Run, Fatboy, Run (Picturehouse)
See, Audiences, See
Run, Fatboy, Run is probably the sweetest, funniest, most heart-warming film you wont see this year. With a cast headed by Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton and Hank Azaria you wont have any attraction to it. Maybe the fact David Schwimmer of Friends fame directed it might make you stop for a second and consider it, but since it has no car chases or explosions you will probably move on. Thats unfortunate because it is a good film. Oh well, maybe when the DVD comes out.
In the film Dennis (Pegg) left Libby (Newton) at the altar pregnant with their child. He just couldnt make the commitment. Now several years later he decides he wants her back. It could have something to do with her new boyfriend, the almost perfect Whit (Azaria). Dennis is also worried about Whits influence on their son Jake (Matthew Fenton).
In order to impress Libby and to keep up with Whit, Dennis decides to enter a twenty-six mile marathon race that Whit is also involved with as a charity event. No one really thinks Dennis will go through with it except his best friend Gordon (Dylan Moran) and his landlord Mr. Ghoshdashtidar (Harish Patel). They both get on board and help Dennis train. The training sequences constitute some of the best scenes in the movie.
Another person who urges Dennis forward is his son Jake. The relationship between this father and son is beautiful to see. It is not the ordinary type or traditional one but it is solid and affirming. The two genuinely love each other and that comes through loud and clear.
The magic in the movie comes through the relationships Dennis has with a variety of people including his son and Libby. He is a work in progress made better by the people he knows. As they grow to respect Dennis so do we, and as he gets closer to the race our hearts begin to race. Its Rocky time all over again.
The cast, though they are relatively unknown, is excellent. Pegg can make us laugh one minute and cry the next. Newton is lovely and winsome and totally loveable. Azaria is the epitome of pomposity. Then you add in Fenton, Moran and Patel and you have a dream cast as far as talent is concerned.
The film is rated PG-13 for profanity and nudity.
Run, Fatboy, Run is not your typical comedy. It has a British setting and in some ways a British sense of humor. Still it is directed by an American and he has his input too. However you match it up it is a good combination of both worlds.
I wouldnt tell you to race, everyone, race to see Run, Fatboy, Run but I would ask you to make a small effort to see it if you can. If you dont, well dont miss it when it comes out on DVD.
I scored Run, Fatboy, Run a racing 7 out of 10.
