Mark Wahlberg plays Stuart Long, a lad who grew up in Montana and endured more than his fair share of tragedy. He lost his younger brother Stephen at age four to meningococcus and then developed inclusion body myositis, a muscle disorder similar to Lou Gehrig’s disease.

He overcame these trials to become a Catholic priest before his death at fifty years of age. The film oversimplifies his life story and removes some of the more outlandish elements in pursuit of a seamless narrative. It also embellishes the rough nature of his life to build more contrast.

Wahlberg is effective at the role but his transition from a rough and ready pugilist to a man of the cloth lacks the nuance needed to make it truly believable. The accumulation of similar salt-of-the-earth roles in his resume also inhibits complete belief. What we are left with is an entertaining story that could have been more.
Rob Hudson
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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 divorced 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.

Written for the screen and directed by Rosalind Ross, and starring Academy Award Nominee® Mark Wahlberg (Best Supporting Actor, The Departed, 2006) as Father Stu, along with Academy Award Winner® Mel Gibson (Best Director, Braveheart, 1995), Academy Award Nominee® Jacki Weaver (Best Supporting Actor, Silver Linings Playbook, 2012) and Teresa Ruiz (Narcos). The film is produced by Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Jordon Foss and executive produced by Miky Lee, Colleen Camp, Rosalind Ross, Patrick Peach and Tony Grazia.

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson, Jacki Weaver and Teresa Ruiz, Father Stu will be released in Australian cinemas May 12!
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