Shallow Hal (2001) Review in 2025
Shallow Hal is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a man who falls in love with a woman, but she's actually a morbidly obese woman who's been disguised by a hypnotherapist. The movie explores themes of beauty, self-acceptance, and the power of positive thinking.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some mature themes and language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of romantic comedies and fantasy. It's a light-hearted and enjoyable film that's perfect for a night in with friends or family.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Hal, a shallow man who's only interested in physical beauty, until he's hypnotized by a quack hypnotherapist to see only the inner beauty of people. He falls in love with Rose, a morbidly obese woman, but she's actually a beautiful woman who's been hiding under her weight. As Hal gets to know Rose, he learns to see beyond her physical appearance and accepts her for who she truly is.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a unique twist on the traditional romantic comedy. The plot is predictable, but the execution is smooth and enjoyable.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Jack Black delivering a hilarious and endearing performance as Hal. Gwyneth Paltrow is also excellent, bringing a depth and nuance to her character that's rare in romantic comedies.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Jack Black delivering a standout performance as the shallow but lovable Hal. Gwyneth Paltrow is also excellent as the beautiful but self-conscious Rose.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with Peter Farrelly bringing a light-hearted and comedic touch to the film. The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of humor and heart.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but nothing special. The film's visual style is consistent, but it doesn't particularly stand out in terms of innovation or creativity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's unique twist on the traditional romantic comedy, Jack Black's hilarious performance, and the film's light-hearted and comedic tone.
Cons
The plot is predictable, the cinematography is decent but nothing special, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not shallow, I'm just discerning."
"You're beautiful, inside and out."
"You're not fat, you're just... horizontally challenged."
