remain relatively inconsequential. However, storyline is not always the best measure of a comedy and sometimes clichés serve a purpose. In terms of the quality of the personalities and the performances of the physical comedy, this film does rise above the generic. It also doesn't fall heavily into the drama too quickly and ruin the comedy. When the responsibility message does arrive, it may not have a lot to offer in terms of novelty, but the way the characters relate to each other and place expectations on each other is heartfelt. The running jokes may start to wear out, but even so, cliché and heartfelt win the race.