Run, Fat Boy, Run - PG-13

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Brit romcom mixes laughs with swearing, smoking.

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Rating: PG-13 for some rude and sexual humor, nudity, language and smoking. Studio: Picturehouse Directed By: David Schwimmer Cast: Hank Azaria, Thandie Newton, Simon Pegg Running Time: 100 minutes Release Date: 03/26/2008 Genre: Comedy

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this amusing (if not particularly inventive) British romantic comedy includes a fair amount of swearing (though no words stronger than "s--t" and "pr--k") -- some in front of/directed at children. One kid even gives a grown-up the finger. There's also some random partial nudity -- one character likes to walk around naked below the waist, though viewers only see his backside -- and a fair amount of smoking and drinking (mostly in social situations). The lead character goes through a positive transformation, becoming more self reliant and turning himself into a better person.

Families can talk about the appeal of "ugly duckling" stories. Why are filmmakers -- and audiences -- so drawn to them? What sets this movie apart from others in the genre? How is this type of story represented elsewhere in the media? Why is the concept of the "makeover" so irresistible? Families can also discuss Dennis' behavior. If you were Libby, would you give him another chance? What motivates him to run the marathon? Is he really more palatable than Whit in the end? If so, why?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: S. Jhoanna Robledo

To call Dennis Doyle (Simon Pegg) a loser wouldn't be such a stretch. He's an out-of-shape lingerie store security guard who's behind on the rent for his grubby basement apartment, and -- worst of all -- he abandoned beautiful, kind-hearted Libby (Thandie Newton) at the altar when she was hugely pregnant with his baby. Lucky for Dennis, she's forgiving; she even welcomes his presence in their son's life -- despite the fact that he cusses in front of little Jake (Matthew Fenton) and even gets arrested trying to buy tickets from a cop. Still, it's obvious he loves both Jake and Libby, though it's not entirely clear whether she feels the same ... especially when her new boyfriend, Whit (Hank Azaria), arrives on the scene. Rich, handsome, and prone to running marathons for charity, he's everything Dennis isn't. Determined to prove that he's no loser after all, Dennis decides to run Whit's next marathon, too -- never mind that it's just three weeks away and the only running Dennis has ever done is away from the altar.

Original it isn't, but there's no denying RUN, FAT BOY, RUN's charms, thanks to Pegg, who smartly avoids playing sentimental -- even during the movie's patently sentimental bits. He's still got bite even when he's obviously tugging at the heartstrings. Newton exhibits a knack for comedy (though her responses are sometimes exaggerated for comedic effect), and Dylan Moran is perfect as Dennis' unapologetically irresponsible best friend. But what's up with director David Schwimmer's constant flashing of Moran's naked behind? Plus, as delightful as Harish Patel -- who plays Dennis' landlord, Mr. Goshdashtidar -- may be, it's too formulaic to have him go from enemy to supporter overnight. And the big gross-out scene revolving a blister is funny, but barely; better to leave such hijinks to Judd Apatow and the Farrellys.

Still, it's been a while since a British romantic comedy managed to be appealing without relying on a stuttering, bumbling, slightly scandalous, Hugh Grant-like lead to see it through. It might not sit well after 26.2 hours of marathon viewing, but Run, Fat Boy, Run ably makes it to the finish line.

Older teens may also enjoy Pegg's "naughtier" appearances in movies like Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead or the TV show Spaced. For more quirky-funny Brit romcoms, try Notting Hill, About a Boy, and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Some kissing; in a locker room scene, one man stands naked in front of another, who's uncomfortable with the proximity; a character likes to stand around without pants on (his backside is shown); some references to "jumping on the bed."
Violence A fistfight between friends turns ugly when they start hitting each other with garbage can lids and kicking each other in the groin; a character trips up another on purpose, causing injury; another character, who's fond of gambling, is threatened by the people he owes money to (they nearly crush him with a piano).
Language Language includes several uses of "s--t," as well as "pr--k," "hell," and "goddammit." A child uses the word "s--thead," and another kid gives a grown up the finger. An adult curses at a child in a moment of frustration.
Message
	Social Behavior A man will stop at nothing to demean his girlfriend's former fiancé; he also swears at her child. Another character abandons his pregnant fiancée, though he regrets it later and appears to be a good father to their child. A gambler never seems to be able to pay his debts. Dennis, the lead character, undergoes a transformation, becoming less irresponsible and more self reliant/grown up in the end. All in all, most characters are warm and caring, despite some iffy decisions/actions.
	Commercialism The big marathon is sponsored by Nike, and on the day of the race, the swoosh logo is everywhere -- it almost feels like an ad. Some signage for bakeries and London cabs; a mention of Rolex and Channel 7.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Dennis smokes like a chimney (though he tries to quit while training); he also enjoys beer and is shown walking the streets of London drunk. Some social drinking, including parties and at bars.