Father Stu (2022) User Reviews

Really good story of religion and humanity

[jacobbriscombe · 7/10 · 1 June 2022]

I very much enjoyed this film and don't understand why it is rated as low as it is by critics. It is definitely Wahlberg's best performance of the films I've seen. The other performance I liked was Gibson. He plays his father and is a alcoholic due to the loss of his youngest son and drinks the trauma away. He plays the role so well and I really sympathised with him, cared deeply for his character and wanted him to rekindle his connection with his son Stu. His performance reminds me of Nick Nolte in Warrior who also plays a broken and drunken father. The overall plot was engaging and never felt dragged out, this was due to there being a decent amount of screen time of each major part of his life. This for me made the changes he goes through feel even more powerful because as soon as you understand more about this character a life changing event happens to Stu and he progresses as a character even further. The cinematography was pretty standard with some nice shots here and there but for the most part it was what you would expect for a Hollywood film.

I think everyone would enjoy this film especially since it's based on a true story which always hooks me in a whole lot more for a film of this theme.

Oscar Worthy Performances!

[BrnzReviews · 8/10 · 1 June 2022]

Stuart Long was the kind of man you had to make a movie about and who better to play him than the great Mark Wahlberg. I'll be honest I was blown away with the weight gain Wahlberg went through for this movie as well as the raw emotions shown within it. Mel Gibson is also a great actor that needed the right redemption to truly remind us why we call these men actors, I was very intrigued within the story, I do like a good true story film and this one was remarkable. This movie did a great job highlighting the disease inclusion body myositis, a degenerative muscle disease that renders him disabled but that does not stop his awakening to his great spiritual journey.

I really enjoyed everything about this film, they did a phenomenal job at everything, the plot, the abilities, the awareness, the fact the man was a boxer turned priest is mindblowing but this indeed was a perfect film with a perfect cast and crew. Stuart Long would have loved seeing this film may he rest in peace, it really is a masterpiece, I'd highly recommend checking this one out!

Good movie. Unfairly Treated by The Critics

[angelwings1900 · 8/10 · 31 May 2022]

Yes, Wahlberg deserves a nomination for this. I'm not a practicing Catholic but I was definitely moved. It's more than some "faith based" movie. A lot of good performances. Mel Gibson, Jacki Weaver were excellent. But it's not trendy to recommend a movie like this. That's why the critics really didn't give it fair shake. I think what I liked about Father Stu is that it addresses the nature of suffering. Why do we suffer? That's what makes it profound by the end.

Mark Wahlberg as Father Stuart Long.

[TxMike · 1 December 2022]

This isn't exactly a bio-pic, it leaves lots of things out and fictionalizes a few things, but it is a mostly true account of Stuart Long who grew up as a crude, rough and tumble type of athlete and high-ranking boxer in Montana.

At some point he decides to go to Los Angeles and become an actor. With no real preparation and no plan he is a bust. Then after losing his drivers license and resorting to a motorcycle for transportation, he is in an accident that almost kills him. However through it all has a religious experience and decides to become a Catholic priest.

His road is never easy, and things go from pretty bad to a lot worse. Still through discernment and a stroke of good fortune he became a priest at the age of 34. He developed a novel way to connect with people.

My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. Good movie and the actors are all first-rate in their roles, especially Wahlberg and Gibson.

More Than Watchable!

[martimusross · 6/10 · 12 September 2022]

Father Stu

This was a good old fashion story of redemption. Mark Wahlberg played Stuart Long a washed up boxer who really hits rock bottom after a dreadful accident.

Stu sees his life being spared as a message and a call to the priesthood. There were some clunky moments but mostly these were the scripts writers fault and perhaps needing editing out.

We had some great acting and some brilliant cameos. Like a Tom Cruise or Liam Neeson movie Mark Wahlberg always delivers a strong and committed characterisation. I think he is long overdue for an Oscar winning role.

Overall I enjoyed this movie and it's a firm 6 outta 10 from me.

I'm Not Even Religious And Saw This

[statuskuo · 7/10 · 13 April 2022]

This movie is funnier than the ads will have you believe.

