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6

TVJerrySep 30, 2019

Jilian Bell seems like a diluted version of Amy Schumer, just not as sassy or funny. And that's much like this movie. She plays a not-especially-happy or successful, overweight woman who decides to turn her life around by getting into shapeJilian Bell seems like a diluted version of Amy Schumer, just not as sassy or funny. And that's much like this movie. She plays a not-especially-happy or successful, overweight woman who decides to turn her life around by getting into shape and taking on the New York Marathon. While there are mildly amusing moments, the supporting characters aren't especially amusing and the script isn't that clever. The female empowerment message takes president over entertainment. It's not a bad movie, just not in any way special.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

Compi24Oct 1, 2019

The self-betterment dramedy that stunned the crowds at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, "Brittany Runs A Marathon" features a crown jewel of a lead performance from Jillian Bell and a solid thematic backbone overall. Where things trend a bitThe self-betterment dramedy that stunned the crowds at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, "Brittany Runs A Marathon" features a crown jewel of a lead performance from Jillian Bell and a solid thematic backbone overall. Where things trend a bit south, however, is in the latter half of the second act, where the movie seemingly realizes that it's solving its main conflict and therefore has to manufacture more, in the form of the main character randomly acting like a tool. You also find that the film develops a bit of an "Apatowian" pacing, with the specific method of melding both comedy and drama ultimately wearing things down. Still, though, it's got a big heart and a worthwhile voice to hear out, ultimately allowing you to look past some of the more naggingly imperfect logistical elements.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

JLuis_001Nov 15, 2019

I will be honest and admit that I had very low expectations for this film, especially since I have never considered Jillian Bell a funny actress nor deserving of a leading role but here we are.

But it turns out that Brittany Runs to MarathonI will be honest and admit that I had very low expectations for this film, especially since I have never considered Jillian Bell a funny actress nor deserving of a leading role but here we are.

But it turns out that Brittany Runs to Marathon didn't end up being a disappointment. It wasn't a surprise either but among comedies of this type that are usually plagued with stereotypes and cliches, the script in general felt more honest than I could have expected in the first place although the rhythm problems and especially the ending end up derailing the best elements of the story.

However, I still consider it an option above average and although it has nothing really special, it's not a banal option and stands out enough for trying to be something better.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

amheretojudgeDec 2, 2019

Jillian Bell works hard. Both as a character and for the character. And by hard, I mean, they mean, watch her go through this pound by pound.

Brittany Runs A Marathon For Paul Downs Colaizzo, the writer and director, this is an incredibleJillian Bell works hard. Both as a character and for the character. And by hard, I mean, they mean, watch her go through this pound by pound.

Brittany Runs A Marathon

For Paul Downs Colaizzo, the writer and director, this is an incredible achievement. Almost as if participating and winning the marathon. This is something he has done the first time and he is hitting all the right notes. And I am even going to call this one, a crowd pleaser. Now, not only doesn't it just uses a concept that is common and often lightly taken. But even his take has a particular new spin, a new angle- even the cinematography helps a lot when it shoots those new ideas on screen and you see a completely odd frame suggesting the birth of that notion- that is meticulously charged. The camera work focuses, crops and sharpens those details, enhancing this familiar tale into a bright New York morning of social media world. It specifically focuses on a definite crowd and yet comes off for everyone. Now, that is definitely not for the diplomatic approach of it; for there are a couple of scenes that might suggest it. But it is the tendency of that graph to always, and mind you always, land on something you'd expect. From the montage sequences that rises up to the unnerving meltdowns that we all are looking forward to. Aforementioned, within these 100 minutes, the film touches all those sweet notes delicately on the floor. And by the time, Brittany Runs A Marathon, that floor, the track has been more of a habit, than a home. Not a habit you cannot push yourself away from but the ones you create consciously. Among many, many supporting characters, my favourite is her, Bell's roommate, showcasing one of the most common and least represented groups of people in the movies, that we actually survive daily.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

GreatMartinSep 13, 2019

Everyone knows fat people are comediennes, everyone's best friend and yet underneath are very sad people and losers in life when it comes to finding love, let alone sex, right? All they have to do is lose weight and everything goes their wayEveryone knows fat people are comediennes, everyone's best friend and yet underneath are very sad people and losers in life when it comes to finding love, let alone sex, right? All they have to do is lose weight and everything goes their way with finances, sex, love and life! What is so maddening about "Brittany Runs A Marathon" is that the director-screenwriter is that basing the story on his own real life best friend he misses many opportunities, going for easy laughs in the beginning and then drama in the second half not doing justice to Brittany or all the fat people who will see this.

