RUN FAT BOY RUN (2007, released in the US 2008)

Synopsis: Five years ago, slacker mall security guard Dennis (Simon Pegg) ran from his pregnant fiancee Libby (Thandie Newton) on their wedding day. Now with the rival Whit (Hank Azaria) about to sweep Libby off her feet, will Dennis make one last run, this time BACK to Libby?

Just to make things clear: This is a movie starring Simon Pegg. This is not a movie Simon Pegg wrote with Edgar Wright like when they did "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz." So if you're expecting this to be a sports-themed or romantic comedy parody, you may be disappointed. This is a by-the-books romantic comedy directed by David Schwimmer. Yes, David Schwimmer-Ross from the "Friends" TV show that I never watched-makes his film directorial debut with "Run Fatboy Run." Seeing his name on the credits got the largest reaction from the audience.

It is quite absurd to think that Dennis finishing a marathon would mean winning the respect and heart of Libby again. But the idea of Dennis tackling a challenge and actually finishing it is a nice metaphor for himself as a changed man. This is a fairly predictable romantic comedy akin to having a map of the course before you start a race. But instead of focusing ont he romance, the comedy takes center stage with the Nike tie-in. Comedy ranges from witty dialogs, sight gags, strangely bizarre characters, and the occasional nudity (Watching Simon's reaction to a naked Hank is priceless).

Being a by-the-books romance comedy, this film would be easily forgettable if weren't for its characters. Simon Pegg plays Dennis the slacker in denial well. "I'm not fat!" he denies in response to taunts. "I'm unfit." He never finishes anything in his life, including sentences. Dennis has redeeming qualities that make him likable to the audience and his love interest Libby. He cares for his five year old son and exhibits a certain charm amid his bumbling and moments of stupidity. As probably the only sane character in the movie, Libby is a mother who denies her feelings towards the idiot who fathered her son Jake. Sure, she claims that she only allows Dennis into her life for Jake's sake, but she doesn't act as the typical jilted bride.

Enter the American invader in the form of Whit, a successful businessman whose hobbies include running marathons, charming Libby through expensive gifts, and belittling Dennis at any given opportunity. I was kind of hoping Hank would throw in a few Moe-styled voice work from "The Simpsons" bartender, but Whit has enough vile to make the audience hate him.

Rounding off the cast are Harish Patel as Dennis' landlord Mr. Ghoshdashtidar and Dylan Moran as Dennis' friend and Libby's cousin Gordon. The antics of these two are indescribably bizarre. Yet both manage to figuratively and literally beat Dennis into becoming a changed man. I guess to focus on Simon Pegg being the main "fatboy," Edgar Wright was not cast. Dylan is a decent substitute as Simon Pegg's comedic partner.

"Run Fatboy Run" may not be a classic, but it's a nice light-hearted distraction for spring. And this film proves that David Schwimmer looks better behind a camera than in front of one.

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