The story is of a amateur (to put it kindly) boxer who is scrappy in life. He's told often that he can't do something or that life gives him hardship and his stubborn streak kicks in. To a lot of people, his persistence is read as silly and frustrating. To a lot of people he should be beaten to death in an alley somewhere in some small rural town he hails from. Until a fateful night which puts a lot of his life in perspective. Unfortunately, I don't feel that moment is enough to generate the turn of the cheek. But, writer/director Rosalind Ross was smart enough to show how little Stuart actually changes. He instead uses his blue-collar nastiness for good rather than evil. Funny to me, to say the least. I wish they would've played more in that world. Where people expect him to be pious and uptight but ends up being a thug in a collar. There may have been extra chuckles to be mined there, ala Harrison Ford getting ice cream on his face in "Witness."

Well, the structure itself isn't anything new. And if you've seen a redemption story, you know what follows. But Mark Wahlberg does an exceptional job getting into the attitude of Stu. In a wild universe, he is Dirk Diggler grown up and trying to find salvation. Mirroring him is Mel Gibson, who plays his father who has his own moment of goodness. It's not much, but it is enough.

Yes, there are a few moments that get heavy handed. That's not to say, these things didn't occur in real life. Stu is brash, and edgy and punch-drunk dumb. He goes with the theory that he doesn't know until someone tells him it's wrong, then he doubles down. His logic is that if Christ wanted him alive, it must be that he wants him to double down for him.

I've no doubt that director Ross, whom is in a relationship with Mel Gibson, tapped the lighter side of the situation. In different hands, this plays as a broad parody. This was reigned in enough for it to hit where it needs to. Speaking of which...Jackie Weaver is such a blessing to watch. She embraces dialogue that would fall flat coming out of most actors' mouths and hits the right beats. Completely nails the humor beats without knowing she is funny. She is the quintessential White trash mom with a kind heart. She has a lot of darkness in her, but they do such a brilliant thing...and not make that the centralized burden to her life. She presses forward and referees two bulls. Though she is separated from her husband Mel, she harbors the right degree of resentment to a former relationship. The dynamics of their family are very clear.

Any way, this is a surprisingly funny flick. I found myself laughing many times at some of the absurdity that occurs. Special shout-out to Teresa Ruiz who plays the love interest. She is warm, kind and when things go wrong, does exhibit the proper reaction and emotions. She is fantastic in this!

Go check it out. I think you're going to be surprised.

Stick around for a hilarious scene during credits.

"What if the unknown was greater than we can imagine?"

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 3 September 2022]

This was an inspirational story of a former boxer who took the long way around to find his true vocation as a Catholic priest. Raised in a broken home and aggrieved by the death of a younger brother at an early age, Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) faces the challenges in his life with a fierce determination to attain his goals, even if he doesn't perceive the eventual outcome. Along the way, he takes menial jobs in a struggle to become an actor and is inspired to join the church when he sets his eyes on a beautiful young woman (Teresa Ruiz). What it all leads to is a realization that his true calling was to inspire others to Christ as a Catholic priest, and so begins his mission to get accepted as a seminarian and prove to doubters that his resolve is sincere. Which becomes tested even more so when he's diagnosed with a progressive muscle disorder that threatens to cut short his aspirations. Stuart's journey reunites his estranged parents (Mel Gibson, Jacki Weaver) who in their own individual ways attain a redemption of sorts through the support they find in their hearts to offer to their afflicted son. Bill Long (Gibson) in particular, learns what it means to be a father and husband through the pain and suffering of Father Stu, ordained a priest after he had given up hope of doing so. There's an early scene in the movie at a bar when an unknown patron offers Stuart Long some cryptic advice that bears out in a most unexpected way. No explanation is offered when Stuart searches for an answer, though one might suspect it was counsel from an unassuming guardian angel.

redemption

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 13 April 2022]

Greetings again from the darkness. Well, if you are going to make a movie about redemption and bettering one's self, who better to cast than Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson? Both men are stars who on multiple occasions have needed redeeming. Writer-director Rosalind Ross' first feature film is based on the true story of Stuart Long, and Mr. Wahlberg was so committed to the project that he funded production when others chose not to.

