"Run Fatboy Run" is as blandly humorous as its title

“Run Fatboy Run” is another in a string of schlubby-guy-doesn’t-really-deserve-to-get-the-girl-but-improves-just-enough-to-get-the-girl-anyway comedies (see also: “Knocked Up”). It also fits into genre of desperate guy must do X in order to get Y, in which X is some sort of ludicrous task that pretty much only makes movie sense as opposed to real life sense and is only vaguely related to his goal Y (which is usually equal to the affections of a lovely lady or, in the case of some teen comedies, is equal to some sort of rad gift from the character’s parents such as a car or something of equal value). In the case of “Run Fatboy Run”, the lead character must run the fictional Nike Product Placement River Marathon in order to prove that he actually can finish something in his life and win back his ex-fiancée/ baby mama. It was as if the plot of the film was made with wacky comedy mad libs. Guy who works as a security guard (profession) at a women’s clothing store (place) must run a marathon (unusual task) in order to win back a girl who works at a bake shop (place where cute girls work). The film’s turns also come as no surprise and you’ve guessed the ending before you’ve finished the film. The film seems to get more predictable as it gets closer to its conclusion, partly out of necessity, and partly out of laziness. The movie also ends up turning on Hank Azaria’s character so fast that it feels forced. Many of the jokes hit on the same notes as many other sophomoric comedies, e.g. jokes about erectile dysfunction, penis size, farts, and a particularly gross bit of gross-out humor involving a nasty blister.

However, the difference in this film (and its near-saving grace) is the highly likeable cast. While many of the characters may fall into specific archetypes, (e.g. humorous ethnic neighbor, loveable libertine, slacker hero) the actors bring a certain depth and charm to the characters that still make them fun to watch. Further to the point, I feel that Simon Pegg is setting up to be the type of leading man who isn’t just a great comedian, but is also a great actor (see also: Steve Carell, Hugh Grant, and Will Ferrell when he’s not being an idiot about his career). Every bit of anguish and joy can be read on his face better than any bit of dialogue could convey and any scene with Pegg and the actor playing his young son are sure to make your heart grow three sizes that day. The film also does a good job (at least in the first half) of setting up nice, sweet moments that come to an abrupt halt with a bit of humor in order to keep them from getting too saccharine. The film seems to shine whenever it goes against the tropes that form the base of its plot and lets the characters breathe, but it unfortunately doesn’t do this as often as it should. Mostly the film doesn’t contain many rolling-on-the-floor-laughing (-copter) moments, but it does leave you smiling much of the time. The film seems to teeter just on the edge of brilliance, but its lackluster scripting holds it back. Overall I’d say the film is definitely worth seeing, but it might be worth waiting to see it at the dollar theatre in its second run.