Shallow Hal

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Shallow Hal

PG-13

Released Nov 9, 2001

1h 54m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

49%

Tomatometer

135 Reviews

45%

Popcornmeter

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.

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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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Roger Clarke

Independent (UK)

Unexpectedly rather sweet and underplayed, given that it comes from the gross-out kings.

Rated: 2/5

Nov 8, 2023

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Telegraph Staff

Daily Telegraph (UK)

The situations become too embarrassing to be funny.

Nov 8, 2023

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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

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Gary Wolcott

Tri-City Herald

Black does not have the skill to carry an entire movie... Despite that drawback and the film's one-dimensional plot, Shallow Hal has a terrific message.

Rated: C+

Apr 1, 2025

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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

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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

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Audience Member

Jack Black cannot be serious in this movie, lol. Fat boy

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/05/25

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Wendel L

Direção: Bom Atuação: Ok Roteiro: Bom Caracterização: Ok Soundtrack: Bom

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/14/24

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Alejandro E

Funny story and reflection on valuing the interior of people

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/24/24

Full Review

Audience Member

I love this film. Yes there are bits that could be knitted together better.. for instance when Hal is walking down an avenue and his friend just happens to come along in his car.. there are parts that definitely could be tidied up.. but I still give it 5 stars.. it's quirky and feel good and, for me, that's what I'm looking for, in life and in films 🤩

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/14/24

Full Review

yesica r

This is the definition of a rom com with some comedy i had too take a moment and appreciate this its truly a movie to experience if you are an empath. I love how the show how shallow people can be definitely plan too rewatch this soon !!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/02/24

Full Review

Kaan O

Definition of what a rom com should be! Iconic movie in the genre and it’s a crime that the score is so low! Shame on yall lol especially since the message is genuine and wholesome

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/24

Full Review

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Robert Farrelly

Director

Peter Farrelly

Director

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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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