Run, Fatboy, Run (PG-13, 2008)

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.

Studio: Picturehouse
Director: David Schwimmer
Cast: Hank Azaria, Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release: March 26, 2008
DVD release: September 22, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: some rude and sexual humor, nudity, language and smoking.