Father Stu (2022)

Follows the life of Father Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-priest who inspired countless people during his journey from self-destruction to redemption.When I saw the trailer for this movie it looked interesting. But I saw the score from critics and it was pretty bad. This film is being called a faith based film. That is code for it must suck because it’s made for Christians. Critics and Hollywood for that matter hate those films don’t they? I am not Christian but I think it’s so condescending to create a stigma around a film because it’s subject matter may not appeal to some because it’s about faith. Oh the horror!!! I’m not Christian or even that religious but that bothers me.This film is based on the true story of Father Stuart Long. Long us played but Mark Wahlberg. Stu is an ameteur boxer that is told he dlneeds to quit because a medical condition. We learn that Stu lost a brother when he was young and that he came from a broken home. Virtually no relationship with his father Bill played really well by a weathered and gruff Mel Gibson. He eventually meets Carmen, a latina Catholic girl named Carmen played by Teresa Ruiz which he immediately falls for. She is very Catholic so she rebuffs his advances because he has charm but comes of as a snake oil salesman. He starts going to church to win her over and eventually does. She falls for him and all seems well but then Stuart has a life changing event that convinces him that his mission is to become a priest. The film put a good amount of emphasis on the people that surround Stuart in his journey and all are uniformly good. For instance Jacki Weaver plays Stuarts mother really well. She loves Stu but the loss of her other son and ty he loss her marriage left her deeply scarred and she didn’t seem Stuart the attention he deserved growing up. Mel Gibson is great as Bill. It’s a perfect role for him because we all know that he’s had some problems in the public eye that make his character more believable. The relationship between Stu and Bill doesn’t dominate the film but Wahlberg and Gibson have some good chemistry as father and son. Being that true stories sometimes have a TV movie of the weak feel but the central performance by Wahlberg prevents that. I have always thought he was a serviceable actor but this performance is the best he’s ever given. It’s Oscar worthy but he’ll probably be ignored I feel.because of the type of role he plays.This is an affecting, funny, tragic film that never gets to preachy or overdramatic but it will ilicit tears in some.I really liked it.Grade: B+