Brittany moved to New York from Philadelphia to get into advertising but instead finds herself working in a small off-off Broadway theatre, singing and making quips to the customers as they come into to see a show and barely makes a living having to share a small walk-up apartment with, of course, a skinny roommate. Living above her is a divorcee who is into running, who is skinny of course, as are the gay guy (and his husband) she becomes friends with through her--surprise--wanting to lose weight and run in the New York marathon. Later, through some convoluted manipulation of the screenplay, she is living in luxury with a male roommate who, by the way is very skinny.

Just as an aside I can only recall 2 fat people in the movie one being her brother-in-law aka as her stepfather--yeah go figure that one out--and a very obese woman the mirror image of Brittany.

As a fat person I felt some empathy for Brittany and did laugh at some of the things she said and did but I, also, felt some anger at the things skipped over to go from a comedy to a drama. Though the film doesn't quite give you the feeling that "Rocky" did, which was filmed in Philadelphia by the way, you might shed a tear on the way getting to the end.

The cast is quite superior to the screenplay with Jillian Bell as Brittany, Michaela Watkins as the divorcee, Micah Stock as the gay guy, Utkarsh Ambudkar as the male roommate, Lil Rel Howery as the brother-in-law and Alice Lee as the first roommate.

"Brittany Runs A Marathon" did show me the New York 26+ mile marathon route which I had never known or seen before though during the rest of the movie I wasn't quite sure where the film was taking place whether it was Manhattan, Queens or Brooklyn though the scenes in Philadelphia were well identified.

Would I, do I recommend the film? Let me just say that the thin people in the audience--about 3 of them--laughed more than the 5-6 fat people who were there.

Paul Downs Colaizzo owes his friend an apology in the way he presents her as a two dimensional woman instead of the 3 dimensional woman she probably is in real life.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

wollam11Sep 27, 2019

Brittany gets it right - that feeling you have in the pit of your stomach when you push away everyone who cares about you. A feeling I've had for a long long time. So self destructive.
A perfect-10 movie, reflecting the reality of life,Brittany gets it right - that feeling you have in the pit of your stomach when you push away everyone who cares about you. A feeling I've had for a long long time. So self destructive.
A perfect-10 movie, reflecting the reality of life, wouldn't have a happy ending. This movie has one. But the first 60 minutes absolutely nails it.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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0

TrapKing101Nov 27, 2019

After watching this I can see why there are no noteworthy female comics. I had to turn off halfway through due to cringe alone.

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10

TheQuietGamerDec 8, 2019

"You changing your life and wanting to run this marathon was never about your weight. It was about you taking responsibility for yourself."

This isn't some weight loss PSA that's trying to get you to workout. As a matter of fact, the whole"You changing your life and wanting to run this marathon was never about your weight. It was about you taking responsibility for yourself."

This isn't some weight loss PSA that's trying to get you to workout. As a matter of fact, the whole exercising aspect isn't even really that important. Instead the significance of the story is that it reveals how attempting to improve even one area of your life can open up doors for change in others. The attempt doesn't need to be body related either. That's just the route this film chose to show. Many have found other ways achieving near-identical results. Be it seeking higher education, a change of scenery, or new relationships. It just takes identifying a problem and then making a conscious effort to fix it.

This kind of thing isn't some cure-all that will give you a carefree existence. Brittany goes through just as many low points as she does high ones. Yet, even though her life isn't perfect when all is said and done, she does end up in a much better place with more confidence and several of the things that she had been seeking. All because she decided to make a change. A beautiful and inspiring thing to behold. Especially since it can happen for any of us.… Expand