Run, audience, run!

Peanut butter and jelly, fries and ketchup, hamburgers and cheese, actor/writer Simon Pegg and director/writer Edgar Wright: these are things that are perfect together and just don't have the same flare when they're separated, which would explain the tragic results of "Run, Fatboy, Run." From "Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz," and even the fake trailer, "Don't," in 2007's "Grindhouse," the comedic writing styles of Pegg and Wright are magnificent and achieve outbursts of laughter. However, Pegg decided to run solo in this film, which proved to be a bad idea. Directed by David Schwimmer - yes, Ross from "Friends" - "Run, Fatboy, Run" wanted to be a funny, witty and thought-provoking British farce, but instead it was a predictable pile of trash. Simon Pegg plays Dennis, who five years prior had a nervous breakdown on his wedding day and decided to leave his pregnant fiancée, Libby (Thandie Newton), at the altar. Now, present-day Dennis is an overweight and out-of-shape security guard in a lingerie store, incapable of even catching a bra thief. Through their son Jake, Dennis and Libby still see each other regularly, but things get sticky when Dennis discovers that Libby has a new boyfriend, Whit (Hank Azaria). After repeated unsettling run-ins with Whit, Dennis decides to get Libby back. How does he plan on doing so? By getting in shape and running a marathon to prove he is responsible, because what woman wouldn't forgive a man who left her at the altar, lives like a bum and takes nothing seriously once he finishes a race? Of course, there's minimal drama, but I couldn't help but wonder why I hadn't I laughed since the first 30 minutes. If you choose to see this movie, try this out: when something dramatic happens, based on all your knowledge of film and television, try to predict how it will be resolved and the chances are extremely high that you will be right. But I say that you shouldn't waste your money. "Run, Fatboy, Run" is a complete train wreck, and considering it opened at 13th in the box office, I think general audiences have taken the hint. I'm sure you'll laugh more watching "21" or even "Superhero Movie."

2 stars (out of 5)

Director: David Schwimmer Stars: Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton, Hank Azaria Length: 100 min. Rated: PG-13 (for some rude and sexual humor, nudity, language and smoking)

"Run, Fatboy, Run" is playing at Regal Cinemas on Shawnee Street and Carmike on Stephenson Avenue.