Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019) * * *

Directed by:  Paul Downs Colaizzo

Starring:  Jillian Bell, Micah Stock, Michaela Watkins, Alice Lee, Lil Rel Howery, Kate Arrington, Utkarsh Ambudkar

The last thing Brittany would ever consider trying is running.   That would interfere with her middling life in which she ekes out a living at a New York theater usher job she hates, coupled with nights hanging out with friends where she drinks and eats too much.   She pays a visit to the doctor one day to score some Adderall, and leaves with distressing news:  she is overweight and needs to lose about fifty pounds, which shouldn't come as a surprise to her.   Brittany's self esteem is already lower than a snake's ballbag, but this news spurs her surprisingly into action.    Jogging on sidewalks in New York can be a challenge, but Brittany conquers them one block at a time.

Brittany Runs a Marathon has a title which gives away the ending, but the story is her personal journey from unhappiness to happiness.    It isn't easy for her to recognize and eschew the defense mechanisms she has employed over the years to keep from being hurt and from realizing her potential.    The path is never a straight line.   Brittany makes gains, falls back, rebounds, falls back again, and then triumphs.    This is not the type of movie where Brittany has a eureka moment and never reverts to her old ways again.  

Jillian Bell, from 22 Jump Street and Rough Night (2017), is a vulnerable, touching, and totally human Brittany.    We root for her, and hope she finds her way.    When she suffers an emotional setback or gains a few pounds back, we feel for her.    Bell finds the right notes and involves us in her quest.    Less compelling is her budding relationship with a squatter (Ambudkar) who has moved in to the posh apartment where Brittany watches the family dog while the family is away.   Their chemistry never meshes, and I wish Brittany could've continued on her path without a distracting
budding romance.

After overcoming numerous obstacles, it is heartening to see Brittany achieve her goal of running in the marathon.   This isn't a Rocky movie where she finds a way to win the race.   Instead, the goal is entering the race and finishing it, which is the goal of 99.9% of those who participate.    This isn't handled in a hokey manner, but with heart and pluck.