OK, so maybe it's a bit of a stretch having Mr. Wahlberg play the guy who becomes a priest, but that's why they call it, "the magic of Hollywood." Stuart Long was a real person and his story is compelling and worth sharing. Wahlberg so believed this that he self-funded the production, and clearly gave his all in the performance. My advice to anyone watching the movie is to stay seated. Things move extremely fast ... and it's that expeditious approach to storytelling that gives this a bit of a movie-of-the-week feel. Here's what I mean by fast: We see Stu (Wahlberg) as a boxer. His parents are long-divorced, and after an injury, Stu decides to head to California to be an actor. He falls in love with a girl who convinces him to get baptized, and the experience inspires him to become a Catholic priest. Severe health issues ensue, yet he persists. That's a whole lot to cover in two hours, and it explains why each piece skims only the surface and feels rushed ... and this is only a partial list!

The pedigree here is beyond question. Wahlberg has twice been Oscar nominated. Two-time Oscar winner Mel Gibson plays his father, while 2-time Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver is Stu's mother. Screen legend Malcolm McDowell plays the local monsignor who finds himself in a pickle, and the always-great Colleen Camp has a brief appearance as a seen-it-all motel clerk. Teresa Ruiz is terrific as Carmen, Stu's reluctant love interest who first think she understands him, then learns she doesn't, and then ultimately respects what he's made of himself.

Catholicism plays a big role here, and there is plenty of guilt to go around. Wahlberg leans heavily into his charm to help us relate to Stu, but he and Gibson both have cringe-inducing moments for those familiar with some of their off-screen activities. Gibson's 'Hitler' crack seems to walk an especially fine line. On the other hand, Gibson delivers a couple of memorable lines: one early on when he's watching young Stu dance, and another later on when the two are re-connecting as grown men. Filmmaker Ross includes some actual Stuart Long audio recordings, photographs, and video over the closing credits.

Opens in theaters April 13, 2022.

Father Stu(2022)

[robfollower · 8/10 · 18 April 2022]

."I am calling it right now Wahlberg is getting an Oscar nomination for his role as Father Stu ." For six years, Wahlberg had been so driven to tell the story of Father Stu that he self-financed the movie. He said he spent "millions and millions of dollars" to get it made.

Wahlberg gained 30 pounds for his new movie "Father Stu." To gain weight, the actor started with an initial two-week 7,000-calorie-a-day diet plan. Then during the last four weeks, he upped his intake to 11,000 calories a day.

"A dozen eggs, dozen pieces of bacon, two bowls of white rice, a cup of olive oil to start the morning," he said. "More eggs, a porterhouse steak. That's seven to eight meals a day of this."

The weight gain was one aspect of the performance, but Wahlberg noted that he felt it was the only way to show the audience just how much Long had changed by the end of his life. "Everything about Stu was predicated on his physicality. To see him lose that but to gain the strength of a thousand men spiritually, it was unbelievable. I wanted the audience to see that and understand it," he explained.

Mark Wahlberg looks unrecognizable.

Based on a true story, Father Stu is an unflinchingly honest, funny and ultimately uplifting drama about a lost soul who finds his purpose in a most unexpected place. When an injury ends his amateur boxing career, Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) moves to L. A. dreaming of stardom. While scraping by as a supermarket clerk, he meets Carmen (Teresa Ruiz), a Catholic Sunday school teacher who seems immune to his bad-boy charm. Determined to win her over, the longtime agnostic starts going to church to impress her. But surviving a terrible motorcycle accident leaves him wondering if he can use his second chance to help others find their way, leading to the surprising realization that he is meant to be a Catholic priest. Despite a devastating health crisis and the skepticism of Church officials and his estranged parents (Mel Gibson and Jacki Weaver), Stu pursues his vocation with courage and compassion, inspiring not only those closest to him but countless others along the way.

