Run Fatboy Run - B

In theaters March 28. Rated PG-13, 100 minutes. Trailer.

After being brow-beaten into a night with a 'light-hearted and fun' movie instead one that maps the soul of a flawed male protagonist, my bride and I settled on a sneak preview of Run Fatboy Run. The trailer looked funny and I enjoyed enough of Hot Fuzz to give writer/star Simon Pegg another chance. Click below for the Fatboy review.

Pegg is Dennis, a down on his luck security guard that ran out on his pregnant bride-to-be Libby (Thandie Newton) at the altar. Five years later, the film begins with Dennis wishing he was with her and jealous of her new love, Whit (Hank Azaria). Whit is everything Dennis isn't: rich, fit, dapper and smug. Through Dennis' limited interaction with Libby and Whit during his pickups of his son, he conveys to Libby his desire to get back with her. This all gets turned into a challenge whereby if Dennis finishes the charity marathon that Whit is participating in, Libby will consider his offer of reconciliation. The movie has a predictable plot and resolution, complete with a feel good ending.

The best parts of the film are Pegg and his equally dismal friend, Gordon. Played brilliantly by Dylan Moran, Gordon provides comedy and reality to the story, especially after he makes a bet with his gambling buddies that Dennis will finish the marathon. His self-interest begets a new work-out routine for Dennis with a funny montage and gross blister pop. Azaria is also very funny as the interloping dolt. Pegg proves himself a great comedic actor equipped with impeccable timing and instincts, but also a decent dramatic actor showing range in his scenes with his son.

Directed by David Schwimmer!!!!, this has some great parts and more ho-hum parts. Thandie Newton is annoying and the story (written by Michael Ian Black and Pegg) was too predictable and fun for me to really get into it.

Bonus: Article from Sunday's NY Times about Pegg.