Shallow Hal (2001)

Powerful

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

At first, I though it was just a funny movie that made fun of big girls; therefore I wasn't so excited about it. But it turns out to be a lesson of life. If we only look at the cinematographic aspect of this movie, it doesn't have any interest. However, the message behind this film is so deep : every woman is beautiful and deserve to find love! I will not watch it twice, but we spend a good time.

I thought this was going to be mediocre based on the reviews,but I was wrong,this film has a good concept,and it executes that concept great.First,the good,when the jokes are there they don't feel forced,they feel natural,and they are funny.The pacing,the movie goes by nicely,not too slow,not too fast.The story is really good,and has a great message about inner beauty.The best part though,the characters,they feel real and are well acted.Now,the bad,I feel like the score dates the film a bit,and some jokes don't work.I feel like the movie was a bit too long,but the biggest flaw is that it is hypocritical,if the message is that inner beauty is more important than what's on the outside,why make fun of the disabled?All in all,the pros outweigh the cons,I thought this was a good movie.

I really enjoyed/still enjoy watching Shallow Hal. My father and I saw it together when it came out, he has since past (R.i.p. Dad 2008) So, I watch this movie and get 2 great experiences out of it. #1 laughing until you have a stomach ache,tears are rolling down my cheeks & my face face hurts. #2 reminds me of my dad and how much he loved the movie..at dinner my dad would always throw one-liners from the movie at you and your food would go flying out of your mouth from laughing so hard. Gweneth Paltrow plays a great role as a large woman in the movie. Jack Black is hilarious, he has a really big heart in the role he plays. I love Shallow Hal and I recommend anyone to watch Shallow Hal if you're having a good or bad day. Laughter is the best medicine and sitting on the couch watching Shallow Hal will bring you much laughter. Enjoy watching Shallow Hal and be ready for the belly laugh aches, tears rolling down your cheeks and face laughter pain. I love this meaningful comedy. 10☆

Hal Larsen (Jack Black) only ever dates beautiful trophy women on account of advice he received on his death bed from his father. However, a chance meeting with a self-help guru helps him to see inner beauty first and foremost. Soon after, he falls in love with his boss' severely overweight daughter, which as it raises eyebrows everywhere the couple go, Hal is oblivious as to what everyone else is on about.Tender, sweet and subtle are not words one readily attributes to the Farrelly Brothers, but in Shallow Hal they have managed to blend all three with their penchant for close to the knuckle humour.Gwyneth Paltrow in the dual role dons the fat-suit and once again showcases her unheralded comic timing, while Jack Black proves ebullient and engaging in a role that calls for him to shut out what he is actually meant to be seeing. In support Jason Alexander gets the weasel best friend comedy sidekick role, and is wonderfully abhorrent and good at keeping the cards close to his chest.It's never uproariously funny, but it doesn't need to be, it tickles where it needs to, and it prods the emotional psyche with requisite impact. In a world that has become obsessed with the girth and weight of a person, especially with women - and as it happens is led by Hollywood, Shallow Hal is refreshing entertainment. 7/10