Run, Fat Boy, Run Review

Working alongside Simon Pegg on "Big Nothing" must have had a profound effect on David Schwimmer, because he's chosen to direct his former co-star in this decidedly British romcom. Pegg plays Dennis Doyle, a likeable loser who's still kicking himself for deserting his pregnant fiancee Libby (Thandie Newton) at the altar five years previously. Dennis and Libby are still on good terms for the sake of their son, Jake (Matthew Fenton, surprisingly un-annoying for a child actor), but just as Dennis decides to try and win Libby back, he discovers that she's dating high-flying City hotshot, Whit (Hank Azaria). Desperate to prove to Libby that he has changed, Dennis decides to compete against fitness freak Whit in a riverside marathon. There's just one problem: he's horribly unfit and the marathon is less than three weeks away…

As a director, Schwimmer displays a natural affinity for British comedy and he delivers a variety of extremely funny gags, ranging from witty one-liners to slapstick and even gross-out humour - the blister scene in particular will have you laughing and cringing in equal measure. In addition, the script is excellent, ensuring that the jokes are never at the expense of the plot and that the romance element remains compelling throughout.

Pegg is superb as Dennis and he has genuine chemistry with Thandie Newton, in what is surely her most likeable role in almost a decade. There's also strong comic support from both Dylan Moran as Dennis's best friend, Gordon (their hilarious fight scene is a definite highlight), and from Harrish Patel as his landlord-turned-trainer.

Basically, "Run, Fat Boy, Run" is a hugely enjoyable, superbly acted and emotionally engaging romcom that's packed full of laugh-out-loud gags.