The title alone sparks interest in this movie, but it’s the sweet story that will get you to stay. The British rising star Simon Pegg (“Shawn of the Dead”) leads this romantic comedy that’s not afraid to play serious at times. This is the untraditional tale of a romance lost early in the story, which Pegg tries to re-capture throughout. While he does a seemingly unforgivable thing at the beginning, its almost impossible to dislike the man. At times funny, heart-warming, juvenile, and pathetic, “Run Fatboy Run” is unusual and yet familiar, which will ultimately win audiences over.
The crux of the plot is that Denny (Pegg) has a panic attack the day of his wedding and leaves his pregnant fiance Libby (Thandie Newton; “The Pursuit of Happyness”) minutes before the ceremony. Five years later, Denny has let himself go - physically and professionally. Libby raises their child, Jake, but now lives with another man. Denny remains in the child’s life, attempting to be a decent father while not having grown up completely himself. When he learns that Libby’s relationship has become serious with Whit (Hank Azaria; “Along Came Polly“), a successful American businessman, he tries in earnest to win her heart and respect back. Denny decides the best way to do that is to beat Whit at his own game - marathon running. With the ‘Nike River Run’ a 26.2 mile marathon less than a month away, Denny must get himself in shape and into the race, both to prove something to Libby and himself.
Initially, you may believe the story is a straight comedy, but Denny is shown to be a flawed person not a caricature. While he isn’t morbidly obese, Denny is certainly out of shape, with a humorous pot belly on a rather gangly frame. Pegg plays Denny with heart, as you can see in his expressions the hurt and shame in what he’s done and his lot in life. Denny has a small group of friends and acquaintances, that want to see him pull himself together. His Indian landlord is especially hard on him, but not without purpose. Once the two have an opportunity to open up to each other, they form a precarious but ultimately motivational friendship.
Watching Denny train tends to give the biggest laughs, as he has a hard time of it. Anyone who has gone through that first day or week of a new exercise regiment, will instantly understand the humor. Azaria’s character starts the film as almost too perfect and gradually the director chips away at him from there. Once we see the gaping flaws in Whit, it becomes possible that Libby might choose differently. Libby is a good mother and kind-hearted person, but she is still righteously hurt. Yet, the twinkle in her eye for Denny, begins to re-appear as he pursues his training. The race at the end pulls everything together, as we learn sometimes winning isn’t about coming in first.
Rated PG-13 for some rude and sexual humor, nudity, language and smoking.
