Moviefone Editorial

Tag: faith based

  • ‘The Baxters’ Exclusive Interview: Roma Downey

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    Premiering on Prime Video March 28th is the new series ‘The Baxters,’ which is based on the best-selling book series by author Karen Kingsbury and stars Roma Downey (‘Son of God’), and Ted McGinley (‘Revenge of the Nerds’).

    Related Article: Kelsey Grammer Talks ‘Jesus Revolution’ and Playing Pastor Chuck Smith

    Actress and Producer Roma Downey Talks Prime Video's 'The Baxters'
    Actress and Producer Roma Downey Talks Prime Video’s ‘The Baxters’

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with producer and actress Roma Downey about her work on the new series, the books it is based on, her character, and why she wanted to adapt the books into a series instead of a movie.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Roma Downey, Ted McGinley, and author Karen Kingsbury.

    Roma Downey and Ted McGinley în 'The Baxters'.
    (L to R) Roma Downey and Ted McGinley în ‘The Baxters’. Credit: Prime Video/Patrick McElhenney. Copyright: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

    Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about your work as a producer and why you wanted to adapt these books into a series?

    Roma Downey: We know that nothing is ever easy, right? But it’s always worth it. I came to ‘The Baxters’ series as a fan of the books. As you know, they’re based on a bestselling book series by a wonderful, amazing, talented author, Karen Kingsbury. A friend gave me the first book, which is called ‘Redemption,’ and I just couldn’t put it down. I thought, “Oh my gosh, this is amazing. It needs to be a TV series.” So, I reached out to Karen and said, “Please trust me with your beloved book series and let me bring it to life on the screen.” Thankfully, she agreed, and here we are. So, I just felt these stories were so compelling, the characters so well-rounded, and we rarely get to see a family of faith on television. They’re not a perfect family by any means. They’re dealing with crises and situations that would bring anybody to their knees. But the difference is when they’re being brought to their knees, they pray. With their love of each other, and their love of God, they’re able to raise each other up and make their way through some emotional situations. But I gathered a great cast. I had fun casting the kids. Elizabeth and John Baxter are the matriarch and patriarch, and they have five grown kids. At the center, you have this loving, committed, anchoring relationship of the mother and father, and then the chaos and the mess of family. But listen, my family is messy. I’m sure everybody’s family is a bit messy, and so I think that’s what’s so lovable about them. They don’t always get it right, but they’re well-intended and it’s going to be on at Easter, which I think is the perfect launch time for a series filled with hope. It plays out like a hope opera. I’m hoping that families will gather for Easter and that they’ll curl up on the couch together and that they’ll check out ‘The Baxters,’ which will be screening on Amazon Prime Video. I think it’s been a long time coming, but we’re so glad it’s finally here.

    (L to R) Roma Downey and Ali Cobrin in 'The Baxters'.
    (L to R) Roma Downey and Ali Cobrin in ‘The Baxters’. Credit: Prime Video/Joshua Applegate. Copyright: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

    MF: Why did you decide to adapt the books into a series rather than a movie?

    RD: Well, because Karen Kingsbury has 27 of these books in this family series. So, in success, ‘The Baxters’ TV Series could run forever. There was just too much story to put in a film. Honestly, I’m really encouraged by what I see in the film industry in terms of inspirational, uplifting content. In the last few years, we’ve seen some amazing faith movies really hit home. I don’t know that we’ve seen as many faith TV series do so well. Since my days on ‘Touched by an Angel’, people have been saying, “Let’s get a show like that back on TV.” I really feel that ‘The Baxters’ has themes and an essence like ‘Touched by an Angel’ did, and not since ‘Touched by an Angel’ have I stepped in front of the camera into a series. So, I’m excited to play Elizabeth Baxter myself and my own daughter, Riley, is playing one of the Baxter daughters. So, it’s been a lovely family experience in this family-made drama.

    Ted McGinley, Roma Downey and Ali Cobrin în 'The Baxters'. Credit: Prime Video/Joshua Applegate. Copyright: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).
    (L to R) Ted McGinley, Roma Downey and Ali Cobrin în ‘The Baxters’. Credit: Prime Video/Joshua Applegate. Copyright: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

    MF: Finally, how would you describe your character Elizabeth Baxter and what were some of the aspects of the character you were most excited to explore on screen?

    RD: I think what I liked most about her was just her mother’s heart. She’s got five kids. She loves fiercely. She loves with passion and compassion. She’s the mom that they’re quick to call when there’s crises on the horizon. She’s defensive of her kids in that loving, mother-lion way. She’s also a little bit of a prayer warrior, which I really appreciate. I don’t think we often get to see a family that prays together in a TV series. In the first episode, you’ll see Elizabeth and John Baxter hold hands and they’ll call in prayer for their daughter in the name of Jesus and it’s really touching.

