“Run Fatboy Run” is a dramatic comedy set in London. It’s about an out-of-shape loser, Dennis Doyle (Simon Pegg), who runs away minutes before his wedding. He leaves behind his very pregnant fiancé, Libby Odell (Thandie Newton).

Five years later, he has a son, and he’s still a loser trying to get Libby interested in him again. Dennis finds out Libby is dating Whit (Hank Azaria), a successful American businessman who likes to run marathons. Whit is everything Dennis isn’t: a success.

Whit tells Dennis he’s going to run “The Nike River Run Marathon,” and Dennis thinks it’s a waste of time. Eventually, Whit proposes to Libby, and she accepts. Dennis, in a last ditch attempt to get Libby back, decides to run the marathon and finish it. All his friends and family bet on him to fail.

“Run Fatboy Run” is a funny movie, and fans of Pegg will enjoy it. This is another film that allows Pegg to prove himself as a leading actor. He carries the film well and shows off some of his dramatic acting skills. At some parts it can get a little bit clichéd, but overall it’s a cheesy, heartwarming, underdog story. It has a little bit of British and American humor.

The film was directed by David Schwimmer, the guy who played Ross in the TV show “Friends.” In his directorial debut, he does really well. This is a character- and story-driven film, which is a breath of fresh air from the usual American films that don’t include that.

Rating: 3 out of 4