Film Review: "Fatherhood" (2021).

"In It, Together." This is Fatherhood. This comedy-drama film directed by Paul Weitz, adapted by Weitz and Dana Stevens, and based on the 2011 memoir Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love by Matthew Logelin. A widowed new dad copes with doubts, fears, heartache and dirty diapers as he sets out to raise his daughter on his own. Inspired by a true story.

In May 2015, it was announced that Channing Tatum would star in and produce a cinematic adaptation of Logelin's memoir, with TriStar Pictures distributing. In January 2019, it was reported Kevin Hart would headline the film, replacing Tatum, with Paul Weitz directing from a screenplay he wrote alongside Dana Stevens. Principal photography took place in Montréal, Québec, Canada and Boston, Massachusetts, USA. There film was initially scheduled for an April 3, 2020 release date, but in early January 2020, it was delayed to January 8, 2021. Later that year, it was pushed back a week to January 15, 2021. In late March, it was brought forward to October 23, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In late April 24, it was delayed to April 2, 2021, and on in late November, it was delayed again to April 16, 2021. It was then announced that Netflix had acquired the worldwide distribution rights to the film from Sony Pictures Releasing, and set it for a June 18, 2021 release date.

The film stars Hart, Alfre Woodard, Lil Rel Howery, DeWanda Wise, Anthony Carrigan, Paul Reiser, Frankie Faison and Melody Hurd. Even people who don't usually like Hart will be charmed by him in this poignant comedy. Hart, seeming to get better the further he's allowed to extend his range, delivers a terrific central performance, as acerbic but more complex than his usual silly schtick. No movie has ever made better use of Hart's acting capabilities and dramatic potential than this dramatic adaptation of Logelin's best-selling memoir. Hart is best when he sticks with roles that let him be a lovable cad - exactly the sort of character offered to him in this film. Both Hart and Hurd carry the movie because they are believable as father and daughter -- loving and flawed, assured yet uncertain, and ready to tackle anything that life throws at them. Thanks to the cast, the characters are people we care about and relate to; the fact that they speak with flair and wit makes them funnier, but no less human. The movie is a gem.

This is a film that plumbs the depths of single parenthood and ultimately family, doesn't pull any punches, and approaches all of these themes from a personal angle that makes them accessible. It's a complex emotional soup, taken from a 2011 memoir by Logelin, and one that demands much from all involved. Despite all this, Weitz and his camera are infatuated with Hart, who is performing more than he is acting in a film that only he and the director don't understand is more suited to the latter.

Simon says Fatherhood receives:

Also, see my review for Bel Canto.