Issue 157

Review: Run Fat Boy Run

08th October 2007

Mr. Pegg has been doing quite well for himself recently, following the success of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz with many appearances in American produced films. Here he stars as Dennis Doyle, a man who after leaving his pregnant wife at the altar spends the rest of his life regretting it, until a new suitor for his ex wife arrives on the scene and he decides to try and win her back by running a marathon.

Adaquately directed by David Schwimmer (I know, what the f**k?!) Pegg is perfect for this kind of role, acting well as a middle aged loser kind of guy, who whilst being a bit hopeless is also pretty touchingly earnest sometimes. Hank Azaria is entertaining as rival man Whit but the slightly too generic plot developments mean that his character feels quite two dimensional and his inevitable villainous personality traits feel tedious rather than shocking.

The film does have many entertaining moments that will have you laughing, particularly between Pegg and comedian Dylan Moran who plays Pegg's best friend. There are also a few cameos from British talent such as Stephen Merchant, co-creator of The Office, although these excerpts feel a bit like Pegg has just invited his friends for a ride on this particular vehicle and there isn't really enough room for them.

Despite these faults the film remains an entertaining 100 or so minutes and the coupling of Pegg and Moran will more than satisfy most audiences. Overall, too earnest for it's own good but still quite funny, probably worth seeing if there's nothing else you fancy.

Richard Stone