“Sorry. I went for a run this morning in my trunks...and I think I've got a bit of a rash...you know, down there in the, uh...scrotal zone.”
Yesterday with Paul, we lost Wright and today we lose Frost and Park. However, we still have a film co-written by Pegg. Run Fatboy Run is a fantastic serious romantic comedy that anyone can enjoy.
Pegg plays Dennis Doyle (“from downstairs”), a man who left his fiancé, Libby, pregnant at the alter—he just ran away for reasons later revealed. The plot of the film is Dennis trying to maintain his relationship with Libby and their son, Jake. However, things get more complicated when Dennis meets Libby’s new American boyfriend, Wit who right off, the audience can tell is not a nice guy (even though he acts like one). Dennis has always run away from all the uncomfortable situations in his life and has never finished anything he starts—he is a quitter. However, when he finds out the Wit is a marathon runner and is signed up for an up-coming race, he decides to show Libby that he can change and that he can finish something. Problems arise when he cannot find a way into the race since the dead line was several months ago. His good friends are there to support and to push him, motivate him, and essentially force him into running the race. Will it be enough? Can he change? Does Libby still love him? Is he running for the right reason?
There are so many things that I love about this film. First and foremost, the way it is set up and the flow and mood of the piece. On the surface it is just another romantic comedy but it is more serious than most of the one’s I have seen. It has a mood not unlike the film Definitely, Maybe that is funny but also serious. Run Fatboy Run is very hilarious but has a message and a theme to get across about facing ones fears and committing to ones responsibilities, which the film articulates wonderfully. The first time I saw this was in theaters when it first came out on a date with my first serious girlfriend. After seeing Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, I just had to see this. When I did see this I laughed my arse off for most of the film but there were several moments when I teared-up and at one point cried. This film pulls at all the right heartstrings. Simon Pegg is a brilliant writer.
In addition, writing for this film is Michael Ian Black who wrote the original story. I know him best for his comedic work on the short-lived television show, Stella. Directing Run Fatboy Run is David Schwimmer who most people know from Friends. Schwimmer and Pegg had co-starred together a year earlier in Big Nothing which formed their relationship and created this great film. However, I was not impressed at all with Big Nothing. In fact, I think it is by far the worst Pegg film there is. It is not the fault of Pegg or Schwimmer, the film just sucked and I have been debating on reviewing it or not.
Anyway, semi-co-starring in Run Fatboy Run is Dylan Moran who played David in Shaun of the Dead who is most known for his hit comedy show, Black Books which also starred Bill Bailey (Spaced, Hot Fuzz). Also, the voice of the television commentator towards the end of the film is none other than Peter Serafinowicz (Spaced, Shaun of the Dead).
Run Fatboy Run also has a phenomenal British soundtrack. Seriously, check it out. Each song works perfectly with the scenes they are behind. The film is also a great look at areas in London such as Canary Wharf and Hamsterheath Park.
There are a few things to point out. One is that in the scene when Dennis is snogging his reflection in his mirror, if you look closely, you can see the crew reflected in the television screen on the left. Schwimmer was aware of this but since they were on a time restraint and it really was the best take, he used it anyway. However, the scene is so engaging that I did not notice it until I watched the DVD commentary and he pointed it out. Also, the flashback scene when Dennis is on the bus was never scripted and was added much later. It is a wonderful and important scene and I am glad they decided to add it.
In the scene where Wit is intimidating Dennis with his penis, he is really powdering his balls—talk about a method actor.
Finally, something that blows my mind is how great of an actor they have to play Jake. Matthew Fenton is a brilliant child-actor and he never forgot a line not even once. He makes the film that much more believable.
Run Fatboy Run truly is a gem. It has many hilarious moments juxtaposed with very serious content, the acting and writing is brilliant, and the theme of the film is great. I was going to give it 4.9 out of 5 because I do slightly enjoy Shaun and Fuzz more but since the difference is negligible, I might as well give Run Fatboy Run 5 out of 5 stars.
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