Impressive movie making by a stellar cast and first time Director

[bwiseman-65093 · 7/10 · 14 April 2022]

An incredible directing /editing job by Rosalind Rossi's as her first directorial debut. Mark Wahlberg as Father Stuart "Stu" Long, Jacki Weaver as Kathleen Long, Mel Gibson as Bill Long, and especially Teresa Ruiz as Carmen with Malcolm McDowell adding great weight to the production. I was especially impressed by the editing sequence during the injury to Mark Wahlberg. I was not enjoying the rude and foul behavior by his character at the beginning but by the conclusion of the film I was extremely impressed and glad that I sat through the entire movie without stop.

A Fine Story But Something is Lacking

[ThereelscoopwithKK · 5/10 · 13 November 2022]

This was a movie I really wanted to like. Im a huge fan of redemption and comeback stories and I could tell how much effort Wahlberg put into his role. Despite the great performance he delivered he just didn't have the right feel for the part for me. However , I felt he worked well in the scenes with Mel Gibson.

The larger disappointment for me was simply in how the story was delivered. The script was decent , but the pacing felt choppy. Some parts felt like they needed to be explored further while other were drawn out and didn't advance the characters or plot.

The ending was well done and certainly evokes strong emotion, however, once again I feel like it would have had an even stronger impact with better casting of Father Stu.

Overall , I don't regret watching it, but I think they were making this with the hope that it would be Oscar- worthy. But it's not, at least in my opinion.

You WILL laugh and you WILL cry

[trinaboice · 9/10 · 2 June 2022]

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.

Father Stu

[RobTheWatcher · 6/10 · 7 October 2022]

I think people need to pump the tires a bit with saying this is Oscar worthy. It's no doubt a great story and the fact that it's based on a true story makes it even better. But don't let that cloud your judgment and make you think this is an exceptional movie. The acting is decent although you get the same exact Wahlberg performance you always do. The directing and quality of production were also decent. But it was extremely boring at times and hard to stay engaged on. I liked it overall and recommend it to people but just don't go in thinking this is an Oscar caliber movie because it is not at all.

Good performances in rushed biopic

[mrglenngrant · 5/10 · 3 March 2024]

This is quite the departure for Mark Wahlberg, I believe ... since I don't remember seeing him in such a dramatic role. That in itself made me curious enough to see the film that I also believed would be a really interesting biopic.

Having watched it, Wahlberg was very good ... although I do think that he was overplaying the 'I'm a total dick' persona a bit. Mel Gibson was excellent, as always ... as was the woman that I thought was Beverley De'Angolo, Jacki Weaver. I like to think that Stuart brought them back together at the end of the movie but this isn't made clear.

The film's religious aspects were too much for me - but then what did I expect. I just think they really overdid it with the scripture and preachy talk.

I looked up Stuart Long afterwards and - as I always suspect - the film takes a fair amount of liberty with his true story ... with large important parts of it left out.

53/100.

SUPERB! An absolute home run. Out of the box inspiration.

[ScottBang · 14 April 2022]

An absolute home run in terms of character study and storytelling. This is hard-nosed faith based done right. It's an amazing amalgam of old school grit and honest reflection. It will forever hold the record for cussing and f-bombs for this subject matter. And, that's a good thing. The entire first act is set up and not what was expected at all. Back when awards actually mattered, Mark Wahlberg would have been a serious Oscar contender for his performance in this film. He, honest to God, (literally) delivers a masterpiece performance. His weight gain alone showed his commitment to doing justice to this work. Fr. Stu was an amazing individual whose growth and gifts through suffering will forever inspire those who watch this movie with an open heart and mind. A forever immortal that I personally will never forget thanks to this film.

Story is inspiring but the movie itself could use work

[MadSpaghetti · 6/10 · 7 November 2022]

I like this movie. Make no mistake about that part. I like Mark Wahlberg as an actor. Include some other well played roles and an inspirational story and this movie should have been a slam dunk.

