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Shallow Hal

PG-13 Released Nov 9, 2001 1h 54m Romance Comedy List
49% Tomatometer 134 Reviews 45% Audience Score 250,000+ Ratings
The story revolves around Hal (Jack Black) who, taking his dying father's advice, dates only the embodiments of female physical perfection. But that all changes after Hal has an unexpected run-in with self-help guru Tony Robbins. Intrigued by Hal's shallowness, Robbins hypnotizes him into seeing the beauty that exists even in the least physically appealing women. Read More Read Less
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Shallow Hal

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Shallow Hal

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Critics Consensus

While surprisingly sweeter and warm-hearted than previous Farrelly outings, Shallow Hal is also less funny and more bland.

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Critics Reviews

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Roger Clarke Independent (UK) Unexpectedly rather sweet and underplayed, given that it comes from the gross-out kings. Rated: 2/5 Nov 8, 2023 Full Review Telegraph Staff Daily Telegraph (UK) The situations become too embarrassing to be funny. Nov 8, 2023 Full Review Christy Lemire Associated Press A movie that meanders from one sight gag to the next, many of which you've already seen in the commercials. Jun 12, 2018 Full Review Philip French Observer (UK) After a ponderous start, the Farrellys eventually unveil their big dramatic idea rather slowly, but don't know where to take it. Having wandered around in circles for nearly two hours they end up in embarrassment. Nov 8, 2023 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins The pervasive, uncomfortable feeling from Hal's confusion distracts from the commendable nature of the themes and the effectiveness of the humor. Rated: 5/10 Nov 9, 2020 Full Review Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens Obviously no one bothered to tell Bobby and Peter Farrelly to stick to what they do best in film making - insanity, stupidity and raunchy bathroom jokes. Nov 16, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Julio R this is my first time giving a review on rotten tomatoes ever and have been on this site constantly for over 2 decades. Despite the low reviews I actually really enjoyed this movie, I know I did as a kid but from re-watching it, it is something I can definitely go back and watch again in the future. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/26/24 Full Review Kyle M It means well in its considerate message while also assessing our social reactions, finding how it unrightfully been categorized as being insensitive and comedically flawed with inappropriately coerced frivolity considering its topic that should be taken more seriously with no signature jokes, including the periodical cheesiness that might be looked at differently out of acknowledged acceptance. (B-) Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/14/24 Full Review Austin W It was good And funny Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/17/24 Full Review Alec B My issue is less about how well this has aged, rather I think the real problem is that the Farrelly brothers try to have the movie both ways. They want the heart and the cheap fat jokes which I suppose is fine but there isn't a lot of variety in those jokes. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/10/24 Full Review Madly W I was extremely shocked to see the rating for this movie. Yes, it's critical but not everything has to be taken to heart. I personally thought this movie was great. Definitely a fav that stays on repeat!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/27/23 Full Review Audience Member One of my favorite movies! Of course I can understand that people don’t like it because it didn’t age well. But the truth of the matter is that it is reality. People want to believe that everyone is accepted no matter what they look like but that’s far from the truth. And I love the message of beauty is only skin deep. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/10/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Shallow Hal

Hal (Jack Black) cannot understand why the undergarment of his lithe girlfriend is the size of a small tent. Hal (Jack Black, right) reacts to some questionable advice from his equally shallow friend Mauricio (Jason Alexander). Hal (Jack Black, right) has a life-altering encounter with self-help guru Tony Robbins. Directors Bobby Farrelly (left) and Peter Farrelly flank Jack Black on the set of SHALLOW HAL. Mauricio (Jason Alexander) is a little overwhelmed by his ukulele-strumming acquaintance (Joshua "Li'iboy" Shintani). Lovesick Hal (Black) is literally up in the air during his whirlwind romance with Rosemary (Paltrow), an obese and homely woman he has been hypnotised into percieving as a lithe beauty. Rosemary (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Hal (Jack Black) share a tender moment over an enormous chocolate shake. JACK BLACK is Hal, the ultimate shallow guy whose views on the nature of real beauty are forever changed after an impromptu hypnosis. An anxious Rosemary (Gwyneth Paltrow) prepares for a romantic evening with her new boyfriend. GWYNETH PALTROW is Rosemary, a Peace Corps volunteer whose inner beauty is seen as physical splendor by her new - and hypnotized - boyfriend. View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis The story revolves around Hal (Jack Black) who, taking his dying father's advice, dates only the embodiments of female physical perfection. But that all changes after Hal has an unexpected run-in with self-help guru Tony Robbins. Intrigued by Hal's shallowness, Robbins hypnotizes him into seeing the beauty that exists even in the least physically appealing women.
Director
Robert Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Producer
Robert Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, Bradley Thomas, Charles B. Wessler
Screenwriter
Robert Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, Sean Moynahan
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
Twentieth Century Fox, Conundrum Entertainment
Rating
PG-13 (Sexual Content|Language)
Genre
Romance, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 9, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$70.8M
Runtime
1h 54m
Sound Mix
Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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