FATHER STU (2022)

 

Written & Directed by Rosalind Ross Cinematography: Jacques Jouffret  Editor: Jeffrey M. Werner 

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson, Jacki Weaver, Malcolm McDowell, Teresa Ruiz, Jack Kehler, Aaron Morten, Cody Fern, Carlos Leal

Follows the life of Father Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-priest who inspired countless people during his journey from self-destruction to redemption. Based on a true story. 

The film obviously speaks to the beliefs and sensibilities of the two stars of the film Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson. It’s a truly inspirational story that ends up redeeming itself in the end. 

The film takes a while to get started and Mark Wahlberg looks a bit old for the leading role, but he does what the role Calls for, staying self-deprecating.  yet charismatic and quite funny. Not to mention gets to play an extraordinary human character. 

Mel Gibson plays his father in a mode he is becoming quite familiar with. That is usually ex-alcoholic and/or white trash. Here he has a chance at a more dramatic role. Where at times he is thrown into stereotype and at others you truly can feel him as the character.

The romance angle is perfectly handled as it takes its time and by the time he has finally gotten what he wanted. Yet still hasn't made a complete change a tragedy happens that makes him devote his life to god. 

What truly sets the film and story apart is that after that tragedy another tragedy is revealed and while it gives the film a curve from the by-numbers way it seems like it was going. It also adds dramatic depth that the film had already given us an abundance of, but then finally and truly felt.

Truthfully the film that seems lively at first truly doesn’t come alive and exciting until that second act when he is truly trying to strive for bigger and better things. Even throughout the film, his character seems to be searching and trying for something new to fulfill himself and change his life for the better.

Based on a true story you can only do so much, but this film is an uplifting story and a crowd-pleaser. It is hard to knock it, but it is definitely not a film I could imagine watching more than once.

Grade: C