Matt 1Review One: Run Fat Boy Run
March 14th 2008 03:09
First of all I would just like to say thankyou for your comments thus far. I am a very keen film and music enthusiast, and thus hope to post as many reviews on here as possible. The films, particularly, may not necessarily be new films but rather movies that I have newly seen.
The first such film is "Run Fat Boy Run", directed by former Friends star David Schwimmer.
Plot Synopsis:
English comedian Simon Pegg plays Dennis, the unfit, unhealthy and unlikely ex-fiance of the stunning Libby (Thandie Newton). You see, although he had the woman of his dreams, the smoking, swearing security guard left her at the altar on their wedding day... oh, and she was pregnant. But while generally we would be expected to see Dennis as a villain because of such an act, the audience cannot help but sympathise with him in his mission to win her and his son, Jake, (Matthew Fenton) back, albeit 5 years later.
There is more than just Libby's heartbreak and reluctance standing in the way of a reunion however, with a confident, charming and affluent American having entered her life. Hank Azaria portrays Whit, who in many ways is the anti-Dennis. On paper he's the perfect guy for Libby with no noticeable chink in his armour, yet Dennis seeks to show Libby what she and Jake truly mean to him. Enlisting the help of his good-humoured Indian neighbour and sardonic, unemployed friend (played by Black Books genius Dylan Moran), Dennis wants to run a London marathon. Finishing would at least win back Libby's respect and prove a point to both her and Whit - that he's fed up with running away. Failure to do so, however, would quash any chance of completely reconciling with ex-fiance and prove fitness fanatic Whit right, since he believes Dennis won't finish the race.
Matty T's Rant:
I will admit that it was not a deliberate decision to see this film. Having arrived at the cinemas with no concrete choice yet made on what I was about to see, the fact I knew it was a comedy starring Simon Pegg essentially made my decision. After all, Pegg's unique and very English style of humour made Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz memorable, after he had previously starred in a string of UK television comedies. Even from the title of the film, one gets the feeling that Pegg's fame is beginning to cross oceans, namely the Atlantic. The title would be more at home in an American schoolyard than English street, evoking memories of the famous scene from Forrest Gump. Regardless, the Americans are taking notice of the man and a Hollywood career perhaps beckons after a stint in Mission Impossible III and now with "Run Fat Boy Run" the launching pad for future success.
It is no surprise with Schwimmer behind the camera that "Run Fat Boy Run" employs the blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and heartfelt drama that made Friends so memorable. At times Pegg engages in ludicrous comedy, particularly in the confines of his department store workplace. His bubbly and cuddly Indian neighbour and wise-guy friend also provide various doses of insane humour, sometimes involving nudity. Yet, in true Friends style, moments between Jake and Dennis and Dennis and Libby produce emotions that show both Pegg's range and Schwimmer's intent. For "Run Fat Boy Run" is not merely a comedy but too a didactic tale about letting go of your fears and stepping up to the plate.
Azaria, while adequate, possibly understates the Whit character slightly. Neither his moments that are meant to be humourous nor his scenes that are supposed to show his irritating arrogance are quite up to Pegg, Newton and Moran's standards. The American is slightly lost, perhaps in London's translation, amongst that delightful trio. (Note: Newton is South African, not English).
"Run Fat Boy Run" is unlikely to be placed on any "Must See Films of 2008" list. It won't be as funny as a number of upcoming releases and not nearly as dramatic as most. But its charm lies in Pegg's stand-out performance. Newton is warm throughout and there is no doubting her on-screen presence. However, the lead character's scenes with the witty Moran and Indian neighbour (Harish Patel) are reminiscient of a modern-day Three Stooges or "Odd Trio", with the three men providing much of the film's comedy. Unlike the other two, though, it is the co-writer of the film Pegg, who makes this worth seeing by being both comedic and dramatic. He plays an ordinary man well enough to make other Hollywood producers laugh, smile and indeed take note: there is an Englishman we should look at.
Matty T's Recommendation:
Go see this, if only for Pegg. He's as smooth as a cactus and as good-looking as an old boot but brings Schwimmer's big-screen directorial debut to life. He is supported by a warm cast, with several cameos by English television celebrities and the movie will make you laugh because of its awkward, sarcastic comedy.
I'd like to know what anyone else who has seen "Run Fat Boy Run" thinks of the film, and if you have any opinion on Azaria's casting as Whit.
Matty T's Rating:
A nice film. It perhaps doesn't pack the punch or popularity of others but at the same time, leaves similar obvious and obnoxious American comedies in its wake. * * * 1/2 (3 and a half STARS)
The first such film is "Run Fat Boy Run", directed by former Friends star David Schwimmer.
