User reviews

Occasionally when editors send reviewers a list of new and upcoming films, a kind a war-weariness can set in: even more so when one's gut feeling suggests an obvious divide between worthwhile cinema and the barrage of rather missable comedy. Even more so when a film in question has not risked journalistic censure by having an advance press screening. I am not one of the many people who thrilled excitedly to Simon Pegg's efforts in Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz. And I was even less impressed the last time he joined forces with David Schwimmer in Big Nothing. So it was with a feeling almost of self-sacrifice that I volunteered to sit through Run, Fat Boy, Run. Which doesn't even have car chases or zombies to recommend it.

The surprise was that it is actually quite good.

Simon Pegg studied drama at university but earned his spurs in working life as a stand-up comedian. Which perhaps explains why his timing is so split-second perfect. The gags in Run, Fat Boy, Run are not that remarkable. At times you can even see them coming. But the performance and skillful delivery is so polished that they are entertaining anyway.

Run, Fat Boy, Run uses a formula that has served Pegg and his growing fan base well: he is the nerd who eventually turns hero. We feel sorry for him, irritated by him, repelled by him. He's the well-meaning hopeless case we just want to 'fix'. So the audience is relieved and rooting for him by the time he makes good. We are fully behind him by the time he makes his resolve that he is "sick of being a 'nearly-man'." In this present incarnation, Pegg (Dennis) has an attack of nerves just before getting married. He runs out on his gorgeous wife-to-be Libby (played by Thandie Newton) - literally - running off as she stands in the road in full bridal dress. And pregnant.

Five years later, Dennis is working as a security guard at a women's clothing store. The predictable jokes are spoon-fed us faultlessly. Pegg rescues any situation that threatens to become too silly by a look of open sincerity (rather like Ricky Gervais does with political humour). But Pegg seems to have an instinctual grasp of cinema that enables him to extract the best results from his material. On a hot Saturday afternoon, and with strong competition from much publicised movies, the auditorium was fairly packed.

The second theme from the film's title comes from Dennis' decision to run the London marathon. This is mostly to 'prove' something to Libby (for whom he has now discovered undying love) but also to win a bet for his mates and to prove himself equal to Libby's super-fit, super-rich, super-handsome suitor, Whit. His five-year old son provides the magic glue to pull all the elements of the story together.

In a wise choice, the filmmakers avoid anything that might belittle the Marathon (given that many UK viewers may have a deep respect for the institution). But they also bring in much underused and very photogenic shots of London en-route - particularly the Docklands area.

With such a vanilla story line, Run, Fat Boy, Run is relying on Pegg's reputation to pull in audiences. I suspect that many of his fans may be occasional movie-goers who simply demand something light and untaxing. He has the ability to make a futile chase after stolen women's underwear amusing. When he seems to be rubbing himself off against a shop mannequin it could be a pathetic or tacky sketch in any other hands, but his wide-eyed expression and fast pacing move us from one joke to the next before we have time to analyse.

I wasn't bored. And I had expected to be. In fact I was laughing loudly. It reminded me of when JM Barrie had planted children in the audience of his first performance of Peter Pan. It helps to be in the company of people who see the joke. Run, Fat Boy, Run has not made me a convert to Pegg's brand of humour even if I enjoyed the film, but I have to admit that he is good at his job. Sometimes it is the difference between a sterile press screening and an audience of fans. On this occasion, marketing gets the benefit of the doubt.

This was a great film and had me and the rest of the audience in stitches. Well worth seeing and for those that have seen Michael Douglas in the Running [1979] the tale will be somewhat familiar.

Simon Pegg delivers the comedic moments superbly (doesn't he always?) and yet also convincingly parts a warm touch to, well, those warm touching moments in the film that he shares with his son.

Harish Patel deserves a very honourable mention as Pegg's landlord-cum-mentor-cum-trainer. The only problem with the film was that all the way through I was waiting on Nick Frost to make at least a cameo appearance - talking of which the David Walliams scene will bring a smile to those Little Britaners out there.

Great film.

I loved this film from start to finish!!! The story, the cast, the acting, the directing all of these things are bang - on hats off to David Schwimmer i say !! This is isn't exactly the most intellectual storyline and it isn't going to change your life, but it is very entertaining Pegg at his best offering some of the funniest lines and on screen hilarity iv'e seen in a while. Plus Dylan Moran is excellent and usually i find that Stand-Up Comedians don't carry into films very well but this didn't seem a problem for Moran.

the film is also riddled with cameo's from famous British Comedians! That really put the cherry on top of of this film.

