While Fixing Her Life, a Young Woman Has the Finish Line in Sight

Jillian Bell in "Brittany Runs a Marathon"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

Writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo’s comedy-drama, “Brittany Runs a Marathon,” begins with the titular character (a star-making performance from Jillian Bell) asleep in her bed.  The sun is shining through her window, and her alarm clock reads 12:37.  She parties too late, which causes her to be late to her job.  Her life isn’t what she expected it to be, and she doesn’t have much motivation to improve it, yet.

This is something that we’ve seen in other movies, but it’s done so in a charming way that not only results in a film that’s funny, but one that’s much more moving than I anticipated.

Brittany Forgler lives in New York City and doesn’t live the healthiest of lifestyles.  At the request of her doctor, she begins to lose weight.  After taking up running with her new friends, Catherine (Michaela Watkins) and Seth (Micah Stock), Brittany soon comes up with the idea for the three of them to train for the New York City marathon.  While the preparations prove difficult at first, Brittany will soon find her goal coming more and more within reach.

While Bell has had supporting performances in comedies like “22 Jump Street,” “The Night Before,” and “Office Christmas Party,” her latest role proves that she has the humorous capabilities to headline a comedy.  It’s a role where she makes terrific use of her character’s biting wit, making Brittany someone to whom you’re drawn right away.  What results in Brittany being a memorable character is how she shows her character’s talent for making others laugh, while also seeming to use it as a coping mechanism to get through difficult situations, making her a bittersweet character as she presents this comical side of her persona. Below her humorous facade, Bell presents someone whose insecurities take a toll on her each day, but doesn’t display it.  Soon, however, Bell starts to show Brittany becoming more comfortable with herself as her character embraces her newfound determination for her lifestyle change.  

The film also has some memorable supporting roles from Watkins, Stock, and Utkarsh Ambudkar, who plays Brittany’s new roommate, and Lil Rel Howery, who plays her brother-in-law.  At first glance, these characters don’t seem as though they will have much to them, but the way in which the story explores their personal problems and has these characters connect with Brittany allows for them to provide emotional performances that help to deepen the themes of the film.  The strongest case is for Watkins’ character, about whom we learn quite a bit early in the film.  Because of how she opens up to Brittany in the first act of the movie, this gives their heartfelt relationship a chance to develop as the movie goes on.

Colaizzo’s screenplay, which is inspired by his roommate, presents a motivating story that isn’t just about its main character training for a marathon, but is also about her working on other aspects of her life as she tries to get it in order.  It shows her trying to handle her relationships with others, as well as trying to maintain a job.  He also provides details concerning Brittany’s familial past and present and how it all continues to impact her during the events of the movie. Colaizzo focuses on several themes throughout the film, but manages to dedicate enough time to each one.  He creates a story that focuses on the significance of taking charge of your life; how important it is to accept help from others, even if it’s hard for you to admit that you need it; and how people are willing to give something up in order to assist you with your issues.

In his directorial debut, Colaizzo is able to extract natural performances out of his cast.  And, despite the improvisational feel of certain scenes, they don’t go on for longer than they have to, which allows for us to stay invested in what the characters have to say.  During all of this, Colaizzo gives us characters who feel genuine and makes sure that they stay that way as they tackle relatable situations.

“Brittany Runs a Marathon” is an uplifting view of what you can accomplish when you decide to change your life for the better, making it a winner for whom you’ll be cheering.

Grade: A-