“I’m not fat, just unfit.” I hear ya brother, but I’m just unfit and fat. British funnyman Simon Pegg turns to Friends star David Schwimmer to direct his latest comedic marathon and they run across the finish line.
In London, Dennis (Simon Pegg) is about to get married to his pregnant girlfriend Libby (Thandie Newton). She’s in the next room getting prepared for the big day and Dennis is sweating and fretting in the bedroom.
When his best man Gordon (Dylan Moran) comes to get him to go to the church he finds that Dennis has jumped out the window and is running away down the street. Five years later, the bumbling Dennis is still in his son Jake’s (Matthew Fenton) life. He regrets having screwed up so bad with Libby, but is even more shocked to learn that she’s dating the successful Whit (Hank Azaria).
He finds out that the fit Whit is going to be running in a marathon and Dennis commits to finish in the race to prove to Libby that he can finish what he starts. That might be harder than it looks for the pudgy Dennis.
Those expecting a running Shaun of the Dead will be disappointed with this film. It does offer a funny romantic comedy, but don’t expect the over-the-top hilarious madness of Pegg’s other films with Edgar Wright.
Poor Dennis is such a loser as he can’t even seem to get into his apartment since he’s always locking himself out and is even taunted by a transvestite shoplifter at work. There are some loony situations involving Black’s Books’ Dylan Moran, doing a slow burn, and Dennis’ over-the-top landlord Mr. Goshdashtidar (Harish Patel). Not to mention that Dennis and Whit’s grudge match.
Thandie Newton is so darling that you wondered why the moronic Dennis ran out on her in the first place. I thought the film was great, but if you expecting a romantic Hot Fuzz or Shaun of the Dead prepare to go away disappointed though a scene involving lancing a boil gets close.
I thought the film was great and the high definition picture looked wonderful to my untrained eye.
Run, Fatboy, Run is presented in a 1080p high definition transfer (2.40:1). All special features are in high definition unless noted.
Special features include a commentary by director David Schwimmer, Pegg, Newton, and Pegg’s mum Gill. Next are 8 minutes of deleted scenes, 7 minutes of outtakes, and 5 minutes of theatrical trailers.
The only standard definition feature is the 3 minute “Thandie’s Goof” which is about a practical joke she played on Pegg. There’s also a second disc that has a digital copy of the film form your PC or portable device.
A great transfer and film, but the special features felt a bit light. However, it’s a good romantic comedy for date night but don’t go in expecting the Simon Pegg that you’ve seen in those other films mentioned and you’ll be fine.
Run, Fatboy, Run [Blu-ray] is now available at Amazon . Visit the DVD database for more information.
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