Weak Premise
Simon Pegg, fresh off the success of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, made an error in judgement when he agreed to star in Run Fat Boy Run. Maybe he was excited to star in a film with the gorgeous Thandie Newton, or with Dylan Moran again. Perhaps the story appealed to the actor, but whatever the reason, this film was a misstep for Pegg.
Run Fat Boy Run reunites Pegg with David Schwimmer, who co-starred in 2006’s Big Nothing. Schwimmer, best known as Ross Gellar from friends, directs Pegg this time around. The film, which is only 100 minutes, still feels too long given the weak premise and story.
The film opens as Pegg’s character Dennis, with a terrible haircut complete with hideous-looking bangs, is about to leave his 8-months-pregnant fiancee, Libby at the altar. But he doesn’t just walk away, he takes off running down the street, in plain view of her and all of their wedding guests.
Sitcom Story
The film skips to five years later, and Dennis, now a security guard, is huffing and puffing as he chases a shoplifter. The shoplifter, a transvestite, jogs easily ahead of him, mocking the out-of-shape doorkeeper with the phrase, “Run, Fat Boy, Run!” He gets back the panties she’s stolen only to quickly discover that she’s also stolen a bra, so another chase ensues.
After work, Dennis goes back to his home, only to have to buzz the landlord to let him in because he’s forgotten his keys. The landlord threatens not to let him in, as Dennis is late with his rent. A short time later he shows up to take his son for the evening, while the frustrated Libby scolds him for being an hour late. This is how the audience is told that Dennis is the same pathetic loser who ran out on Libby five years ago.
When Dennis arrives to get his son, Libby’s new boyfriend, Whit is there. This makes him extremely uncomfortable, as Dennis has still been hoping that they will get back together. The arrival of Whit begins to make that unlikely, as Whit is a rich, athletic, intelligent man, and Dennis’ son has already grown as fond of him as Libby.
Story Ending Rushed
When Whit tells him about a marathon he’s running to raise money for charity, Dennis comes up with a plan: he will run the marathon, finish something for once in his life, thereby showing Libby that he’s changed, win her back and live happily ever after.
This story could’ve been resolved during a half-hour sitcom. Instead, viewers are forced to watch everything get dragged out and, and then wrapped up just as quickly. Whit is turned into a bad guy within a five-minute period after a strange, sudden outburst that seems forced and out of character with the rest of the film.
Supporting Actors Give Best Moments Onscreen
The most memorable parts of the film come from Dylan Moran, who plays Libby’s cousin and Dennis’s friend, and Harish Patel, who plays the landlord. unfortunately, these two actors aren’t in the film enough to make the rest of the film worthwhile. Instead, check out Simon Pegg's films Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, or The Good Night.
 |