    Ali Cobrin and Brandon Hirsch in 'The Baxters'.
    (L to R) Ali Cobrin and Brandon Hirsch in ‘The Baxters’. Credit: Prime Video/Joshua Applegate. Copyright: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

    What is the Plot of ‘The Baxters’?

    Based on the Redemption literary series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, ‘The Baxters’ is a riveting family drama that follows Elizabeth (Roma Downey) and John Baxter (Ted McGinley) and their five adult children. Season One of The Baxters centers on Elizabeth and John’s daughter, Kari (Ali Cobrin), who learns the shocking truth that her professor husband, Tim (Brandon Hirsch), has been secretly having an affair with one of his college students. As her relationship is tested, Kari must seek comfort in her faith and family to discover if love is truly a choice and if her marriage can be redeemed. In this deeply moving faith-based journey, The Baxters must come together as a family to work through the challenges of life.

    Who is in the Cast of ‘The Baxters’?

    'The Baxters' premieres on Prime Video March 28th.
    ‘The Baxters’ premieres on Prime Video March 28th.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Baxters’:

    Buy Roma Downey Movies On Amazon

     

  • ‘Jesus Revolution’ Interview: Kelsey Grammer

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    Opening in theaters on February 24th is the new movie ‘Jesus Revolution,’ which is based on a true story and was directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle.

    What is the plot of ‘Jesus Revolution?’

    In the early 1970’s, following the rise of the hippies, respected Southern California pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer) encounters hippie Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie) and they launch a successful movement together to evangelize hippies and others, which leads to “The Jesus Revolution,’ a term coined by Time Magazine.

    Meanwhile, Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney), a young man who has an alcoholic mother named Charlene (Kimberly Williams-Paisley), follows a girl named Cathe to become a hippie. But soon, both Greg and Cathe feel emotionally empty from the counter-culture movement and join Chuck and Lonnie’s church, not only finding God in their lives, but also discovering the unconditional love that they have for each other.

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    Who is in the cast of ‘Jesus Revolution?’

    ‘Jesus Revolution’ stars Emmy-winner Kelsey Grammer (‘Frasier,’ ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’) as Chuck Smith, Joel Courtney (‘The Kissing Booth’) as Greg Laurie, Jonathan Roumie (‘Saving Lincoln’) as Lonnie Frisbee, Anna Grace Barlow (‘Witch Hunt’) as Cathe, Kimberly Williams- Paisley (‘Father of the Bride’) as Charlene, Julia Campbell (‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’) as Kay, Nic Bishop (‘Body of Proof’) as Dick, and DeVon Franklin (‘The Pursuit of Happyness’) as Josiah.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kelsey Grammer about his work on ‘Jesus Revolution,’ what he learned from researching Chuck Smith, portraying a real life person, and Smith’s relationship with Lonnie Frisbee.

    Kelsey Grammer stars in 'Jesus Revolution.'
    Kelsey Grammer stars in ‘Jesus Revolution.’

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Grammer, Joel Courtney, Jonathan Roumie, Anna Grace Barlow, Kimberly Williams- Paisley, and DeVon Franklin.

    Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about your approach to playing Chuck Smith, and the aspects of the character you were excited to explore with this movie?

    Kelsey Grammer: Okay, that’s a good question. The aspects of the character I was excited to explore. Honestly, there would be things that reflect in my own life. It would be the fact that you feel a sense of emptiness, a sense that you’re not doing something that’s fulfilling or worthwhile, or connecting. Your sense of purpose is drifting a little bit. I think that’s where Chuck was at this time, at the beginning of this film. Of course, then he just surrenders finally. He just says, “I’ve been given my answer.”

    He opens the doors to his church and people flood in. It’s like a miracle. It’s a prayer answered, and it’s a magnificent thing to see what actually happened and the number of churches that were set up around the country, and the Harvest Christian Fellowship, that was set up by Greg Laurie afterward. It’s a magnificent experience, and to be able to play it and to feel it, it just becomes my experience too, and it was a lovely thing.

    Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Smith in 'Jesus Revolution.'
    Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Smith in ‘Jesus Revolution.’ Photo Credit: Dan Anderson.

    Related Article: Kelsey Grammer discusses ‘Charming the Hearts of Men’

    MF: Can you talk about the research you did for the role? Did you speak to Greg Laurie or anyone that knew Chuck, and how did those conversations help shape your performance?

    KG: Most of the character came off of those pages pretty well. The script is good. It presents his dilemma and his answer in a really responsible way. What was nice was Greg Laurie was around and on the set, in a technical advisor role, but he also was invested in the message, because it’s part of his life. It is his life. I got my best insights into who Chuck was, really, from the people I’d meet who knew him and they were all excited to volunteer that they knew him. People would come up and say, “It’s so great you’re playing Chuck. I knew Pastor Chuck. He baptized me.”

