Simon Pegg in "Run, Fatboy, Run"
courtesy of New Line Home Entertainment
“Identification”

Okay I admit it I was drawn to the DVD of “Run, Fatboy, Run” because of a little bit of self identification. In my day I have been known to be a little overweight and in many cases out of shape. So I watched the film wondering what lessons could be learned. What I found is that “Run, Fatboy, Run” is one of the sweetest, funniest, most heart-warming film you could see this year. 

The cast is headed by Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton and Hank Azaria. It is also directed by David Schwimmer of “Friends” fame. In the film Dennis (Pegg) left Libby (Newton) at the altar pregnant with their child. He just couldn’t make the commitment. Now several years later he decides he wants her back. It could have something to do with her new boyfriend, the almost perfect Whit (Azaria). Dennis is also worried about Whit’s influence on their son Jake (Matthew Fenton).

In order to impress Libby and to keep up with Whit, Dennis decides to enter a twenty-six mile marathon race that Whit is also involved with as a charity event. No one really thinks Dennis will go through with it except his best friend Gordon (Dylan Moran) and his landlord Mr. Ghoshdashtidar (Harish Patel). They both get on board and help Dennis train. The training sequences constitute some of the best scenes in the movie.

Another person who urges Dennis forward is his son Jake. The relationship between this father and son is beautiful to see. It is not the ordinary type or traditional one but it is solid and affirming. The two genuinely love each other and that comes through loud and clear.

The magic in the movie comes through the relationships Dennis has with a variety of people including his son and Libby. He is a work in progress made better by the people he knows. As they grow to respect Dennis so do we, and as he gets closer to the race our hearts begin to race. It’s Rocky” time all over again.

The cast, though they are relatively unknown, is excellent. Pegg can make us laugh one minute and cry the next. Newton is lovely and winsome and totally loveable. Azaria is the epitome of pomposity. Then you add in Fenton, Moran and Patel and you have a dream cast as far as talent is concerned.

“Run, Fatboy, Run” is not your typical comedy. It has a British setting and in some ways a British sense of humor. Still it is directed by an American and he has his input too. However you match it up it is a good combination of both worlds.

I wouldn’t tell you to race, everyone, race to see “Run, Fatboy, Run” but I would ask you to make a small effort to see it if you can.

“Leatherheads” isn’t the greatest comedy ever made but it is an okay film. When it was released in theaters it was not a hit and people avoided it in droves. I attribute this to the fact that rumors to the contrary George Clooney is not a big star. 

In this comedy about the beginnings of pro-football he is outshone by John “The Office” Krasinski. Rene Zellweger also has her moments (but what has happened to her career). Both she and Clooney seem to be suffering from the Oscar curse.

What makes the DVD worth watching are the extras such as deleted scenes a commentary about the movie and a behind the scenes look. All of it is there on the DVD so pick up a copy today and see what they didn’t show you in the movie.

“Cashmere Mafia” had the misfortune of premiering at the same time as “Lipstick Jungle.” Both of these shows are takeoffs on the basic situations of “Sex and the City.” “Cashmere” focuses on four women in New York who are trying to have it all – the career and the family. 

This was a good show and had some interesting characters but it was cancelled after only seven episodes. But on the “Cashmire Mafia: The Complete Series” you can see all of these episodes and watch the talents of Lucy Liu, Frances O’Connor, Miranda Otto and Bonnie Sommerville. All of thee actress4es brought something special to the series and maybe if it hadn’t been such a crowded and abbreviated season they might have found moiré success.

For those of you out there who love the “Dalmation Movies” you can have a ball watching not one, not two, but three “Dalmation” movies thanks to Disney and DVD’s. There is the classic “101 Dalmati0ons” followed by “102 Dalmatians” plus “101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure Special Edition.” That should be enough to keep every dog lover in your household happy.

Plus there are extras such as deleted scenes, videos and commentary. So get these today and have a doggone good time watching all three movies!

Your kids will also want you to get “High School Musical 2: Deluxe Dance Edition.” This DVD features the hit Disney musical with some behind the scenes information on the dance moves. It is only a few weeks until “High School Musical 3” arrives so start dancing while you wait.

“Brothers and Sisters” started its third season this past week so you still have time to get caught up on what went before that episode. You can do that by watching “Brothers and Sisters: The Comp0lete Second Season” which is now out on DVD.

All 16 episodes of the second season are offered as well as extras to make it more special. You learn all you wanted to know about the Walker clan and more. So get the DVD and start watching before any more new episodes come to pass.

Love arrives in the strangest ways and at the strangest times as is proven in “The Neighbor,” a new DSVD starring Matthew Modine and Michele Laroque. These two play sworn enemies who are battling over an apartment. Jeff (Modine) swears he will never let Christine (Laroque) his neighbor have his apartment. But when he gets desperate for a favor it is to Christine he turns and that opens the door to love.

This is a lightweight film but it is fun and the two lead actors do have some charm. It won’t be something you’ll remember for long after it is over but while watching it you will have a good time.
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

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