Father Stu movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Father Stu

This touching and inspiring movie is currently playing only in theaters.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 2 hours 4 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

After surviving a motorcycle accident, a former boxer and longtime agnostic starts to wonder if he can use his second chance to help others, leading to the surprising realization that he’s meant to be a Catholic priest.

The film was written and directed by first-time filmmaker Rosalind Ross, Mel Gibson’s girlfriend.

THINGS I LIKED:

I love Oscar Nominee Mark Wahlberg in everything he does. He’s equally convincing in dramas and comedies. In this movie, he even sings! He funded this film himself after being turned down by several movie studios. He gained about 30 pounds for this role, eating up to 11,000 calories a day to prepare before filming the scenes in Act 3! It’s quite a transformation. He and Mel Gibson are said to both be devout Catholics.
Academy Award winner Mel Gibson is fantastic in this. He’s in a relationship with the writer/director, and his daughter-in-law, Annet Mahendru, also appears in the movie as the Virgin Mary in a vision.
Another cast member who is an Oscar nominee is Jacki Weaver.
Other cast members include Teresa Ruiz and Niko Nicotera.
We get to see the real Father Stu during the closing credits! We see pictures, as well as video clips of his life. We also see a picture of his parents.
About midway through the rolling credits at the end, there’s a funny clip of Stuart giving advice to a child actress when he was trying to become a star in Hollywood.
I loved the meaningful soundtrack.
There are so many inspirational quotes and wisdom.
Lots of humor and moving insights. You WILL laugh and you WILL cry. The movie is incredibly inspiring, but even more so because it’s based on a true story.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

I can’t really think of anything I didn’t like. I really enjoyed this film, and I’m not even Catholic. I am Christian, however, and admire the faith and determination Father Stu demonstrated in his life.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Tons of profanity, including many F-bombs
Violence
Weapons
You see Stuart in his terrible motorcycle accident.

THEMES:

Forgiveness and redemption
Second chances and change
Gratitude
Faith
Persistence and getting up every time you fall
Family
Role models

FUNNY LINES:

“I always loved you for the piece of shxx you are. That’s unconditional.” – Bill Long (Mel Gibson)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Life’s going to give you a gut-full of reasons to be angry, kid. You only need one to be grateful.” – Barfly (Niko Nicotera)
“He doesn’t promise your stories will make sense but He does promise you’ll find your greater purpose if you’re patient.” – Carmen (Teresa Ruiz)
“No matter how many times you resist or say no, He still wants to help you.” – Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg)
“We shouldn’t pray for an easy life but the strength to endure a difficult one.” – Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg)