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Shallow Hal

Play trailer Poster for Shallow Hal PG-13 2001 1h 54m Romance Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
48% Tomatometer 132 Reviews 45% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
The story revolves around Hal 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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Shallow Hal

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) Nov 8, 2023
2/5
Unexpectedly rather sweet and underplayed, given that it comes from the gross-out kings. Go to Full Review Telegraph Staff Daily Telegraph (UK) Nov 8, 2023
The situations become too embarrassing to be funny. Go to Full Review Christy Lemire Associated Press Jun 12, 2018
A movie that meanders from one sight gag to the next, many of which you've already seen in the commercials. Go to Full Review Gary Wolcott Tri-City Herald Apr 1, 2025
C+
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. Go to Full Review Philip French Observer (UK) Nov 8, 2023
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. Go to Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Nov 9, 2020
5/10
The pervasive, uncomfortable feeling from Hal's confusion distracts from the commendable nature of the themes and the effectiveness of the humor. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Curt W @Babyamongus Aug 22, 2026 Shallow Hal is fine, but not jokes for a comedy, and there wasn’t enough heart for it to be a romance. Crude humor was unnecessary, a lot of jokes about disabilities (spina bifida), and I only laughed 2-4 times. Don’t recommend it to other people. See more Miguel R @RT62569158 Aug 4, 2026 [2026] Eh, it's not as terrible as the score makes it look. A very interesting concept with some fun, some Jack Black comedy, and some philosophical stands. What is true love, true beauty? Some scenes do feel a bit boring or extended. Overall, I think it's worth a look, and that's definitely higher praise than a ton of awful movies out there. You decide if it's bad, mid, or great. See more Jenny A @JennyHere Jun 30, 2026 I have watched this movie so many times! It's entertaining; the screenplay and acting are excellent. It's a great rom-com! See more Anthony C. @acolli92 Jun 11, 2026 Shallow Hal is one of those movies that tries to do something decent while tripping over its own sense of humor. See more Steven F. @SteveGotScored Mar 17, 2026 This is such a heartwarming comedy! See more Tomato B. @GummyBee Jan 19, 2026 As a fat person myself, I wasn’t offended like I thought I’d be See more Read all reviews
Shallow Hal

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Cast & Crew

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Robert Farrelly

Director

Peter Farrelly

Director

Gwyneth Paltrow

Rosemary

Jack Black

Hal

Jason Alexander

Mauricio

Joe Viterelli

Steve Shanahan

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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 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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