RUN FATBOY RUN (2008)

Positive Aspects of RUN FATBOY RUN (2008)

There you have it, the most annoying cast member of ‘Friends’ actually directs a half-decent film. There are a lot of genuinely funny and touching moments, particularly in the second half when Simon Pegg’s character Dennis learns to take charge of his life and try and win back some respect from his ex Libby (Thandie Newton) by running the London marathon, and finishing it.

You have a classic arc of the flawed hero overcoming his weaknesses to rise to the top and become the man he wants to be. There are some nice moments, particularly in the interplay between Dennis, Libby and her new boyfriend Whit (played with charm by Hank Azaria), especially as Whit slowly reveals himself to not be the great guy he appears to be in the beginning.

Harish Patel plays Dennis’ landlord Mr Ghoshdashtidar and does an amicable job of not turning that character in to a racial caricature which at times it looks as if it will be. The film looks really good as well coming in to what appeared to be a silly comedy I wasn’t expecting much from the visuals but they are quite lovely to look at, showing off London in all its glory with sweeping establishing shots and even some glorious night views, particularly in the scene at Libby’s party at Whit’s place. Astonishingly, this film is better than expected, given the silly nature the preview trailers seemed to give off.

Drawbacks of RUN FATBOY RUN (2008)

The first problem? The film starts with the wedding day of Dennis and Libby, which comes to an abrupt end when Dennis, scared as hell, makes a run for it, leaving Libby at the altar pregnant. Now, I’m not a woman, but I figure that’s an unredeemable offence. And that’s where this film fails miserably because despite a gallant attempt to make Dennis rival Whit a complete jerk in the second half of the film, you just can’t escape the fact that Dennis did something that he can’t make up for.

But, being a feel good movie, he of course gets the girl in the end. The second problem? The entire first half of the film is just downright annoying, silly and caters for the lowest common denominator, with sight gags, stupid slapstick and gross out comedy. Not to mention that Dennis is a complete loser. Given he’s the protagonist it’s very hard to get on his side when he does so many stupid, cowardly things.

And the recurring joke of Dennis locking himself out of his flat gets tired really quickly. All of this makes the first half very inconsistent with the second half where Dennis manages to find an inner strength he never knew he had in order to become a better man. In the second half he becomes likeable but in the first half you want to kick his ass. And the transition between the two is just not believable.

This is also manifested in the character of Whit who by all rights is so much better than Dennis, yet arbitrarily in the second half of the film, he becomes a dick, thus legitimising Dennis’ hold to hero status of the film. Perhaps it was the way it was handled, but it just doesn’t mesh. If you have to watch this film, watch it in two parts. It might make more sense.

Final Verdict

It’s better than what you might think, but not even an endearing second half can make up for the fact that its based on an unbelievable premise and a stupid, lowest common denominator first half.

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