Run, Fat Boy, Run ~~~

I went into the cinema with the idea that I was going to be seeing the usual, and wonderful, dead-pan slap-slick comedy of Simon Pegg. Little did I know that there was more to this film than I had first imagined.

Before we go any further, I must add that Simon Pegg is a bit of a hero of mine. We have too many interests in common (even I am confusing Simon with his wonderful on-screen persona Tim Bisley, from Spaced.) The horror films, the computer games, the same 70's/80's social references even, and this is the clincher, sense of humour. So at this point, after Spaced, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz this film had a lot to live up to...

The story is simple - guy finds girl, has lovely life then on the day of their wedding freaks out and, quite rightly, looses girl. As I said, simple. The pleasure therefore comes from the characters, script and general fleshing out of the story.

Number one - it's a rom-com (yuck!) set in England. London biased (of course) but at least not Yankie-land. (Although I must also add that David Schwimmer (of Friends) directed it - and brilliantly, too!)

Number two - Thandie Newton stars and she is gorgeous. And a great actress yet to really fulfil her potential. (Yes, in Crash she was excellent - also, years ago in In Your Dreams.)

Number three - Dylan Moran also stars. Great arse shots!

Anyway, Simon stars as sad and rather lonely Dennis. He lives in a teeny, tiny flat somewhere in London having walked away from Libby (Newton) and their baby. His wonderfully charismatic landlord finally helps Dennis realise the mistakes he's made and his rather boring security guard job helps tip him over the edge. In the process, he does discover that he can run, especially after a great chase with a huge, black transvestite nicking frilly knickers! Add into the mix a new and rather over-achieving man in Libby's life, one who runs marathons for fun, which pushes Dennis into deciding he can prove his love through the power of a sustained jog.

Cue much comic training and a healthy dose of competition.

The final part of the film does wane slightly, probably because of the length of time spent covering the actual marathon Dennis is competing in but overall, the film is pretty tight leading to a rather predictable yet exciting climax.

Ultimately a little light on comedy, it's difficult to tell if the ultimate balance struck between comedy and drama was the writer's intention?

I did enjoy the feeling being in a vibrant, working London. Hank Azaria was excellent as the controlling love-interest, Whit. Everyone did a great job but somehow, for me, it just wasn't enough. I know I'm quite demanding with my films, and having seen 'Knocked Up' recently has set the bar pretty high for this new, and potentially exciting, genre of grown up rom-coms with added edge.

My advice - see this, then when Simon or David's next film comes out you can say 'Oh, that was miles better than 'Fat Boy...'