Jack Black in "Shallow Hal."

MOVIE INFORMATION

With 10 as a must-see, Jack gives this film a: Stars: Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black Director: Peter and Bobby Farrelly Rated: PG-13, with profanity and innuendo Length: 113 minutes

ROCHESTERCRITIQUE

Having seen this film, how would you rate it? 10 5 9 4 8 3 7 2 6 1

By Jack Garner
Democrat and Chronicle

(November 9, 2001) -- Shallow Hal, the new Farrelly brothers comedy with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black, demonstrates a sad truth:

An apology -- even a comedic one -- for naughty behavior isn't as much fun as the naughty behavior in the first place.

And that's what Shallow Hal seems to be -- a warm and fuzzy "I'm sorry" for all the Farrelly's offensive humor in Dumb and Dumber, There's Something About Mary and Me, Myself and Irene.

Yes, I know, the trailer makes Shallow Hal look like another attack on vulnerable folks in our society -- specifically, fat people. Based on the preview, I dreaded the prospect of a movie-long fat joke.

And, indeed, there's easily enough obesity humor to fill a trailer, from giant swimming pool splashes to broken dinner chairs to wolfed-down milkshakes.

The good news: The fat jokes soon fall flat and are replaced by more humane attitudes. The fat girl emerges victorious, an object of true love, with her inner beauty clear to everyone.

Anybody who puts her down is an insensitive jerk -- which probably means a lot of fans in search of typical Farrelly humor will be at a loss.

The bad news: Peter and Bobby Farrelly's feelings of sympathy and understanding -- while admirable -- aren't especially funny.

The filmmakers' approach conjures the adage, "You can't have your cake and eat it, too."

Black stars as Hal, the ultimate shallow guy. He eyes only women who could be Playboy models or movie stars, though he's no prize himself.

One day he's stuck in an elevator with self-help guru Tony Robbins (playing himself), who hypnotizes Hal to see only the inner beauty in folks.

Hal then falls for Rosemary, whom he sees as a knockout (Paltrow) because of her bright mind and good heart. But we know Rosemary weighs 300 pounds.

Hal's best buddy -- the truly superficial Mauricio (Jason Alexander) -- is befuddled by Hal's loss of "good taste."

Shallow Hal then follows Hal and Rosemary's romantic exploits as Hal discovers the true meaning of beauty.

The Farrellys do a double apology in Shallow Hal: They make amends for earlier jokes about the disabled. Walt, a major supporting character, has spina bifida, which causes him to walk on all fours. He's well-played by Rene Kirby, who has the condition in real life.

Walt is a strong, vital guy full of self-confidence and humor -- and a favorite of the ladies.

Shallow Hal's strong suit is its lead performances. Paltrow is quite good, especially in scenes when she must convey anguish and self-loathing over her obese state even while we see her as the lovely woman she is.

Black is also strong in his first romantic lead, though not nearly as funny as in his edgy breakthrough role in High Fidelity.

Alexander is less successful in support, failing to find a way to make his obnoxious character even slightly appealing. And the bad toupee jokes are trite and endless.

For the Farrellys, the moral of Shallow Hal might be: Comedy means never having to say you're sorry.