A Touching and Authentic Tale of Fatherhood
Fatherhood (Movie Review)
Fatherhood is a surprisingly touching film that explores the joys and frustrations of fatherhood. Its message is that even if you aren’t the perfect parent, you can still be an amazing dad.
Its cast includes Kevin Hart, Lil Rel Howery, Anthony Carrigan, Alfre Woodard, and DeWanda Wise. It’s written by Paul Weitz and Dana Stevens.
It’s based on a memoir
Kevin Hart’s new movie Fatherhood is a heartwarming, funny and tragic true story about one of life’s toughest jobs: being a dad. The film, based on Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love by Matthew Logelin, stars Hart as Matt, a man who becomes a single dad after his wife passes away the day of their daughter’s birth. The drama also features Alfre Woodard, Lil Rel Howery, DeWanda Wise, Melody Hurd, Anthony Carrigan and Paul Reiser.
The film was directed by Paul Weitz (American Pie, About a Boy and Little Fockers) from a screenplay by Weitz and Dana Stevens. It was produced by Marty Bowen, Hart and David Beaubaire, with Peter Kiernan serving as executive producer. It will be released by Netflix on June 18. This is a rare dramatic role for Hart, who has been known for his high-energy comedy. He is supported by a strong cast. The film is a must-see for any family.
It’s a comedy
Director Paul Weitz and co-writer Dana Stevens, whose previous work includes Little Fockers and About a Boy, wisely resist the temptation to lean too hard into either the laughs or the tears. This allows the film to remain charming despite its predictability. Despite some initial jokes about diapers and spit-up, the film also treats more serious issues with an authentic touch.
The first act of Fatherhood is quite strong, establishing Matthew’s wife’s death and his own grief within a quick 15 minutes. He then sets about trying to learn how to raise his daughter Maddy with help from his friend Jordan (Lil Rel Howery) and Oscar (Anthony Carrigan).
The second act of the movie follows Maddy through a series of milestones, from her teen years up to the point when she is becoming sexually active. The movie does a good job of showing us how Matt and Maddy grow together, with each experience having an impact on the other.
It’s a drama
Fatherhood is a drama about Matt Logelin raising his daughter Maddy (Melody Hurd) after her mother dies during childbirth. Based on the memoir Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love, it shows how difficult it is to be a single dad. However, it also demonstrates that you can survive such a situation.
The film has a good cast and is worth watching. But it isn’t kid friendly, and it contains some profanity. Moreover, it has some sexual content as well. Therefore, you should consider before watching it with kids.
The movie has some funny scenes, but it is a bit predictable. Its deeper themes are handled with care, though. Director Paul Weitz, who made About A Boy and American Pie, resists the temptation to go overboard with either laughs or tears. This balance is what keeps Fatherhood interesting and believable. The film also features a strong performance from Hart. He is able to bring the character of Maddy to life on screen.
It’s a love story
The film is based on Matthew Logelin’s 2011 memoir Two Kisses for Maddy, and while it doesn’t quite hit the mark in every way, it does succeed at highlighting the challenges of raising a child single-handedly. Directed by Paul Weitz, the movie stars Kevin Hart as Matt Logelin, a man who loses his wife to a pulmonary embolism shortly after her delivery. It has a small, but impressive cast that includes Thedra Porter as his mother-in-law, Alfre Woodard as his supportive coworker, and Anthony Carrigan as his bonehead best friend.
Unlike so many movies, Fatherhood doesn’t infantilize dads or treat them like well-meaning morons. Instead, it portrays Matt as a capable, albeit inexperienced, new parent. He may be overwhelmed at times, but he has a strong support network and a solid sense of purpose. He’s also a good dad who puts his daughter Maddy first. Ultimately, the movie strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart.