Struggling Widower Tries to Balance Comedy and Drama in Fatherhood
Fatherhood Genre Review
Director Paul Weitz and star Kevin Hart try to tread the fine line between comedy and drama in Fatherhood. This movie tells the story of Matt Logelin, a widower who struggles to raise his daughter after his wife passes away during childbirth.
Lil Rel Howery and Anthony Corrigan provide most of the laughs as Matt’s ride-or-die best friends Jordan and Oscar. But the film never feels like it fully captures the essence of grieving.
Plot Summary
The movie takes us through the journey of Matt Logelin (Hart) a widower who struggles to balance his work life and raise his daughter Maddy. The film has a good amount of heart warming moments and makes you cry at times too.
It’s a film with an underlying message that is more than just about raising a single child. It also talks about embracing your family and not being afraid of change in life.
Weitz deftly handles the genre-blending of comedy and drama. The comedy, however, never feels totally appropriate and often goes overboard. For instance, the way in which the film makes fun of the manner in which Logelin’s wife died is a bit off-putting. The same can be said about the cliche jokes surrounding inferior diaper-changing skills or a presentation at work interrupted by incessant crying.
Plot Development
There’s nothing particularly surprising about Fatherhood, but it does what a movie of this type needs to do. Its plot takes a back seat to character and emotion, which allows Hart and Weitz to take the film where it needs to go without relying on cheap tricks or manipulative scenes.
While the film may be predictable at times, it’s also a touching story that’s worth watching. The performances are great, especially from Alfre Woodard who manages to steal every scene she’s in.
With this movie, Kevin Hart dives into a genre that’s a departure from the comedy-intensive films his career has been known for. While he doesn’t reach the dramatic heights of his best work, it’s still a pleasant ride. He proves that he has the chops to be a solid dramatic actor.
Plot Continuity
Despite the film’s best intentions, it never reaches the dramatic heights it aims for. It’s a shame, considering the cast and director Paul Weitz’s track record.
Hart does an admirable job, despite not being in his element. He brings an honesty to his character that is both refreshing and heartfelt. It’s a side of him we don’t often see, and one that is well worth exploring.
The movie carries the same tone as most comedies and dramas, but it doesn’t shy away from its emotional scenes. Of course, it is a film about the loss of a loved one, and naturally, there will be melancholic moments. Thankfully, the film never dwells on it for too long.
Plot Twists
When a movie makes it to the final cut, there are a few twists that have to be included. While these shouldn’t be overdone, they can make the story more interesting and keep the audience engaged.
Twin Brothers Become Local Heroes
A hitman is sent to kill a pair of vigilante brothers who take justice into their own hands. But, when the hitman sees that the brothers are praying, he stops to let them finish before revealing himself as their long-lost father. The twist is both unexpected and appropriate, and adds to the story’s climax.
Overall
Despite not falling under the category of a rom-com, Fatherhood is a light and wholesome movie. The story focuses on the important relationship between a father and his daughter. This makes it an excellent choice for parents with young children.
The film is based on Matt Logelin’s memoir, Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love. It stars Kevin Hart as a widowed father struggling to raise his daughter alone. The film is directed by Paul Weitz, who also wrote the screenplay.
Weitz does a good job of balancing the elements of comedy and drama. While there are several melancholic scenes, they don’t feel out of place. The characters are well developed and the performances are great, especially from Hart and Maddy.