Run, Fat Employee of the Month, Run

 

Run, Fat Boy, Run: This was actually a pretty entertaining movie. The plot was full of contrivances and small plot problems. But that doesn't take away from the appeal of the movie itself. The premise is simple: A dude runs out on his pregnant fiancee on their wedding day. Years later, he decides he wants her back when she surprisingly meets someone who wants to sweep her off her feet. To show that he's changed and willing to dedicate himself and go the distance, he pledges to run a marathon. Mix in some hilarity and some clever acting by Simon Pegg, and you've got a fun movie. At least one that enjoyed.

While the movie is not a cinematic masterpiece, Simon Pegg is likeable in the main role. He shines through and gets the laughs where he needs to. He does spend a needless amount of time in small shorts, but that's part of the British culture, it would appear. Anyway, the supporting cast is great as his trainers and friends. They almost steal the screen when they are on it, and they provide some very interesting commentary in the background. But the reality is that Pegg is a likeable protagonist and Thandie Newton does enough to avoid being irritating. His will to overcome is well shown, and I appreciate the end ***SPOILER*** where they just don't magically get back together. I like that he just asks her on a date, and they keep the mystery involved. It made it a little less contrived.

Employee of the Month: Dane Cook can't act. When he does succeed, he is merely playing himself on screen. And that's where Employee of the Month succeeds. Because it is just Dane Cook acting like Dane Cook. It helps that Jessica Simpson looks very attractive in the picture, but could she have less lines? She is clearly there to just pout every once in a while and provide the contrivance through which Cook decides to become the Employee of the Month. Gay jokes abound -- not very clever.

Let me temper this, however: IF YOU HAVE EVER WORKED AT COSTCO, IT IS FUNNY. I laughed because I recognize the employees from my local Costco. I remember every one of those types of people. That makes this movie worth suffering through: It does have some relevance for those that have worked in a retail warehouse before. You will find the same pressure when the big-wigs come in, and competitions to be the fastest cashier. As is typical in movies, it's all pushed to the brink, but it's at least entertaining if you can connect to it.

I recommend Run, Fat Boy, Run. I reservedly recommend Employee of the Month to anyone who has worked at Costco, otherwise, please ignore it.

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