Father Stu
Directed by Rosalind RossFollows the life of Father Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-priest who inspired countless people during his journey from self-destruction to redemption.
- Manuel FrangisMarch 25, 2025I just watched Father Stu and I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is one of those movies that really surprised me. I was not sure what to expect going in, but it turned out to be a powerful story with a lot of heart, a little bit of humor, and a message that really sticks with you. It is based on a true story, and it feels honest from beginning to end. Mark Wahlberg gives one of his best performances ever. He plays Stuart Long, a former boxer who goes through a rough life filled with bad decisions, pain, and constant struggle. But after a major turning point, he finds something bigger than himself and starts heading down a totally unexpected path. Wahlberg completely throws himself into the role. You believe his transformation every step of the way. He makes the character feel raw, real, and relatable. What makes the movie stand out is how imperfect and messy it is. It does not try to be a polished or overly sweet story. Instead, it shows how hard life can get, how people fall apart, and how sometimes the most unlikely people can end up making a real difference. That is what makes it feel so powerful. Mel Gibson plays Stu’s tough and bitter father, and their relationship adds a whole other layer to the story. The tension between them feels real, and you can see how much pain and regret both of them are carrying. Jacki Weaver is great as Stu’s mother too, bringing a mix of love and worry to every scene she is in. The cast really sells the family dynamic and helps you connect with the story on a deeper level. The pacing is solid. The movie never drags, and every scene feels like it is moving Stu’s journey forward. It starts out rough and gritty, but as things shift and Stu begins to change, the tone changes too. You start to see the hope, even if the struggle never really goes away. It is emotional without being cheesy and inspiring without trying too hard. There are also moments of humor that really work. Stu has a sharp mouth and a tough personality, and he brings some much needed levity to serious scenes. It helps balance out the heaviness of the story and makes the character feel more human. The reason I give it 4.5 out of 5 instead of a full 5 is because a couple of parts feel a little rushed. There are moments in Stu’s transformation that could have used more time to really sink in. But overall, the message still comes through strong, and the emotional impact is definitely there. What really stuck with me is how the movie talks about faith, forgiveness, and finding purpose. It is not preachy, and it does not try to make everything perfect. It shows a flawed man trying to do something meaningful with his life, and that is something a lot of people can connect with, no matter what they believe. Overall Father Stu is a powerful, emotional, and surprisingly funny movie that tells a true story with a lot of heart. Wahlberg gives an incredible performance, and the message behind it all really hits. I am glad I watched it, and I will definitely be thinking about it for a while.
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Father Stu Trivia
Father Stu was released on April 13, 2022.
Father Stu was directed by Rosalind Ross.
Father Stu has a runtime of 2h 4m.
Father Stu was produced by Jordon Foss, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson.
Follows the life of Father Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-priest who inspired countless people during his journey from self-destruction to redemption.
The key characters in Father Stu are Father Stuart 'Stu' Long (Mark Wahlberg), Bill Long (Mel Gibson), Kathleen Long (Jacki Weaver).
Father Stu is rated R.
Father Stu is a Drama, Biography, Sport film.
Father Stu has an audience rating of 9.5 out of 10.
Father Stu had a budget of $4M.
Father Stu has made $21.6M at the box office.