A One Mann’s Movies review of “Father Stu” (2022).
“Father Stu” is released in the UK on May 13th, but I got to see it early as a #cineworld Unlimited preview screening.
Bob the Movie Man Rating(s):
Plot Summary:
Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) is an aging wannabe boxer that’s never going to make it. Advised to stop by doctors and his concerned mother (Jacki Weaver), Stu decides he’s going to take his charisma to Hollywood to make it as an actor. But his lawless and alcohol-fuelled ways, modelled after his father (Mel Gibson), lead him into nothing but trouble. That is, until he meets and falls for good-catholic girl Carmen (Teresa Ruiz).
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson, Jacki Weaver, Teresa Ruiz, Malcolm McDowell, Cody Fern, Aaron Moten.
Directed by: Rosalind Ross.
Written by: Rosalind Ross.
Twitter Handles: #FatherStuMovie.
Father Stu Review:
Positives:
- It’s good that the film starts with the words “based on a true story” since otherwise you might think that the screenwriter had gone waaaayyyy over the top in coming up with the story. For this is a genuinely fascinating story with twists and turns to the end that you don’t see coming.
- It’s a movie about redemption, and not just for the troubled and wayward Stu. I’m not religious, but even I found the religious aspects of the film to be affirming and uplifting.
- This was a pet project for Mark Wahlberg, many years in the planning and self-funded after the studios passed. And it’s a story that you feel (given his similar troubled early-life and career path) that Wahlberg could strongly relate to. As such, he clearly puts his heart, soul and body into it 100%. The Academy love a “transformation” role, and this is one such role. (Wahlberg was consuming 11,000 calories a day to put on the weight required for one part of the film). If it wasn’t for the dialogue (see below) I’d think he might be a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination.
- Also delivering an outstanding performance, I thought, was Mel Gibson. It’s surprisingly quiet and understated and I loved it. There are also some nice performances from Aaron Moten as his friend Ham and Cody Fern as Jacob, a bookish novice and antagonist.
- The script by Rosalind Ross is really nicely done and includes some laugh-out loud lines that nicely offset the drama. Particularly fun are Stu’s street-smart attempts at preaching. This is Ross’s debut feature screenplay as well as being her directorial debut. This makes her someone in my book to watch for the future.
Negatives:
- The sound mixing. I’m not kidding when I say that at least 10% of the dialogue in the movie was completely inaudible. And this was in a top quality screen with A+ sound! This is particularly true of Marky Mark, who mumbles a large proportion of his lines. Didn’t anyone watch this movie before they released it? Didn’t anyone say “Er… Mark, I think some re-dubbing here would be helpful”? It’s SUCH a shame and ruined the film for me. I sometimes make the mistake of booking a screening that is subtitled for the hard of hearing, and I always go “D’Oh!” when I do. Subtitles for this movie would have been a positive blessing!
Summary Thoughts on “Father Stu”:
A dramatic and moving tale that goes off in unexpected directions. It’s worth knowing as little as possible about the story before you go in (avoid the trailer if you can). But subtitles would have helped a lot with this one.
Trailer for “Father Stu”
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHREzAdyCPs .
(Note: The trailer lays out the full story, and is BEST AVOIDED before seeing the film).
I thought the Same thing, was so frustrating trying to figure out what he was saying. Unfortunately this seems to be a theme with Hollywood movies, I ask every time doesn’t anyone notice this before they send it out
Yep… so irritating. Glad you agree and it’s not just my old ears losing power!
Love this movie! Just watched for the 3rd time and thankfully was smart enough to finally use subtitles. I had missed so much of to dialogue before. So many good lines; it’s a shame the audio wasn’t better.
Thanks for commenting. Yes, it is a good movie apart from the sound design! I might try that rewatch with the subtitles… I found the same with “Hamilton”!