Mark Wahlbergis one of those rare talentswho successfully transitioned from teen pop idol to an acclaimed actor, even earning an Oscar nomination along the way. He’s delivered a string of respected hits over the years. However, it’s not always the case that fans and critics see eye-to-eye on a movie. One such divisive movie isFather Stu, which is now making its way to Max on February 11.
InFather Stu, Wahlberg portraysStuart Long, a former boxer turned priest who faces a crippling illness and must come to terms with his newfound faith. The story begins with Long getting injured and having to move to Southern California in search of fame, only to end up working as a store clerk. One thing leads to another and Long finds himself falling for a woman named Carmen, buta life-altering motorcycle accident ruins that for him. From a troubled past to a life dedicated to helping others,the movie explores themes like redemption, growth, and the power of faith. The official synopsis reads:
God needed a fighter, and He found one. Father Stu is based on the true-life story of boxer-turned-priest, Father Stuart Long, whose journey from self-destruction to redemption inspired countless people along the way.
Wahlberg’s performance as Stuart Long iscentral to the movie’s appeal; watching his change and the impact he had on those around him is genuinely transformative. Joining him in the cast are notable names such asMel Gibson, who plays Stu’s estranged father, Jacki Weaver as his supportive mother, and Teresa Ruiz as his love interest.
Why ‘Father Stu’ Divided Critics and Audiences
Despite the compelling narrative and strong performances, the biographical drama directed by Rosalind Rossstruggled at the box office.It had a relatively modest budget of $4 million, but it only managed to earn a little over $21 million at the global box office, which is a far cry from the commercial success that many of Wahlberg’s other films have achieved.
10 Mark Wahlberg Movies That Never Get Old
Mark Wahlberg has proven to be one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading men for the past three decades with these endlessly rewatchable hits.
Father Stualso received a polarizing reception from critics; they were not kind, with the movie garnering a 42% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The site’s consensus, based on 125 reviews, reads:“Mark Wahlberg is hard-working but miscast inFather Stu, an issue compounded by the way the movie fumbles its fact-based story.”Many reviewers also felt that the movie’s heavy-handed approach to its religious themes and lack of nuance in exploring the core themes of faith were not emotionally impactful enough.
However, the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes tells a very different story.Fans embracedFather Stuwith an impressive score of 95%, with many showering praise on Wahlberg’s turn as the titular character and for bringing authenticity to a deeply moving true-life experience. Additionally,Father Stuwas initially released with an R-rating, which limited its audience.
A re-release titledFather Stu: Rebornwas edited to achieve a PG-13 rating and appeal to younger viewers. Thedifference in critical and audience receptioncan partly be attributed to the film’s two separate cuts. With the film now coming to Max, it’s a whole new opportunity to sit down for a worthwhile watch.
Father Stu
