Amazon Studios
Jillian Bell is a funny actress. With minor roles in films such as 22 Jump Street, Office Christmas Party and Fist Fight, she hasn’t had the chance to shine in her own film. When I went into Brittany Runs a Marathon, I was expecting a lot of comedic moments from Bell, but I ended up getting a lot more. Bell plays Brittany, a hard-partying woman who receives a wake-up call from her doctor who reveals that she is unhealthy. Brittany becomes motivated to lose weight and sets a goal of completing the New York City Marathon.
Brittany Runs a Marathon earns the status as the most inspiring film of the year so far. The feel-good comedy focuses on Brittany and her overcoming her self-doubt. When it comes to working out and getting into a better shape, the hardest thing is just starting. Director Paul Downs Colaizzo follows Brittany’s journey goals of losing weight, which also at the same is Jillian Bell losing weight as well. The film offers a realistic approach to one starting a weight loss journey and how many barriers may block the progress. Brittany runs around her apartment instead of paying over a hundred dollars to join a gym. Once she starts running, many people don’t believe in her, such as her judgmental friend Gretchen. After she finally felt comfortable with jogging, she slowly starts changing her habits such as drinking less alcohol and getting a salad instead of a pizza for dinner. Changing one thing at a time allowed for the film to present a more rewarding experience when Brittany achieved her goals of participating in the New York City Marathon.
Jillian Bell gives a fantastic performance as someone who masks her self-doubt with humor. There were plenty of funny moments in the film where she made fun of her weight and how lazy she is. I was able to laugh with her, and Bell perfectly captured the light-hearted moments of the film. Bell also balances the dramatic side of challenging yourself, people doubting you, and dealing with not liking yourself. Bell gave an emotional performance where her goals seemed like they weren’t going to be obtained. After watching Brittany Runs a Marathon, I would like to see Jillian Bell in more dramatic roles since she handled her role so well.
As Brittany starts running more, she meets people that encourage her to join the marathon and want to help her along the way. Her new friends, Seth (Micah Stock) and Catherine (Michaela Watkins) have great chemistry with Brittany and would like to offer her help, such as money, which leads to some arguments amongst the group since Brittany doesn’t want their help. Brittany also meets Jern (Utkarsh Ambudkar) after accepting a job as a dog and house sitter. Jern doesn’t have any ambitions and would like to sit on the couch all day and watch Doug. Jern and Brittany hit it off, which could lead to Brittany resorting back to her old habits, but she remains strong. Her relationship with Jern was sweet to watch, despite the characters living completely different lives.
Brittany Runs a Marathon put a huge smile on my face. The film made me want to get in shape and live a better lifestyle. My lifestyle is very similar to Brittany’s and it needs to change. The hardest part of getting healthy is just starting. The day after I attended the screening for the film, I ran a mile. It was hard for me to get through, but I did it and I felt good about myself, just like Brittany did every time she was working towards her goals. If there is anyone who doesn’t feel good about themselves, see Brittany Runs a Marathon. It will motivate you!
Want to see Brittany Runs a Marathon and judge for yourself? Click on the image below to see the movie, and be sure to come back and tell us what you thought!
Brittany Runs a Marathon has a run time of 1 hour 43 minutes and is rated R for language throughout, sexuality and some drug material.
Amazon Studios
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