by Missy Thompson

STAFF WRITER

I am an avid fan of the long-running television show "Friends." I own all 10 seasons and at least once a day will quote or make a comment about a particular aspect of the show. Because I know just about every episode by heart and the intricacies of the characters, I have a difficult time watching them in other projects.

"Friends" cast member David Schwimmer, who played the geeky and sensitive Ross Gellar, took a step back from acting and wound up behind the camera directing the new film "Run Fat Boy Run." Schwimmer previously teamed up with screenplay writer/actor of "Run Fat Boy Run" Simon Pegg in "Big Nothing," an underrated crime comedy that was released in 2006.

Pegg is known for writing strange, slightly dark and twisted comedies such as "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz." Now, with "Run Fat Boy Run," he pokes fun at himself while adding to his repertoire of silly, yet sometimes incredibly violent comedies. "Run Fat Boy Run" falls into the more silly-sweet category as it plays up to its flaws.

Since this film is Schwimmer's directorial debut, I was not expecting much from his end, but I was pleasantly surprised with how well executed the film was. It probably helped that Pegg's weird sense of humor shines through and that the end of "Run Fat Boy Run" is both predictable and refreshing.

The problem with "Run Fat Boy Run" is that not everyone will get or enjoy the humor. It is the type of film that if you have seen Pegg's other movies you will probably really like this one. If you have not, then "Run Fat Boy Run" may not be the best movie choice.

In "Run Fat Boy Run" Dennis (Pegg) is a slightly overweight underachiever who is scared of long-term relationships. Thus, he leaves his pregnant girlfriend, Libby (Thandie Newton), at the altar on their wedding day. Five years later, Dennis is still chubby and works as a security guard at a women's retail clothing store. But, he doesn't have the relationship with Libby he once had. He does see his son, Jake (Matthew Fenton), occasionally.

Dennis discovers that Libby is currently in a serious relationship with Whit (Hank Azaria), a high-powered American stockbroker. Whit is everything Dennis is not: successful, fit and has Libby by his side. Now that Dennis is aware that Whit might take Libby and Jake away from him to Chicago, he wants to do anything he can to keep them in England.

Dennis thinks that to keep Libby in his life he needs to prove to her he is serious about something. When he learns that Whit is running in a marathon, Dennis decides that would be the perfect way to show her. He enlists the help of his landlord Mr. Ghoshdashtidar (Harish Patel) and friend Gordon (Dylan Moran) to train him for the big race. After some trouble finding sponsorship, Dennis is ready to run against Whit and prove to Libby and anyone who has ever doubted him that he is capable of something great.

I really enjoyed "Run Fat Boy Run" not only because I'm a fan of Pegg's work, but also because I can identify with how his character had to overcome being a little overweight and running in a race. Even if I hadn't, I probably would have still liked this movie. It is very light in content and simple in storyline. But, it is not something everyone will enjoy.

missy@tooeletranscript.com