If you want to see and honest comedy with a very heartfelt and original script Run,Fatboy,Run is for you!!!

"Big Nothing" was a decent collaboration, but lacked punch. RFBR is much closer the mark - classic British humour all dressed up as a good comedy sports romance movie.

It looks and feels like it got Ealing Comedy in its genes - or more recently The Tall Guy from the 80's, or Steve Coogan's The Parole Officer rather than class based comedies like Four Weddings - a good small low-key British comedy, with a nice parade of eccentrics - not high concept, not too low brow, rather good old fashioned heart which it absolutely wears its heart firmly on its sleeve.

David Schwimmer seems comfortable behind the camera - our favourite scene in terms of camera was the bin fight - but overall you know what genre you watching and it doesn't require too much effort to relax and enjoy.

The plot is a simple one - Dennis (Simon Pegg) gets cold feet and literally bolts on his wedding day from his pregnant fiancée, Libby (Thandie Newton). Five years on, and life has not been good to Dennis, he's suffering from middle-aged spread, working as a rent-a-cop for a lingerie store, and living below his Indian landlord (A wonderful Harish Patel, who deserves lots more work based on this).When his son starts bonding with Libby's new man Whit (Hank Azurius), whose everything Dennis is not, and American to boot, Dennis realizes the relationship with Libby is what he cares about and the only way to beat Whit is to run the same marathon as him. Needless to say Dennis is as fit as beached whale, but where the heart will, the body doth follow.

His best friend, and unrepentant gambler Gordon (A super cynical Dylan Moran at his absolute laid back best) urges him on, partly for financial gain, and partly, well, because he enjoys seeing Dennis flounder and succeed.

Like any competent sport movie we get the training etc; but here the emphasis is on the laughs.

Of course, like any romantic comedy the pay off is sweet, and uplifting.

It doesn't have enough bite to lift it up to the echelons of classic comedy - but it works well as a small comedy - there are lots of sweet touches that pay off - but not enough belly laughs to really satisfy.

We like it a lot - the camera tells the story really well - nothing too smart, just good narrative filming. David Schwimmer definitely knows his British films - this looks and fells straight out of the genre - and you'd never guess a Yank made it - all the nuances are there. Nice.

These guys obviously like each other and we look forward to seeing more from them in the future...

Recommended as a good small British comedy.

Simon Pegg is back, this time as a fatboy, with a new gang, in David Schwimmer's 'Run Fatboy Run'. Schwimmer has already gained recognition as a very talented comedy actor in the famous (and one of my all time favorite) sitcom 'Friends'. He tried his hand in direction with a couple of episodes of 'Friends' and 'Joey' and a few films. With 'Run Fatboy Run' he proves that he's a very capable director and does a brilliant job here. Being an American, I wonder how he studied the Brit humour as he does a great job giving the film the right Brit charm (of course with good collaboration from the actors and screenplay).

'Run Fatboy Run' fits into a category which I have freely termed 'Little British Movies' (other movies fitting into this category include 'Kinky Boots', 'Calender Girls', 'Billy Elliot' etc). These movies are about people from an ordinary background facing ordinary problems and tackling them with extraordinary results. Unlike the other films, 'Run Fatboy Run' relies more on slapstick (just think of 'Shaun of the Dead') but the dialogues too have the sharp wit and smart humour that make this a charming film. The story pretty much follows a 'tested' formula where the goofy guy tries to win back his ex-fiancée (whom he dumped at the alter) after the entry of a rival and when means fail, he decides to take somewhat drastic measures like run a marathon. But, what makes turns this formula into something new is that it is cleverly parodied (again, think of 'Shaun of the Dead').

Pegg stands out doing what he does best. His comic timing is impeccable and his expressions will surely draw laughs. The actor prevents any of the comedy that might have fallen flat (had it been performed by a lesser actor) by making his scenes amusing and entertaining. It's great to see the sensational Thandie Newton play a Brit after a long time. Even though her character is pretty much the typical love interest, she does a good job nonetheless. Hank Azaria is fits the bill as the nice-guy-we-should-hate. He brilliantly spoofs up his part towards the end. Dylan Moran is spot on as the cynical goofy friend. Harish Patel is hilariously phenomenal as the landlord-mentor-friend. Watch out for the pleasantly surprising cameos.