Plot Synopsis:
English comedian Simon Pegg plays Dennis, the unfit, unhealthy and unlikely ex-fiance of the stunning Libby (Thandie Newton). You see, although he had the woman of his dreams, the smoking, swearing security guard left her at the altar on their wedding day... oh, and she was pregnant. But while generally we would be expected to see Dennis as a villain because of such an act, the audience cannot help but sympathise with him in his mission to win her and his son, Jake, (Matthew Fenton) back, albeit 5 years later.
There is more than just Libby's heartbreak and reluctance standing in the way of a reunion however, with a confident, charming and affluent American having entered her life. Hank Azaria portrays Whit, who in many ways is the anti-Dennis. On paper he's the perfect guy for Libby with no noticeable chink in his armour, yet Dennis seeks to show Libby what she and Jake truly mean to him. Enlisting the help of his good-humoured Indian neighbour and sardonic, unemployed friend (played by Black Books genius Dylan Moran), Dennis wants to run a London marathon. Finishing would at least win back Libby's respect and prove a point to both her and Whit - that he's fed up with running away. Failure to do so, however, would quash any chance of completely reconciling with ex-fiance and prove fitness fanatic Whit right, since he believes Dennis won't finish the race.
Matty T's Rant:
I will admit that it was not a deliberate decision to see this film. Having arrived at the cinemas with no concrete choice yet made on what I was about to see, the fact I knew it was a comedy starring Simon Pegg essentially made my decision. After all, Pegg's unique and very English style of humour made Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz memorable, after he had previously starred in a string of UK television comedies. Even from the title of the film, one gets the feeling that Pegg's fame is beginning to cross oceans, namely the Atlantic. The title would be more at home in an American schoolyard than English street, evoking memories of the famous scene from Forrest Gump. Regardless, the Americans are taking notice of the man and a Hollywood career perhaps beckons after a stint in Mission Impossible III and now with "Run Fat Boy Run" the launching pad for future success.
It is no surprise with Schwimmer behind the camera that "Run Fat Boy Run" employs the blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and heartfelt drama that made Friends so memorable. At times Pegg engages in ludicrous comedy, particularly in the confines of his department store workplace. His bubbly and cuddly Indian neighbour and wise-guy friend also provide various doses of insane humour, sometimes involving nudity. Yet, in true Friends style, moments between Jake and Dennis and Dennis and Libby produce emotions that show both Pegg's range and Schwimmer's intent. For "Run Fat Boy Run" is not merely a comedy but too a didactic tale about letting go of your fears and stepping up to the plate.
Azaria, while adequate, possibly understates the Whit character slightly. Neither his moments that are meant to be humourous nor his scenes that are supposed to show his irritating arrogance are quite up to Pegg, Newton and Moran's standards. The American is slightly lost, perhaps in London's translation, amongst that delightful trio. (Note: Newton is South African, not English).
"Run Fat Boy Run" is unlikely to be placed on any "Must See Films of 2008" list. It won't be as funny as a number of upcoming releases and not nearly as dramatic as most. But its charm lies in Pegg's stand-out performance. Newton is warm throughout and there is no doubting her on-screen presence. However, the lead character's scenes with the witty Moran and Indian neighbour (Harish Patel) are reminiscient of a modern-day Three Stooges or "Odd Trio", with the three men providing much of the film's comedy. Unlike the other two, though, it is the co-writer of the film Pegg, who makes this worth seeing by being both comedic and dramatic. He plays an ordinary man well enough to make other Hollywood producers laugh, smile and indeed take note: there is an Englishman we should look at.
Matty T's Recommendation:
Go see this, if only for Pegg. He's as smooth as a cactus and as good-looking as an old boot but brings Schwimmer's big-screen directorial debut to life. He is supported by a warm cast, with several cameos by English television celebrities and the movie will make you laugh because of its awkward, sarcastic comedy.
I'd like to know what anyone else who has seen "Run Fat Boy Run" thinks of the film, and if you have any opinion on Azaria's casting as Whit.
Matty T's Rating:
A nice film. It perhaps doesn't pack the punch or popularity of others but at the same time, leaves similar obvious and obnoxious American comedies in its wake. * * * 1/2 (3 and a half STARS)
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Comment by Jess Paine
Wag The Film
I reviewed this on my blog if you want to check it out. I agree Simon Pegg is the reason to see this film, as everything else is quite textbook.
I didn't think Azaria was miscast, I just think he was handed a very inconsistent character. Whit is charming and reasonable, and then for convenience of the plot he morphs into a villain (a stupid villain to, for such an allegedly smart man).