Father Stu: A Passion Project That Misses the Mark

Directed by: Rosalind Ross  

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson, Jacki Weaver, Teresa Ruiz, Malcolm McDowell

Father Stu tells the improbable true story of Stuart Long’s journey from a boxer to a priest, brought to life by Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson, both devout Catholics and passionate about this project. However, sometimes a passion project can lose focus, emphasizing parts of the story that the creators are interested in rather than delivering a cohesive message.

The Story of Stu Long:

The real-life Stu Long begins as a boxer, having a strained relationship with his abusive, mostly absent father (Mel Gibson) and a well-meaning but ineffective mother (Jacki Weaver). As a child, Stu longs for his father's approval, but we quickly move to his adult life, where Stu (now played by Wahlberg) is a boxer with more injuries than trophies. When his boxing career ends, he pivots to another dream—becoming a Hollywood movie star. This pursuit leads him to meet Carmen (Teresa Ruiz), a devout Catholic. Initially feigning interest in her faith to win her over, Stu’s life changes following a serious motorcycle accident, leading him to genuinely embrace the priesthood.

A Rocky Road to Priesthood:

The film shines in moments showing Stu's unique way of connecting with people, such as a scene where he visits a prison as part of his seminary training. Here, his impetuous and open-hearted nature contrasts sharply with a more traditional, condescending seminarian, demonstrating Stu’s ability to reach those often overlooked. However, such scenes are few and far between, and the movie spends too much time on less relevant parts of Stu’s life, diluting the story's impact.

Missed Opportunities:

Father Stu struggles with pacing and focus. The film spends too much time on Stu’s life before the priesthood, failing to delve deeply into his spiritual development and how he connected with others through his faith. Wahlberg’s natural charisma and charm aren’t enough to sustain these parts, which feel more like opportunities for Wahlberg and Gibson to act out entertaining scenes rather than meaningful moments that advance the story.

Character Interactions:

The interactions between Stu and Monsignor Kelly (Malcolm McDowell) at the seminary are particularly unsatisfying. The film glosses over how their relationship evolves after Stu persuades Monsignor Kelly to let him enroll, missing an opportunity to show significant character development. Additionally, scenes intended to highlight Stu's values often fall flat or portray him less favorably than intended. For instance, his handling of his relationship with Carmen after deciding to become a priest feels unresolved and unaccountable.

A Confused Tone:

The film’s tone is inconsistent, often reveling in Stu's pre-conversion antics with a sense of enjoyment that overshadows the redemption arc. This imbalance makes the moments of spiritual awakening and growth less impactful. St. Augustine’s famous plea, “Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet,” seems to encapsulate the filmmakers’ approach, focusing more on Stu’s sinful past with heightened relish and less on his spiritual journey.

Final Thoughts:

Father Stu ultimately preaches to the choir rather than reaching a broader audience. While it provides glimpses of the real Stu during the end credits, the film is bogged down by its preoccupation with less essential parts of his story. Wahlberg’s and Gibson’s passion for the project is evident, but it often feels misplaced, leading to a film that struggles to deliver a cohesive and compelling narrative.

**Rating:** ★★☆☆☆

While Father Stu has moments of genuine connection and strong performances, it fails to fully realize its potential, offering an uneven portrayal of a remarkable true story. It’s a film that, despite its noble intentions, doesn’t quite find its footing between entertainment and enlightenment.