The camera-work is very good and the makers make good use of the photogenic park locations in London by making them look colourful and beautiful. The whimsical soundtrack too adds to the light-heartedness.

Overall, 'Run Fatboy Run' is genuinely funny. It has all the ingredients finely put together to make it a successful comedy. It works as a great date movie, a fun family film and a cool comedy to watch with friends.

Amusing comedy thats better in its parts than as a whole concerning Simon Pegg who bails on his wedding day to his pregnant fiancé. Several years later as his ex becomes engaged to an annoying Hank Azaria he realizes that he really does love her and decides to run a marathon to prove his love to his girl and that he is a man to himself. Along the way he's helped along by his son and an odd gaggle of friends. I liked this I didn't love it. I think the odd mix of American (director Schwimmer and Azaria) and British (everything else) wobbles the film and keeps Simon Pegg trapped in a nether world between the two. There are these odd tonal shifts as you have say a finely crafted scene of Dylan Moran and his friends playing poker that works like a great Brit com, and then you have some of the scenes with Azaria where the film seems needlessly loud and boisterous in a decidedly American way. Its jarring and it prevented me from wholly enjoying the film. No its not a bad film but its not satisfying. there is much to love, most of the cast is excellent, with Dylan Moran as Pegg's friend a real stand out.For me it was a pleasure not to have him fade into the background as he has done with most of his movie roles. Many of the jokes are laugh out loud funny since all of the pieces are there but it just doesn't come together. Worth a shot on DVD or cable . Though DVD is probably better where the rewind will help you catch the choice lines

I loved Shaun of the dead and hot fuzz so i knew i would like this but it was even funnier than i thought it was going to be.

A strong cast, the storyline was obvious but then i think that was the point, it was supposed to be a cliché, that's why it seemed funnier. The direction and writing were very good and generally the pace of the film was perfect.

I adore Simon Pegg in these roles, his ability to play the straight, flawed individual but make him the funniest man on screen is great and you're drawn to his story, no matter how ridiculous his predicament is. His best friend was hilarious, the setting of the London marathon was a great idea and Hank Azaria played his part well as the whole way through i wanted him to not get the girl and lose the race.

It's not as funny as Simon's other films but i really enjoyed it and it was well worth paying to see, in fact i'd watch it again tomorrow as there was so many laughs throughout to hold my interest.

Overall i love the Britishness of this film, the good guy and his basic life, it's not showy, or Hollywood it's just a simple film with comedy stars doing silly things and making us laugh, a perfect pick me up if you ask me.

Directed by David Schwimmer, Run Fatboy Run is a warm hearted comedy that does nothing new for the genre but merely follows in the footsteps of previous offerings. The film tells of how Dennis (Simon Pegg) runs away from his fiancé Libby (Thandie Newton) and his unborn child only to have a sense of resolve five years later (now that he's grown up). And, here's the twist, in order to prove that he is now worthy of ex-fiancés hand he embarks on an attempt at the London marathon.

Regrettably any negative preconceptions of this film are confirmed from the outset, for example, in sticking firmly to genre conventions and expectation the film quickly establishes David as an unfit wimp by him being outwitted by a shop-lifting transvestite (clearly only a transvestite to elicit a smile), it also stereotypes his Pakistani landlord to the point of it being cringe worthy and it reacquaints us with the clichéd "smooth boyfriend" character - brilliantly played by Hank Azaria.

The film concentrates on Dennis and the struggles and pitfalls he encounters on his quest to win back his ex-fiancé, but in doing so it tiresomely emulates the media's obsession with sporting underdogs and how they are always winners on some level. Its chosen plot is something that has been played out, many, many times in cinema and it is disconcerting to see a contemporary comedy with bright actors and a fresh director regress to such tedious story-telling.

In a nutshell the film parodies modern masculine anxieties, from the worry of marriage, commitment and fatherhood to the ever more popular and relevant... "am I getting a belly". In satirising these notions the film epitomizes the generic conventions of all those films that have preceded it, from Big Daddy to the more recent Knocked Up. Run Fatboy Run is a film that could have quite easily starred Adam Sandler and have been based around the New York marathon; it tells a story that has no real relevance to its cast or locations. In addition I could imagine Hugh Grant playing the "smooth talking boyfriend".

Fans of Simons Pegg's previous offerings will not enjoy this as much as Hot Fuzz or Shaun of the Dead, but will nevertheless gain some delight from the brief cameos of Stephen Merchant and David Walliams. Given that it centres around a marathon it is ironic that the film plods along at such a predictable pace, with the only sense of urgency evolving from the certainty that it has an end. There is no attempt at characterisation and the audience will not care what happens to the people on screen as no real empathy or identification with them is likely to occur.

