Run, Fat Boy, Run (2008)

Though not the best attempt at directing for David Schwimmer, Run, Fat Boy, Run is very funny and delivers laughs all too familiar to fans of Simon Pegg. And that isn't a bad thing.

Pegg's character Dennis is a security guard for a women's clothing store. The story revolves around him and getting into shape to run in a marathon. He not only does this for self-benefit, but to prove to his ex-girlfriend/fiance Libby that he is capable of doing everything her soon-to-be husband Whit (played by Hank Azaria) can do.

One thing stood out to me in the movie that I thought was very elaborate, and that was Dennis' journey to overcoming his cowardice personality. On the day of his wedding, he ran away leaving his fiance at the altar pregnant. By running the marathon and overcoming "the wall," or point of exhaustion that runners reach just before giving up, Dennis reaches his goal of determination to get his wife back and escaping the stress of being dubbed a quitter as he has his whole life.

The film is rather predictable and could have had better direction in some scenes, but all-in-all the movie told a good story about self-achievement and proving wrong those who doubt you.

Be Kind Rewind (2008)

Though something I would consider a little less "far out" than Michael Gondry's other work, Be King Rewind creates a small, simplistic environment with sensitive male performances that play off of a tragic, yet hilarious accident. If you didn't know, the accident involves a rather old-fashioned video store (that only deals with VHS tapes) that loses every piece of footage in their already small selection of movies, thanks to a mishap of Jerry (Jack Black) becoming magnetized by a local power plant. Jerry attempts to infiltrate the power plant after developing the theory that they are controlling everyone's minds. It's not a very typical role for Mr. Black, as we are used to him being the fat, crazy extremist he normally showcases in films like Orange County and Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny. But as I said, the male roles here are sensitive.

Their resolution for solving the problem with the tapes, is to re-shoot every single tape into their own B-grade, twenty minute versions. I found this to be one of the funniest qualities of the movie, as the films they remake are paid tribute to through their campy recreation. Famous films such as Ghostbusters, Robocop and even Driving Miss Daisy appear among their homemade projects.

Black shows more of a glimpse into his goofy self while portraying characters in the remakes, which made me a little unsure of what kind of character Black is trying to display. That is, of course, assuming he is going for a one-dimensional character. On the other hand, Mos Def and Danny Glover were excellent and performed together extremely well.

Overall I was impressed with Gondry's pursuit in filming more of the norm. The homemade videos added a second perspective to appreciating the film, and if you've seen the original versions, you will probably laugh that much harder. Aside from that, the movie doesn't generate as much humor as it does bestowing the benefits and harmony of independent film making. For this reason alone, Be Kind Rewind has a unique quality that simultaneously warms the heart and brings the idea of movie making closer to us.