KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * *
There are formulaic underdog films that get made in America that make you feel as though you could write a movie yourself. You know how they go: puny loser leaves pregnant fiancee at the altar, realises he's made the mistake of his life, then tries to convince her of the fact by making like her new fitness-obsessed fiance and promising to finish the London marathon.
That's actually the premise behind this British film directed by ex-Friends star David Schwimmer, and starring Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead's Simon Pegg as "Fatboy" Dennis - who, by the way, is more out of shape than pudgy. But despite its predictable plot, it's a funny, moving rom-com that should sprint its way to box office gold.
Yes, it has more cliched slapstick than you could shake a stinky shoe at, inevitable Rocky references and one disgusting scene that will put you off the sport for good. It also rather conveniently turns the tables on the villain.
But for all its silliness, an excellent cast of comedians, including a cameo from Little Britain's David Walliams, make this more than just a movie about an idiot on the run. The relationships are honest and warm, whether it's the bond Dennis shares with his son, the faux-friendliness he shows Hank Azaria's arrogant American banker or the touching support he gets from his Indian widower neighbour. Black Books' Dylan Moran as Dennis' slovenly, frequently bare-bummed best mate and trainer (a role he takes on purely for a bet), manages to be both hideous and cool. It's also to Schwimmer's credit that his idiosyncracies don't creep on to the screen.
Fatboy is a bit of a marathon effort even making it to the start line but as light rib-ticklers go, it's as charming as they come.
Cast: Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton, Hank Azaria, Dylan Moran
Director: David Schwimmer
Running time: 100 minutes
Rating: M
Screening: SkyCity, Hoyts, Rialto from March 13
Verdict: Rom-com rises above predictable plot with laugh-out-loud moments