Some scenes are funny, most notably his attempt to relieve himself of his groin rash, the moment he hits the wall and a blister popping in his friends face. The laughs are there (be them sparse), but given how they're executed and placed, it is clear they are gags that have been worked into the film to help make it funnier. Unfortunately the over worked idea and the clichéd plot devices take its toll on a film that would have been better if it the characters had been more distinctive, which is a shame because given the films short comings Schwimmer does manage to evoke heartfelt performances from his leads. Finally, the trait of predictability in a film will always pull an audience, as some viewers like well-worn ideas - the very notion proves they are a success. But if you're after something similar to Peggs previous work, that's inventive or off the wall, then this film isn't it.

Run,Fatboy,Run is a good movie with some very funny scenes and a good cast that makes the movie very watchable.The movie was saved with the fact Simon Pegg contributed to the writing process,and some good directing in David Schwimmer.The movie has an enjoyable cast,especially from Simon Pegg,who I like very much from Shaun Of The Dead,Hot Fuzz and Paul,and Hank Azaria,who I love because of his many voice roles on The Simpsons,Im a big fan of Hank Azaria and IO found it hard to picture him as the unlikable character in this movie,he just doesn't normally play that kind of character (even Moe from The Simpsons is funny and very likable),I just enjoyed the scenes he was in,not looking at him as the character I'm not supposed to like.

Dennis (Simon Pegg) leaves his wife Libby (Thandie Newton),who is also pregnant, at the altar.A few years later,Dennis has gotten very un-fit and Libby is living with there son Jake,and dating a successful man names Whit (Hank Azaria).Dennis wants Libby back and decides to prove his love for her by running a marathon that Whit is taking part in.

Not in sum, but every part seems familiar. It plays like a montage of previous rom coms.

There's nothing objectionable about it, but then again there's nothing memorable either. It's blurb, a schedule filler, one in the bank.

Pegg and Moran just sleepwalk through the same parts that they always play, not expanding their range on iota. Pegg's cringing everyman is getting quite tired now. Thandie Newton just has to stand in doorways and look pretty. Her character is a prize, not a person. The bit parts are played by the usual assortment of jobbing British actors, also on autopilot. Azaria is the strongest actor, but isn't given much of a part. His character development goes: good, good, good... evil, with no reason given for the sudden transition.

Everything about it, Schwimmer's direction included, is just... adequate. There's no snap, no pizazz, and no chemistry between any of the actors, something that becomes painfully obvious when listening to the awkward stilted commentary track. Film making by box ticking.

The whole is instantly forgettable, and dreadfully disappointing given the collection of talent working on it.

After the great Success of Shaun of the Dead(2004) and Hot Fuzz(2007) here comes another hilarious movie form Simon Pegg , but this time only as an actor . This movie was incredibly funny , and also a bit romantic , it talks about a lazy man whose fear of commitment leads him to runaway from his wedding and leave his pregnant Fiancée behind , an then five years later he tries to win her back by participating in a marathon to prove that he can finish something . I don't usually like these kind of movies but this movie is much superior and far greater than Romantic Comedies in the past century Although it's not too much romantic but still it's a great fun . Great movie .. Go see it and you will laugh your guts out .

I love this Character named Simon Pegg(Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead). And if he teams up with David Schwimmer of the Friends fame oh boy what we get is a roller coaster ride of just pure Fun.

Now Run Fatboy Run runs on predictable lines. The protagonist does something for someone to win that someone, with everyone being made Happy Happy in the end expect for the one sad poor guy called the bad guy.

So just as the Title goes the Hero Runs, runs from start to the end. On his first run he loses what he loves, on his next run he wins it back and in the end he keeps on running for a happier living.

The movie is all fun with Dylan Moran( Shaun of the Dead -irritating David) and the more interestingly Harish Patel, the Indian Landlord with a spatula "Dennis Doyle from downstairs".Hank Azaria is a perfect foil to the unfit Dennis Doyle (Pegg), who is on the verge of winning Doyle's ex-lover and his son. So what happens is the story.

Nothing unusual, but one has to feel good once in a while; watching something and enjoying it completely.

David Schwimmer has raised expectations, I eagerly await his Directorial stint follow ups as I enjoyed his role as Ross in Friends.

