RUN FAT BOY RUN
Director: David Schwimmer
Staring: Simon Peg, Dylan Moran, Hank Azaria…
When Dennis Doyle (Simon Peg) discovers that his ex-partner, Lizzy (Thandie Newton) has started seeing new partner, Whit (Hank Azaria) he makes the rash decision to run against Whit in an upcoming marathon. Three weeks before the race Whit is fit, experienced, and well trained for the race. Dennis is lazy, fat, and has no idea what he is in for. But with training from his mate, Gordon (Dylan Moran) and his landlord, anything is possible.
This is a great film. It has a heart-warming story line, a relatable underdog, a love interest, a slimy antagonist, and a brilliant comic side-kick. It makes for a really enjoyable movie.
However. If you take Simon Peg (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead), mix with sidekick Dylan Moran (Black Books), and add in Hank Azaria (The Simpsons), then this film shouldn’t be great… it should be awesome.
Sadly, it isn’t. Standing alone, it is worthy of a great review, but burdened with the great work that had gone before, it struggled under high-expectations.
And yet, what makes this film so good is not the overall film, but some great character driven moments throughout. The Peg and Moran fight scene is an instant classic. Young Jake’s antics with the bed remote is wonderful. And when a special romantic moment is interrupted by Moran in a bath robe, well, it is a must see.
1/2