On the smash sitcom “Friends,” David Schwimmer’s sense of humor was guided by an Emmy-winning staff of writers. Left to his own devices as the director of “Run, Fatboy, Run” (his feature-length debut), Schwimmer bombards us with infantile flatulence jokes, adolescent gags involving people’s crotches and butts, and incessant shots of lanky Simon Pegg in running shorts that would be two sizes too small on a toddler. Forget the Emmy. Make room for a Razzie.
Pegg deserves a share of the blame. The “Hot Fuzz” star co-wrote a predictable and unnecessarily vulgar script with Michael Ian Black (of “The State”) about a loser named Dennis (Pegg) who thinks he can win back ex-fiancee Libby (Thandie New-ton) if he can complete a marathon. Competition comes in the form of Libby’s new boyfriend, Whit (Hank Azaria), a buff track star blessed with the endurance and self-discipline Dennis lacks. Can you guess which guy will finish first in the race for Libby’s heart?
Familiarity is the least of the film’s problems. Jokes that bomb the first time are repeated (and no, laughs don’t arrive the second or third time). Kids are asked to swear, make fart noises and flip the bird at strangers. Schwimmer edits his scenes so that they’re tailor-made for a trailer – easy setup, hammered home with a lame punch line or gaudy reaction shot. And if you caught the “Fatboy” trailer, you’ve seen the film’s best material. My advice? Turn and “Run,” no matter what size you are.