"Run, Fatboy Run" succeeds almost entirely on the strength of the comedic performances here. First thing the viewer needs to keep in mind is that this is not "Hot Fuzz" or "Shaun of the Dead." That's not to say Pegg's performance isn't key to this film. It is. But it's a different kind of humor, including more broad physical comedy that we don't see in the aforementioned films.

The basic premise of the film is that Simon Pegg's character, Dennis left his pregnant bride, Libby, at the altar. A few years later, his girlfriend has hooked up with Whit, played by Hank Azaria, who Dennis learns runs marathons. Wanting to prove himself to Libby, the out of shape Dennis decides to run in a marathon.

The film is a fairly formulaic romantic comedy. Pegg, who co wrote the script relies not so much on dry sometimes subtle humor, but rather a broad physical humor. He's really good at it and reveals himself a more versatile comedian. The scened where he's working out and actually running attest to that.

The other high point of the film is Gordon, played by Dylan Moran. Gordon is Dennis' friend and Libby's cousin. Dylan Moran has a way of inserting his own comedic personality into things, usually providing some sort of torment for others. This is no exception as he uses various means to urge Dennis to run. Moran is another performer with great comedic timing. He also gets some of the best lines.

Hank Azaria plays Whit. Oddly enough, funny man Azaria gets the straight man role. That doesn't stop him from being entertaining as Dennis' antagonizer. He especially shines when he's trying to take jabs at Dennis' desire to run in the marathon.

Overall, Run Fatboy Run applies a familiar romantic comedy formula. The story itself is rather straightforward and seems a little sophomoric. This film succeeds largely on its actors, especially Pegg and Moran. One strength this has over other rom coms is that despite the outrageous circumstances in the film, it does seem to have a genuine heart that gives the film a brief break from the usual rom com nonsense. It's worth a look, and enjoyable if you're willing to accept that this is a different kind of film than what Pegg has been doing.

I saw this at the Toronto Film Festival (film not yet on General Release in Canada) and it was Funny with a capital F. The audience received it very well - it was both humorous and moving and Peggs everyday Joe with a big heart and very human foibles was believable while bumbling, entertaining and at times driven.

I don't know about most people but I go to the cinema to be entertained - I know there are problems in the world and I face them every day, and I like a bit of escapism - this is the best kind - humorous but dealing with real issues, things we don't like to admit we are afraid of - commitment, failure, our children's welfare. Well written, well directed, well acted, a really sharp film. Better than Sean, better than Fuzz :)

With a Q&A session straight after the film, David Schwimmer with Simon Pegg and Thandie Newton in tow entertained the audience with their little anecdotes, - I particularly liked Thandies improv!! Well done to all involved.

Why are people asking where was Hugh Grant? I mean is he the only comedic British actor they can think of? Suggesting he replace the Simon Pegg Character would be gross miscasting of the first order. Okay, this movie isn't rocket science. And sure it's predictable, how many story lines can you think of right off the bat that haven't been done to death already? Once you've accepted this as a given instead of a complaint - chill out, relax, sit back and enjoy.

If I could be a fly on the wall while they were filming this movie, I'm sure there was more than one trade-off as to whether which type of humor, British or American, would crossover best. As a fan of British comedy series - Spaced being one of the best of many - I realize there is a large section of the American market that just don't get it. There's no comparing American Pie, a crass, gross, brain dead offering appealing to the basest of gross and sordid humor, to this. That type of American humor is like a punch in the face which is dummed down for the audience type it's designed for. And it sells.

So okay, this wasn't a masterpiece. Neither was it a dud. It was a humorous middle of the road movie good for what it was meant for. An hour or two of light entertainment unfolding in it's own manner, in this case a pretty funny and well-paced timeout with laughs built in. I enjoyed it, and part of that enjoyment was in not faulting it for being something different than exactly what it claimed to be. Now Hot Fuzz was a hilarious tongue in cheek comedy of a different order altogether. I really can see why Americans would sit down at that movie and say huh?

RFR hits all the right rom-com targets - I laughed, I teared up, I cheered for the little guy and boo-ed the buff villain. Pegg has some laugh-out-loud lines, especially in tandem with Moran as his Irish mate Gordon. Moran holds his own in the comedic moments - perhaps the funniest moment is when he appears in the dressing gown after some love drama, and asks, "What did I miss?". The fight between the two layabout friends is hilarious, the staging somehow reminiscent of a Friends episode (didn't Ross and Chandler once fight this way?). That's a compliment - Schwimmer has strong comedy pedigree and uses it to full effect. Also, good to see a US director move seamlessly through a UK film setting.

