Shallow Hal (2001)

Here is a neat movie which deals about perception. It shows how differently people are treated. I think most people would agree with this being a wonderful heartfelt film. A lot of the characters in this are identifiable to many and there easy to follow along with as the story unfolds. A film like this also appeals to many different age ranges. It was directed by the Farrelly brothers (Bobby and Peter). They also collaborated for the screenplay along with Sean Moynihan.

Jack Black stars as Hal who only sees women for their physical appearance only and not their personality so much. Things change for him as he meets up with Rosemary played by Gwyneth Paltrow. She is an overweight woman. Gwyneth wore a “fat suit” as she filmed this and many people didn’t even recognize her. Jason Alexander plays Mauricio who has his own self obsession and views about women as well. As you watch this film you will discover a secret about him. The late Joe Viterelli plays Steve Shanahan Rosemary’s father. He was often cast in mobster type roles or police men.

Hal discovers much more about life and relationships especially after being hypnotized by self help guru Tony Robbins played by Anthony Robbins. He in real life gives speeches and seminars to people in need of help and motivation in their lives, perhaps you have seen him on television at some point.

There are more interesting characters in this such as Walt played by Rene Kirby who in real life suffers from spina bifida which is a birth defect where the backbone and spinal canal don’t close before birth. He in real life leads a productive life despite his unfortunate circumstances and he has appeared in a few other film productions. Bruce McGill appears in this as Reverend Larson he has a pretty lengthy resume of film and television roles. Susan Ward plays Hal’s neighbor and once romantic interest named Jill. Zen Gesner plays Ralph, Brooke Burns is Katrina, Rob Moran is Second Tiffany, Joshua ‘Li’iBoy’ Shintani is Li’iBoy, Kyle Gass is Artie, Laura Kightlinger is Jen, and Nan Martin is Nurse Tanya Peeler.

The film was nominated for the Teen Choice Awards for Choice Actor, Choice Actress, and Choice Movie. Overall, I think you will surely enjoy this one; there are some touching moments in it. And it deals with things they linger in our society among one another. I highly recommend seeing this one, it no doubt will become a classic over time.