25 Year old "geek" I love books, films and computer games. I 3d model and animate for mod...
25 Year old "geek" I love books, films and computer games. I 3d model and animate for mods.
Member since:04.03.2008
Reviews:5
Simon Pegg is a fantastic actor and with his latest film I think he proves that he can lend himself to virtually any role, whether it's survival horror, crime thriller, romantic comedy, or indeed all genres mixed together.
Run, Fat Boy, Run will be classed by most as a romantic comedy, and indeed it has all the great elements needed for one. The underdog who had it all and lost it, the suave new guy sweeping the woman off her feet, and the defining competition that will set them apart. The basic story starts with Simon Pegg's character Dennis about to marry his pregnant fiancée Libby, however at the last minute he chickens out and spotting an open window does the only thing possible... Legs it. Five years later he's piled on a few pounds, lost the ridiculous haircut and is working as a security guard in a lingerie shop chasing cross dressing shoplifters, without much success. Despite being a somewhat awful father figure to his son they have a great relationship, all of which is threatened by the appearance of the rather suave Hank Azaria (Whit) Things go from bad to worse for Dennis as Whit starts becoming more and more a part of Libby's and his son's life, so in a desperate attempt to prove to her that he's changed Dennis vows that he will run and complete a 26 mile charity marathon that Whit is also running.
The story itself is a rather typical affair, in some places you can blatantly tell what is going to happen next, this however doesn't mean the story is bad, anything but, it's both endearing and well told. The characters all get enough screen time to build up an identity that most people will be able to relate to, and this allows you as a viewer to really feel for the characters and what they are going through, especially Dennis who knows that he made a mistake but can't seem to rectify it. From a comedy standpoint, like most of Pegg's films it's very serious comedy, in that the characters don't go out of their way to make something funny happen, rather funny things happen to them in the way that they happen in real life, and this formula is one that Pegg pulls off particularly well in all his films.
The film itself is directed by David Schwimmer in what I believe is his directorial debut. It seems Schwimmer and Pegg work well together, having stared together in Big nothing, Unfortunatly Schwimmer doesn't make an appearance in the movie, however there are a few familiar faces pop up for a few cameo roles so keep your eyes peeled.
Overall the film has a fantastic cast and a strong, good storyline, and neither element feels like it's carrying the other at any point. Although rather predictable it doesn't detract from the enjoyability of the movie and you won't sit there feeling bored and I challenge anyone not to sit there cheering Dennis on near the end. If you love romantic comedies then you are guaranteed to enjoy the movie regardless. If you're a fan of Simon Pegg then I suggest you give it a watch anyway as his acting is nothing short of brilliant, although don't expect it to be quite the same style as Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Comedy - Director: Tony Dow - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: John Challis, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
This has been posted in the category for the Blu-Ray DVD, but mentions nothing about the new Blu-Ray format. Given that this has been posted in this specialised category, I would like to know about the quality of the new format.
lizawithaz 05.03.2008 12:01
I absolutely loved this film! Made me laugh out loud! Liz :-) xx
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