Shallow Hal

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Shallow Hal

PG-13

2001

1h 54m

Romance

Comedy

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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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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)

Nov 8, 2023

2/5

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

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Telegraph Staff

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Nov 8, 2023

The situations become too embarrassing to be funny.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Frans B

@FransB 3 days ago

Very well done. Not usually a big Farrelly brothers admirer but this attempt should get more recognition. Very well written, although there are "awkward silences" and the humor is not always funny haha, more funny peculiar. But the whole thread running through the storytelling is much more important than intended, IMO. If you are shallow 😜, you will not get it 🤦🏻‍♂️. Great performances by whole cast, Gwyneth Paltrow in particular. Lots of emotion, importance of perception, drama, intrigue, heartwarming moments and very sad moments. Entertaining and surely food for thought

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Steven F.

@SteveGotScored Mar 17, 2026

This is such a heartwarming comedy!

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Robert Farrelly

Director

Peter Farrelly

Director

Gwyneth Paltrow

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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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