Humor, high drama, spirituality, heart and soul are hallmarks of Father Stu, a perfectly timed true story that is a faith-based film by genre but a movie that should have universal appeal thanks to it engaging and unpredictable title character and the actor who brought his own passion just to get this story to the screen.
Mark Wahlberg has worked years to bring Stuart Long’s largely unknown but remarkable journey to his true life’s goal to the big screen; the actor even put some of his own money into its financing in order to get it there. You certainly can see why, as the role is one of the best Wahlberg has delivered in a career with many highlights. In fact, I would say this is his finest, most appealing screen turn since The Fighter. Long is quite the intriguing and inspirational person to wrap a feature film around.
Determined to try his luck at show business, the sometimes-in-your-face, full of self -confidence Long came to Hollywood with a dream of becoming an actor. It was a dream against all odds, but working as a grocery clerk he did find some luck here and there, as well as some romance in the form of Carmen (a terrific Teresa Ruiz), a no-nonsense Catholic school teacher who ignored his bold advances even as he refused to take no for an answer. Finally the lifelong agnostic convinces her that he is a churchgoing regular when he shows up at her parish, even spending some time in choice scenes in the confessional, and with the young students in her class. The guy has undeniable charm and chutzpah, to say the least, plus a strong belief that there are no limitations as far as he is concerned.
‘Father Stu’ Trailer & First-Look Photos
His carefree existence is shattered by a devastating motorcycle accident that left him at death’s door. He survives and because of it saw visions of a new life, one where out of the blue he believes his calling is to become a priest. Again he is climbing uphill as no one around him, including his astonished mother (Jacki Weaver) or his estranged and alcoholic father Bill (Mel Gibson), can possibly believe in this life U-turn for Stu.
But as with everything, he manages to find a way into it, even if church officials and the cardinal (Malcolm McDowell) try to discourage this as someone just tilting at windmills. His (pardon the pun) devil-may-care attitude carries him a long way in the seminary he manages to enter, until yet another of life’s blows hits him hard when he is diagnosed with a devastating muscular condition, similar to ALS, in which he will gradually lose most of his motor skills and ability to move on his own. This does not even stop his determination to become a priest.
Rosalind Ross makes an impressive screenwriting and directorial debut here, helped all the more with her exceptional cast starting with Wahlberg, who knows a good role when he sees one. Gibson is excellent in one of his best roles in years, as are Ruiz and the always-reliable Weaver. Fine support also comes from veteran McDowell, Aaron Moten and Cody Fern.
Producers are Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Jordan Foss. Colleen Camp, Mikey Lee, Patrick Peach and Tony Grazia are EPs along with Ross. Sony Pictures releases the Columbia Pictures presentation on Wednesday, just in time for Easter. Check out my video review with scenes from the movie at the link above.
Do you plan to see Father Stu? Let us know what you think.