Father Stu, God & Second Chances

Mark Wahlberg as Father Stu/Karen Ballard Sony Pictures

Father Stu, featuring Mark Wahlberg, Teresa Ruiz, Mel Gibson and Jacki Weaver is a powerhouse of a film.

It's based on the life of Father Stuart Long - a former boxer and street fighter, who meets a woman who introduces him to God and Jesus.

In real life, Stuart Long could throw a punch but had to give up boxing due to a major injury to his jaw. He also met a woman (named Carmen in the film, based on a real-life love interest) who helped open him up to a life of faith.

In the film, Carmen and Stu fall in love, mirroring their real-life relationship. And herein lies the film's biggest impact, in my opinion. They were attracted to each other, but Stu gave up their romantic relationship to become a priest.

One of the most gripping scenes is when Stu tries to explain to Carmen (played magnificently by Teresa Ruiz) this major change in his life. Stu felt he had a calling to become a Catholic priest, which means celibacy. And he chooses to pursue it.

Which leads us to another theme of Father Stu - second chances, provided by a growing faith in God.

The theme is even more remarkable when you consider that Father Stu wasn't made by a faith-based film company. It was produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Palm Drive Productions. The film also is rated R for expletive-sprinkled conversation throughout.

Mark Wahlberg turns in a dynamite performance as Father Stu. In a very real sense he was born to play this part (having shared some life experiences that the real Father Stu had.) Wahlberg was said to have tried for six years to get this film made, and his persistence has paid off. (Wahlberg is also a devote Catholic.)

But he isn't the only cast member to shine.

Jacki Weaver and Mel Gibson give knockout performances as Stu's parents. And Malcolm McDowell turns in a very credible version of Monsignor Kelly - who patiently helps Father Stu through his battle with inclusion body myositis, a progressive and fatal muscle illness. 

Fr. Stuart Long/Photo courtesy of Long Family

Far from becoming increasingly bitter as his muscle use whittled away, Father Stu called this deadly autoimmune disease, in light of the spiritual growth it spawned, "probably the best thing that's ever happened to me." 

It's rare nowadays for a film to have such a profound moral lesson. The fact that it's R-rated makes Father Stu even more unique. 

Quick Caveat: There are multiple scenes in Father Stu that contain swearing. None of it is egregious. 

Directed by: Rosalind Ross
Screenplay by: Rosalind Ross
Produced by: CJ Entertainment, Palm Drive Productions
Distributed by: Sony Pictures, Columbia Pictures
Running Time: 2 hrs. 4 mins.