STUBER (2019)

Directed by: Michael Dowse  Written By: Tripper Clancy  Cinematography: Bobby Shore  Editor: Jonathan Schwartz 

Cast: Dave Bautista, Kumail Nanjiani, Natalie Morales, Mira Sorovino, Iko Uwais, Betty Gilpin, Karen Gillian, Steve Howey, Jimmy Tatro 

A mild-mannered Uber driver named Stu picks up a grizzled detective who is hot on the trail of a sadistic, bloodthirsty terrorist and finds himself thrust into a harrowing ordeal where he has to keep his wits, himself unharmed, and work with his passenger while maintaining his high-class rating.

This is a buddy film rather than a buddy cop as only one character is actually a cop, but the film is centered around taking down a crime syndicate. So maybe it can count as a buddy cop film.

For a film that is supposed to be more comedic and stays that way through most of the film. It is surprisingly violent in parts graphically. 

This film is more random when it comes to the buddy dynamic. Usually, you try to get stars who have different types of audiences to be ina fil. Together hoping the audience will mix and match. Here you have two actors one who is more known. As a stand-up and Dave Bautista who is more of an action movie actor. Here it offers each of them to try genres they are not usually in or at least show skills in a different genre. Showing each as versatile.

Just as how the characters and actors seem forced together. As two different elements combined into a familiar formula. The film feels that way also where we know what is supposed to happen and will happen. Only here it seems that the film is more viewed and conceptualized to include more modern and current culture into the story and references. Which is understandable as the film’s

The title is a play off of not cab’s or taxi’s (as we already have a movie named and based off of that) but the new version of those Uber (and obviously not being a film about that company had to make a play on the name for the title)

Just as some trends are memorable what this film is based on and how the film plays. This film is instantly forgettable not bad or horrible as it is entertaining a bit while you watch it, but easily forgettable by the end.

Which is a shame as the cast is likable and eclectic. Even casting Iko Uwais as the villain. Where as most action films he is the hero. He has that badass fighting style that makes him a believable match for Dave Bautista. Even if for some reason they give him dyed blonde hair. Guessing that is to more recognize him throughout.

The funniest scene actually takes place inside a male strip club. It’s Not genius or well thought out but is funny. It is also very colorful.

You immediately know who is supposed to be a villain or end up being one. As they have way too big a name to play a minor role and it seems ominous especially in a scene In the middle of the film and it seems like the score goes to bad guy theme as the person walks in but really doesn’t nothing bad or evil. So later when revealed to be the villain you are barely shocked. 

This film is enjoyable as long as you don’t expect much and don’t come looking for much. You pretty much know what’s going. To happen so if just looking for something that moves and might be a fun time. Try this film 

Grade: C