However, there were so many times that I could not hear or understand what the actors were saying! I watched this at home on Netflix. I had to replay a lot of scenes to try to figure out what the words were that were being spoken. I had the volume way high and the second there was other sounds in the movie they were ridiculously loud.

It was super distracting and I almost didn't even finish the movie.

Great story, good acting...but I still don't know half of what was said.

One Note Lead Performance Drags This Down

[bankofmarquis · 6/10 · 25 September 2022]

When one creates a film that is based on the real life exploits of a person, the Writer/Director of the film will be sorely tempted to include that character in every scene. Which is fine if that character is written in an interesting enough way to keep our attention. When it is NOT written well, then the film is poorer because of it.

Such is the case with Writer/Director Rosalind Ross' (BARBARIAN) FATHER STU starring Mark Wahlberg in the titular role. Ms. Ross focuses on really one-trait of this character, never really diving deeper into the soul of the scoundrel who would turn his life around to serve others and, unfortunately, that is how Wahlberg plays this character as well - with the one note of "con-man and schemer" trying to have his charm and charisma carry the day. While this one note is not deep or particularly interesting, Wahlberg commits to this choice and plays Stu in that manner throughout the first part of the film.

And...that would be fine if the Stuart Long character has some sort of change of heart in the middle of the film when he decides to head to the Seminary, but Wahlberg plays this character (and Ross' Directs this film) with the same one note. Consequently, those around him - and the audience - question his sincerity. I just plain didn't buy or believe the character in the 2nd half of the movie and that sinks the ending of this film.

Fortunately, this film is populated with some wonderful, nuanced, performances from the Supporting Characters. Jacki Weaver (ANIMAL KINGDOM) is, once again, playing an abandoned wife constantly scrambling and scraping to get by. She has played this sort of roles many, many times before and she is always VERY good. This film is no exception. Malcolm McDowell does more than should be expected with the small part of the Head of the Seminary that Stuart attends. It would be very easy for McDowell to "mail it in", but he doesn't. He invests in his character - and his scenes with Wahlberg are much more interesting because of that. Teresa Ruiz (NARCOS) is sincere and believable as Stu's one-time girlfriend while Cody Fern (AMERICAN HORROR STORY) brings plenty of layers as the character that could be/should be the one-note villain of this piece but is something a bit more.

And then there is Mel Gibson as Stu's estranged father. He brings his star power - and considerable acting chops - to this pivotal role in the film and it is HIS change that I believed and drove the end of the film. I, actually, wanted to see more of his character.

Ultimately, this movie falls short because of the lack of depth of the performance by Wahlberg - and that's too bad for the rest of the film is quite good.

Letter Grade: B-

6 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)

Meh

[KazooMovieLover · 6/10 · 19 February 2023]

This film starts out well and kept my interest for the first hour or so but, as the story developed, the plot slowed to a crawl and almost lost me completely. I'm not a religious person so the Catholicism and the redemption via the Lord theme were too heavy handed for me. I chose to watch it hoping for a feel good story but, it didn't work for me.

The performances by Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson, and Jacki Weaver are good but, the screenplay is weak and definitely could have used some rewriting to tighten it up and improve the pacing. I wish there had been more development of Stu's back story, especially his childhood and relationship with his father. The potential for a gripping story was there but it just didn't deliver.

Catholic biopic

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 5 October 2022]

Boxer Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) is forced to quit by his mother (Jacki Weaver) and medical advice. His father Bill Long (Mel Gibson) is a recovering drunken malcontent. Stuart is a chip off the old block. The family members are all atheists. He falls for Carmen (Teresa Ruiz), but she's a devout Catholic. During a near death experience, he receives a vision of Mother Mary. He decides to become a priest. It's a journey filled with obstacles.

This is a biopic of a real priest. This is definitely a Catholic film from believers for believers. For outsiders, there is still a compelling portrait of a regular guy. It's a biopic and it's somewhat overstuffed. This should be streamlined to the priesthood and his medical condition. The movie opens with his medical condition. I have to assume that it is all related. I have to wonder if his bike crash is related partly to his health. As it stands, his fall at the basketball court comes out of nowhere. It should be set up more smoothly. All in all, this is a sincere biopic, but there is just too much stuffed in here.

