Actor-scribe Simon Pegg has earned himself a devoted fan base in a relatively short time, largely built from Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, two movies that were produced in a relatively insular world made up of his friends (who are mostly British), and so it was confusing to see in the end credits of his new Run Fatboy Run that the top writing directing credit went to Americans Michael Ian Black and David Schwimmer, respectively. More surprising is that the tone of the movie is less Simon Pegg and more Nick Hornby. Nevertheless, Pegg successfully continues his campaign for mainstream success.

In Fatboy, he plays Dennis, a manchild who literally ran out on his own wedding and, five years later, decides to run a marathon to prove that he can commit to his ex-finace (Thandie Newton) and one-up her current boyfriend (Hank Azaria). In the process, he learns that committing to one thing can create a domino effect and finds himself growing up more than he ever imagined.

Under a different director and speaking someone else’s words (though he did do a re-write), Pegg keeps his bite but develops a more sophisticated bark. He easily balances goofy pratfalls and smart prose. He’s helped along by a stellar supporting cast – Azaria in particular is brilliant and Dylan Moran fills the slimy sidekick role nicely. With such a talented cast, it’s hard to credit Schwimmer with much directorial vision, but he stays out of the way and highlights the copious laugh-worthy moments and makes the film feel more like a leisurely jog than a demanding long run.

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