Shallow Hal

It's funny enough to watch again as long as you're talking to someone or doing stuff around the house at the same time, but it's just a little too much of a chick flick to get much more than three stars.

Sweet and funny at the same time.

I didn't have high hopes for this movie when I saw the opening credits. It's not a movie I ever would have chosen to rent -- Farrelly brothers, Jack Black? It seemed too "high school" for my tastes. However, I was recently stuck with it on a Greyhound bus in Australia. The buses there are equipped with TV screens and DVD players, and drivers often pick a movie or two to show on long trips. Then the passengers are stuck listening to it for however long it lasts, whether interested (or trying to sleep) or not. Usually, these movies are action flicks that appeal to the backpacker set but not to me, and I was prepared for this one to be of the crude comedy genre, since that also would fit into the backpacker meme. Surprise, it is actually a romantic comedy. As a heavy gal myself, I was uncomfortable for about 5 minutes once I realized what was going on, but was gradually won over because so much of the movie rang poignantly true with my own experience, in ways that inspire though... Read more

Funny, but not something I want to watch 10000 times.

The Farrelly brothers have to be some of the most uneven film-makers I've ever encountered. A lot of their stuff is crude, boorish, offensive...and just not funny. Some of it, though, is laugh-out-loud hilarious, and the only time I've ever been able to really appreciate Jim Carrey is when he appears in one of their movies. I've sometimes felt guilty laughing at their stuff, but it is what it is. "Shallow Hal" is a bit more low-key than some of their work, and, consequently, has no moments of tearful hilarity (or moments of patently offensive non-humor). Still, I found it overall pretty funny, in a cute sort of way. Jack Black is not really my cup of tea...he can be funny on occasion, but his shtick wears thin real fast...but he's good here, and Jason Alexander, although he tended to grate on my nerves after awhile on "Seinfeld", is a genuine comedic talent, and he's even better than Black. The "message" of the movie...basically the hoary ol' "Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover" cliche..... Read more

I took a date to see this at the movies. I expected it to be a lil more funny and never bought it when it came out on dvd. It was just kinda lame.

A cute movie, Jack Black is actually surprisingly tolerable in this movie. It was good for a few laughs.

I thought it was a good movie..... the whole beer goggles concept is funny

Do you judge a person - particularly a woman - by her outward appearance? If you do, you're "shallow" and that's the message played out in this comedy. The humor in here is good, very funny in spots. There are plenty of jokes and sight gags. If you are obese and very sensitive, then skip this film because you won't appreciate some of the humor. But, if you can laugh at yourself, you'll enjoy it too - and especially the message this film brings in the end. Jack Black was pretty much of an unknown actor when this came out, but he's well-known now. Gwyneth Paltrow everyone knows. She looked very pretty in here, maybe the best I've ever seen her. Jason Alexander and Joe Viterelli provide good supporting help. By the way, it was strange hearing Viterelli with an Irish accent. This is a guy who almost always plays Mafia types. The only thing offensive to me was the beginning with some irreverent humor that was not needed, not part of the story, just a cheap shot against ministers.... Read more

It's tempting to give this a high score for the sweet message behind it: you can't judge a book by its cover. I love those type of movies because there's always a sweet surprise in it. Big-hearted. But the acting surprised me. I think it had something to do with a script that didn't handle the message particularly well; of course you know there's a message, and a good one, too, but it has to be worked naturally into the story through events and outcomes, not through scripty, artificial dialog that preaches at the viewer. More effective to charm the audience with warm, likable characters and their weight-related struggles. Maybe the forced, artificial dialog had an impact on the acting. Moreover, they don't need the gratuitous sensuality-this story idea can carry itself just fine without it. With the right dialog. Otherwise, a great message and a big heart.

i think this is where i first saw Jack Black

barely watchable how could jack black and george costanza judge anyone...

More MEN need to watch this movie!!!!!

"Shallow Hal" is a modern fairy tale. Like the beast in Walt Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," Hal (Jack Black) is obsessed with outward beauty. One day, Hal is hypnotized by self-help guru Tony Robbins. Now he only sees inner beauty. Soon he is falling in love with an extremely overweight Peace Corp volunteer, Rosie, who has a heart of gold (Gwyneth Paltrow). This is a very heart warming movie that teaches the viewer the importance of inner beauty. Helping those less fortunate than ourselves is more important and everlasting than having a temporary romantic fling with someone you've met at a nightclub. Unfortunately, there is a little bit of Hal in all of us. I wish the language and the sexual innuendoes in "Shallow Hal" had been toned down to give it a PG rating. Everyone in the family needs to see this film because it has an inspirational, upbeat ending and an excellent message. Everyone should treat people with respect and kindness no matter what their handicap, defo... Read more

I love Jack Black...but not this movie

i love the moral of this story

Good Movie, funny most definately but not the best

Pretty enjoyable film, I thought Jack black was pretty good.

jack black rocks

funy

FUNNY PARTS, BUT NOT AS FUNNY AS I HAD HOPED

Rather than looking at this movie from an optimistic perspective, one in which the viewer is supposed to believe that this movie's plot is supposed to be about seeking the inner beauty in another, I choose to think of this movie another way. I view it as a sign of recent times of individualism and me-first attitudes that permeate Western culture. Hal Larson (Jack Black) is a guy who is by all standards normal, or maybe even below average. Somehow, however, he thinks that he is only supposed to be with women of exquisite beauty. Of course, the only beautiful women who would actually go for him are ones with wretched insides, women who have incredibly low self-esteen and can't see their beauty. Along with Hal's best friend Mauricio (Jason Alexander) - another sub-5 on the 1 to 10 scale - they go after nothing but beautiful women. Early in the movie Hal attends a speech by the square-jawed evil that is Tony Robbins. Sure enough, Robbins plants something in Hal's mind so that ... Read more

A fun movie that had a good message. Jack Black is actually pretty good in this film. Gwyneth Paltlow was excellent as the big woman that he saw as a babe. Well done folks.

Good moral

mean but funny

ha ha funny

One of Jack Black's good movies

I thought this was an amazing movie with a great concept behind it.

I was an extra in this movie, so I saw all the scenes while being filmed about 500 times each...made it really unfunny to me!

a funny movie with a message. fat people are discriminated against, but deep inside they or shall i say we are the same as thin people. this was the perfect role for jack black and a good small role for that george guy from seinfeld. this is one of those movies you don't mind watching again every once in awhile. gwenyth paltrow was also a good choice for her role.

it ok good basic plot not in my top 15 though

booooooooooooo

Eh. I like Jack Black and this movie is ok. Love the fact he still loves her in the end.

funny, good moral mssg.-I'm sold

Too life-lessony.

It was pretty funny and had a moral lesson to be learned.

FUNNY! You have to see it .......

This movie was good for many reasons, but I honestly enjoyed it more after seeing an interview with gwyneth where she wore the fat suit out in public and no one would give her the time of day. Maybe that's shallow of me but I don't care

it wasnt completely horrible

not a big jack black fan

luv jack!

Being a big girl myself. I thought it was ok.

the best movie Jack Black has ever made

Ok, but I wish it could have had some more humor within. I was pleased with the plot and movie overall, but I just would have liked a little more. I love the message though. Too many people become as shallow as Hal.

I am glad he got to see fat girls how we really feel inside!! ;o)

i thought it was good

It had its moments but too lubby dubby for me namean?