Follows a few conventions, but a good natured funny comedy

Rating: 8/10 (19 August 2008)

In David Schwimmer' s direction debut, Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz) stars as Dennis, a man who left his fiancé pregnant at the alter. 5 years on, Dennis still loves the same woman, and wants to prove his love by competing in the Nike river run.
After the delightful Shaun of the dead and the even more brilliant Hot Fuzz, I was all geared up to see Pegg in another comedy, and though enjoyable and fun, doesn't live up to his other classics.
Following many comedy and romantic conventions, Run fat boy run is predictable in some ways, but quite unique in others. The ending may surprise some critiques, but the formula of the plot, the guy and the girl routing won't surprise anyone.
Nonetheless Pegg's lovability and the comedy encoded keeps the film intriguing, not to mention Schwimmer's excellent direction, which was a nice surprise as direction is very tricky, and especially hard in comedies but the Friends star pulled it off and there isn't a fault which will go a long way in his career.
Having comic geniuses such as Pegg, Dylan Moran (Black Books) and Hank Azaria (The Simpsons) does help. The on screen relationship between all is brilliant to watch, none more so than Pegg and Moran, who are easily the funniest people in the 100 minute film.
I prefer British comedies more so than American as there is always more realism to the jokes and the story, and though following romantic conventions, this rom com delights with a different approach to the genre.
Many comedies can lack at certain points during films, especially towards the end, but Run Fat Boy Run keeps the comedy alive all the way through, which makes it unique and enjoyable throughout.
Though following romantic conventions, this 2007 comedy is sharp, funny all the way through, and extremely well directed, which makes a worthwhile watch.