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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Remember when "charming" wasn't such a negative?, September 25, 2008
First, a warning to fans of Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz, the more popular of the Simon Pegg starred films: this isn't a film that would seemed to have come from the same team of film makers, that is despite the fact that Simon Pegg did help develop the story for this film. There are lines of humor and jokes in this film that hint at the playful spirit shown in those earlier films, but as a whole this movie is much more in the "charming" category where those films were done in a different manner entirely. Perhaps the difference is David Schwimmer's direction, perhaps it's the screen play, or perhaps Pegg was intentionally aiming for charming in an effort to widen his range and appeal, either way the result here is a film that fans of the earlier movies may be disappointed in.
If you can get past the idea that this film is going to be charming, rather than more satirical and crude, well, you find that the result isn't that bad. 5 star material, not so much for me, and really probably more in the 3.5 range overall, but I'm rounding up a bit as I happen to think charming isn't such a bad thing to be.
Simon Pegg plays Dennis, a man that ditched his pregnant girlfriend (Libby, played by Thande Newton) at the altar. Years later he finds himself working as a security guard that can't run more than a few blocks to try to catch the shoplifter that ripped off the shop we works at. Ah, the difference a few years, many cigarettes and not so healthy eating makes for.
Dennis is a not so dependable father to the son that Libby has been raising by herself, and meanwhile Libby has found another potential love interest (played by Hank Azaria) who seems to make Dennis all the more sad over the love he lost.
Eventually (not so far along really), Dennis decides that he'll run in the big marathon to impress Libby, not just because he wants to impress her, but because his competitor for Libby's interest is going to run in the event. Can a guy whose life is such a mess, not to mention the lack of being physically fit, actually run a marathon? That's what you'll be watching to find out. :-)
There are several crude jokes mixed into the film along the way, and several minutes of the same mixed into the outtakes that are included on the Blu-ray disc. Nothing that is that harsh, but those that are easily offended should consider themselves warned. A few instances of rough language also help get the film that rating it sports, so again if you are easily offended perhaps you're better off looking elsewhere.
Picture quality on the Blu-ray is nice. The soundtrack is enjoyable and the musical selections that are included fit nicely where they are placed. Give this romantic comedy a chance to charm you and you may find it more of a winner than you expected. Certainly worth a rental, not far from the buy it rating.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Simon Pegg was my reason to watch, but it's no Shaun or Hot Fuzz, October 14, 2008
Run, Fatboy, Run was funny at times, but it was also generic and a little too sweet for my tastes. Simon Pegg is a natural talent and one of my favorite comic actors, but even he can't make this movie anything special. The love story has been done what seems like a million times before, but there are enough amusing moments to give it three stars. I would skip it until you can watch it for free on TV.
The Blu-ray does have a very nice picture and sound quality, but the extra features are lacking. There are quite a few deleted scenes and a commentary track, but not much more.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Get this movie, March 25, 2009
You should really consider this movie. It is cheesy and cheeky at the same time. It is not a Oscar winning film, no. But it is a good quality, very well written and very easy to relate to type of movie. I got it on sale as well.
I have yet to see anything that Simon Pegg was in that wasn't brilliant.
If you take movies too seriously, this is not the best movie for you. It is a very goofy romantic comedy, definitely good for a date.
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