For his pedigree as a big theatrical director, it's funny that David Schwimmer's one directorial debut is an innocent popcorn comedy. Then again he's best known for a sitcom role, but it would have been nice to see Schwimmer try to escape that reputation.Nonetheless, "Run Fatboy Run" is a pretty watchable popcorn comedy about an aimless man in arrested development (Simon Pegg) who runs a marathon as a hail mary pass to win back his ersatz ex-wife/baby mama (Thandie Newton) who he left at the altar on their wedding night out of fear. It sets up a rather obvious but serviceable character arc: The man's a loser because he's a commitment-phobe so finishing the race will represent his ability to commit. The film is set in London with a certain British whimsy in terms of many of the side characters including Harish Patel as a quirky yet sweet downstairs neighbor, Dylan Moran as the opportunistic best friend, and Nevan Finegan as a sexy no-nonsense landlady. The film can be firmly divided into two halves: Before Simon Pegg's character runs a marathon, and the marathon itself. In the first act, it's pretty typical with obvious foreshadowing and comedy that seems a little overly reliant on grotesque physical in a manner reminiscent of the "Three Stooges" (or what I'd imagine the Three Stooges to be): In one scene, Pegg's character gets a nail in his toe in an effort to pop a blister; in another, he and Moran's character get into a fight that's played for humor based on the pain they must be in).What really elevates the film is when he starts running the marathon and the subplots merge into more of a kinetic frenzy. The humor of bodily pain starts to segue into the tropes of a feel-good movie.This is one of the few wide-release running films and there's a lot of relatable stuff here in how annoying other runners can be, how some of the good running tips don't make sense until you're on the track, how will power will only take you so far without practice, and how running a long-distance race is often about the light at the end of the tunnel.

If the man didn't finish the run, the woman didn't go back to him and the successful businessman didn't go evil all of a sudden at the end, I probably will give this film a 7. Unfortunately it turns out a stupid and naive story eventually. Guess the director believes the fantasy in Friends too much.

I think a test of whether a film is 'good' or 'bad' is to ask the question - would you be happy to watch again or several times?Run Fat Boy Run is a film I have happily watched several times over the years. It is a charming comedy where the good guy does, eventually, triumph through adversity. The old fashioned ending, where they do live happily ever after. Pegg jilted his girlfriend (Newton) at the alter because he was scared, thus ending the relationship. However, they do have a son. A few years later, he's working as a looser security guard, she is dating a rich American playboy. Pegg does start to get jealous. Particularly as the relationship looks to be serious and may mean she and will marry the American and go to live in the USA taking their son with her.Trying to outdo the playboy (who is a keen runner) Pegg talks himself into running the London marathon (against the American) The story is a light hearted comedy as Pegg tries to win back his family. The marathon becomes 'the wall' he must overcome to achieve this. 7.5/10

I watched Run Fatboy Run on TV this afternoon. I thought it may not hold the interest but there was nothing else to do so I watched. I was so glad I did.This is a beautiful movie. It is about ordinary lives that can rise to extraordinary challenges when the circumstances warrant.Simon Pegg was superb in his portrayal of Dennis, an ordinary unambitious security guard who stood up his pregnant bride Thandie Newton at the altar.Thandie Newton was charming as the stood up bride who moves on with her life.The child actor Dylan did a brilliant job as did Hank Azaria as the typical sophisticated American expat yuppie.The supporting cast of Dylan's friends and the Indian landlord were equally brilliant in the portrayal of their respective characters.At the end of the day, this is a feel good movie with a healthy dose of the human factor that all of us can well relate to.For those who have not seen this already, please do if you get a chance to. It is a must watch.