No gold for this race

David Schwimmer (forever affectionately known to us as “Ross”) makes his directorial debut, with some style but no real tear-inducing laughs in this new light comedy starring Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton and Hank Azaria.

Pegg plays Dennis Doyle, a middle-aged man refusing to grow up, who left his fiancee Libby (Newton) on their wedding day while she was pregnant with their son. Five years later, Dennis is still lazy, unfit and immature, but has finally come to the realization that Libby is the woman he wants to be with. In order to convince her of his growing maturity and dissuade her from marrying a talented, good-looking and successful American businessman (Hank Azaria), Dennis vows to train for and complete a 26-mile marathon.

Any fan of “Shaun of the Dead” or “Hot Fuzz” can attest to Pegg’s wonderful acting ability. Though the movie offers chuckles along the way (like seeing Pegg run for an erectile-dysfunction charity), the few real belly laughs come from Pegg’s natural comedic skills, rather than the humor derived from the script and direction. He delivers his lines with perfect timing and makes facial expressions and physical comedy that will get laughs from any audience.

The funniest moments in the movie come during Pegg’s interactions with equally lazy coach Dylan Moran, another “Shaun of the Dead” alumnus. Any time the two share the screen – whether they are talking about women, training for the marathon or popping blisters brought on by running mile after mile in new tennis shoes – laughter will most definitely ensue. The hilarity of the script, however, just isn’t there.

The movie, which shows that David Schwimmer may have a future in the directorial field, is charming enough to keep you watching, but as far as making you laugh during every step of the race, “Run, Fat Boy, Run” falls short of the gold.