Absolutely moving

[colewaters · 10/10 · 14 April 2022]

Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson star in this unbelievable true story that will have you sobbing in tears when the lights turn on. From the opening scene to the end of the credits it's like your in the room watching them film this.

Father Stu is not your ordinary faith base movie it is rated R for language throughout and to be honest this movie probably needed it. This in my opinion was probably one of Mark's better movies in years and same with Mel one of his best in years. They are great actors on their own, but every movie that they do together is a masterpiece.

Like I said this is rated R so don't go in to this thinking it's a family film and I guess it is in the fact that it's a faith film, but just with tons of language. I highly recommend seeing Father Stu.

Faith

[avindugunasinghe · 6/10 · 24 August 2022]

Father Stu is a champion's story. Authentic work by Mark to bring this rebellious character to life. A light hearted movie with so much value that's actually medicinal.

This fighter should've taken a knee....

[PerryAtTheMovies · 5/10 · 14 April 2022]

5.8/10

The story itself was pretty inspirational with the whole fighting for what you believe in and going for something that you set your heart to, but the depiction falls short. Further, the religious aspect isn't overly pushy and works well as intended, but I can tell this film won't be everyone's cup of tea, like Stu's father in the movie.

Mark Wahlberg is only convincing to a certain extent, but he didn't seem to fit the role all too well. Certain aspects came out stronger than others such as when he reaches a point of desperation, but he fails to capture the cockiness that he's shown in previous films.

The cinematography is pretty good and captures the visuals essence quite well. The score was enjoyable too and made some points throughout more emotional. However, it took too long to get to the emotional points and caused me to lose interest very quickly.

Overall, the film won't be to everyone's taste. It's a great story with a great moral, but the film depiction falls short to capture that essence. Marky Mark doesn't fit the role all to well, but he does have his moments.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I hope it helps you make a decision on the film. Until next time.... Enjoy the show!

Wahlberg Rules

[billcr12 · 9/10 · 31 May 2022]

Mark Wahlberg put his heart and soul into Father Stu, even providing the financing of the project and the result is an inspiring, old fashioned story of faith and redemption. As a cradle Catholic, I was moved to tears by the Oscar worthy performances of both Wahlberg and Mel Gibson as Stu's father. From beginning to end, not a minute is wasted in the transition from angry young man to man of the cloth. I cannot praise this film highly enough. Please see this journey of salvation.

Testament To His Faith

[stevendbeard · 7/10 · 14 April 2022]

I saw Father Stu, starring Mark Wahlberg-Uncharted, the Daddy's Home movies; Mel Gibson-Daddy's Home 2, The Expendables 3; Teresa Ruiz-The Marksman, Cantinflas and Malcolm McDowell-Bombshell, Silent Night.

This movie is based on a true story about Stuart Long, who went from being an amateur boxer to becoming a priest. Mark plays Stuart, a passionate man that gives everything his best shot. Mel is his father that left home when Mark was young and doesn't associate with Mark that much-there are hard feelings from both. Teresa is a Catholic girl that Mark falls for. He even starts going to church just to be around her. Malcolm is the Monsignor at the church. Mark has it rough when he decides to become a priest, mostly with his health-he has a disease-but he continues against odds to try to accomplish his goals. It's a testament to his faith and during the end credits, you see the real Stuart talking and learn what happened after the events shown in the movie.

It's rated R for language and has a running time of 2 hours & 4 minutes.

It's an inspirational story but not one that I would buy on DVD-once was enough. It would be a good rental just to see Mark's performance-he gained weight for certain scenes and even put up some of his own money to help finance the movie when no one else would.

Meh

[PedroPires90 · 4/10 · 5 May 2022]

Mark Wahlberg is a better actor than many claim and towards the end he shows what he could have done with a smarter and more nuanced script. There's an inspiring story here, but this is a film that fails to fit the pieces together. In the end, this is little more than just strong religious propaganda.