If you are in the mood for light, entertaining fare, Friday-night date stuff, then RFR won't disappoint.

My guess is that mentioning the name Simon Pegg doesn't generate any face-to-name recognition. As an actor, he has a resume that includes some 45 television and movie role credits. As a writer, his career seemed stuck in video hell with the exception of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz – two recent films that he both wrote and starred. But my bet is that if I put Simon Pegg into a police lineup, most people would be unable to identify the godfather to Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter, Apple.

This is likely to change as Pegg has been cast as Scotty in the J.J. Abrams' Star Trek prequel due to be released this Christmas. In the meantime, Pegg has kept himself busy writing and starring in the David Schwimmer (Friends) new comedy Run Fatboy Run.

Run Fatboy Run's story is your run of the mill comedy plot. Guy gets girl. Guy loses girl. Guy tries to impress girl to win her back. Guy gets girl. Easy ka-cheesy.

This time 'round it's Dennis (Pegg) who left a pregnant Libby (Thandie Newton) at the alter five years ago. In the half a decade that has passed since the groom ran down the street with the wedding party screaming his name in the background, and Dennis and Libby's lives have taken different directions. Libby seems to have done alright for herself. Granted, we never really find out what career path she has taken, but her home is quiet quaint and her lifestyle seems relaxed and at ease. On the other side of the fence there's Dennis. Dennis works as a security guard for a woman's clothing store. He lives in a basement apartment of a Mr. Ghoshdashtidar – a rotund, Indian man that later becomes integral to the 'win-back-Libby' crusade. Dennis doesn't have enough money to pay his rent and his excursions with his son usually command imaginative thinking like climbing a tree and scaring the beejeezus out of unsuspecting visitors by throwing sticks at trashcans when the walk by.

It takes the introduction of Whit (Hank Azaria) to push Dennis into action. Whit is the new boyfriend of Libby. He is everything Dennis is not. He's successful. Seemingly intelligent. Well dressed and spoken. And, most notably for the films plot, he is entered into a Nike 26-mile marathon for charity.

Dennis is obviously jealous of Whit's involvement in his family's life and in an effort to win back the respect of his ex-girlfriend, Dennis also finds a way to enter the marathon and begins training three weeks before the event.

Most of the comedy accompanies his training. There is his jogging outfit that looks like something Mr. Bean would wear to a public pool. There is his first attempt at running that gets him to the end of his street before cramping up and calling it a day. And then there's the foot blister that caused most of our audience to squirm in their seats and many to watch the scene through the slots in their fingers covering their eyes. This middle section to the film provides a few chuckles without the belly busting laughs.

By the time Dennis finally takes to the starting line alongside nemesis Whit, you can write the ending without having viewed the final reels. Sure, it was touching but the ending was never in doubt and you can draw from countless films of the same ilk to find endings of similar fashion.

As a directorial debut for Schwimmer (theatrical debut, as he has done television work), Run Fatboy Run showed his inexperience. The entire experience played like a BBC television program including some bad cuts between scenes that you could imagine ending abruptly for commercial placement. The pacing was consistent, but that's what we want out of 30-minute comedies. In theatrical events where we pay a good dollar to experience, we want large highs and just enough lows to catch our breath.

Instead we got a 'safe' film where the laughs are produced through our main characters reactions to the situations and people around him. Most notably are the second tier characters, Gordon (Dylan Moran) and Ghoshdashtidar (Harish Patel). Gordon plays Dennis' best friend and Libby's cousin and does his best to inject some humor into lines and situations that wouldn't warrant these results if the film was based on actual characters. And only the British can make lines such as "The only serious relationship I've been in ended in a broken collarbone and a dead meerkat.". Not classic, but the audience did render a unanimous snicker.

Mr. Ghoshdashtidar steals a few laughs by acting as Dennis' Miyagi with a spatula. Together with Gordon, the two provide us with the laughs when Dennis is busy trying to get serious again with his plot objectives.

The end result for Run Fatboy Run is that it is a safe and intermittently funny film that will provide you entertainment and have you forget almost everything except for a blister popping scene in the morning. It is a film that does have a heart – it just doesn't have a regular heartbeat and that what keeps it from being more than just another comedy that collects in our viewing catalogues like ties on Father's Day.

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