    I mean, they carried such excitement still with this man who really did surrender himself to the spirit of the Lord or whatever you want to call it. His energy was communicated in them and was still there. I could still see him in there. I saw him in those eyes, and they’d talk about how he had married them. Or someone would say, “Pastor Chuck did this for us.” That excitement was really magnetic. I thought, “Oh, I’m proud to play him.” I would find myself saying a little prayer to myself like, “I hope I’m doing you okay. I hope I’m doing you proud. I want to carry you well in this.” I think we did.

    Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Smith and Jonathan Roumie as Lonnie Frisbee in 'Jesus Revolution.'
    (L to R) Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Smith and Jonathan Roumie as Lonnie Frisbee in ‘Jesus Revolution.’ Photo Credit: Dan Anderson.

    MF: Finally, can you talk about Chuck Smith and Lonnie Frisbee’s unique friendship? What was Chuck’s initial reaction to Lonnie, and how did Chuck deal with Lonnie when Lonnie’s ego got the better of him?

    KG: The initial meeting, which I think, maybe it’s been dramatized a little bit, but the initial meeting was when he heard the word. The word went off his head. He had asked for something, something to change his life, something that would make a difference in his life, in his church and in his pastorship and his preaching. This guy walks in and says that one thing, he says, “They’re looking for God. They’re a lost generation looking for God, and your doors are closed.” And that’s what did it.

    He thought, “Okay, I’ll put my life on the line for this idea that Jesus is inclusive, that Jesus opens his heart to everyone, and the door’s never closed.” That’s the right thing and that made all the difference. The subsequent tension between them was because they had slightly different understandings of how to go about handling a pastorship, I guess, or handling a parish or their flock, and it grew in such astronomical numbers.

    Of course, now, in my relationships with other Christians that I know, and some Christian clergy that I know, they have actually confessed to me that, yeah, healings take place. Ecstatic, magical, miracle healings do take place, and you just don’t fan the flames to try to encourage them. I think that might be the thing that threw them off was that he fell in love with the idea that he had a power. If you think it’s your power, then you’ve stepped away from God, and that can be an issue.

    The other thing that (director) John Irwin told me, which was great, but I didn’t quite get it, was in the scene where they have the big breakup. John came up to me and said, “You’re the pastor of this church. It’s your church, and if this guy starts to tell you how he’s going to preach, that doesn’t fly.” I thought, “Oh, I mean, I didn’t realize that there was that hierarchy and that understanding.” He said it’s decisive, because he’s more aware of how the declension works in the church, how positioning works, but yeah, you don’t cross the pastor. I didn’t know that. So it helped me to play the scene when he told me that.

    Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Smith in 'Jesus Revolution.'
    Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Smith in ‘Jesus Revolution.’ Photo Credit: Dan Anderson.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Jesus Revolution:’

    Buy Tickets: ‘Jesus Revolution’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Kelsey Grammer Movies on Amazon

    ‘Jesus Revolution’ is directed by Jon Edwin and Brent Mccorkle, produced by Lionsgate, and Kingdom Story Company, and is scheduled for release on February 24th.

  • Peter Facinelli Talks ‘The Ravine’

    Peter Facinelli in 'The Ravine.'
    Peter Facinelli in ‘The Ravine.’

    Opening in theaters, On Demand, and digital beginning May 6th is the new mystery thriller ‘The Ravine,’ which is based on the book by Kelly and Robert Pascuzzi and was written and directed by Keoni Waxman (‘The Hard Way’).

    Inspired by true events, the movie takes place in a small town after an unspeakable crime, where Carolyn (Teri Polo) and Mitch Bianci (Eric Dane) are left to wonder if they overlooked their friend Danny’s (Peter Facinelli) violent tendencies, or if there might be more to the story.

    Peter Facinelli has been working professionally as an actor for over twenty-five years. He has appeared in several popular television programs including ‘Fastlane,’ ‘Six Feet Under,’ ‘Nurse Jackie,’ ‘Glee,’ and ‘Supergirl.’

    He has also appeared in such films as ‘Can’ Hardly Wait,’ ‘The Scorpion King,’ and ‘The Damned,’ but is probably best known for his role as Dr. Carlisle Cullen in ‘The Twilight Saga’ movies.

    In addition to Polo, Danes, and Facinelli, the movie also stars Byron Mann (‘The Big Short‘), and Leslie Uggams (‘Deadpool’).

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Peter Facinelli about his work on ‘The Ravine.’

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    You can read our full interview with Peter Facinelli below or watch our interview by clicking the video player above.

    Moviefone: To begin with, how did you get involved with this project and what was your first reaction when you read the screenplay?

    Pater Facinelli: I don’t remember how I got involved. I think they came to me and asked me to read the script and I read it, and it was based on true events. Then Eric Dane was already attached to it and I like Eric Dane’s work. I like the director (Keoni Waxman) as well. So, I signed up to do it.

    I knew it was going to be kind of a heavy subject matter. It’s not one of those projects where I know that I’m going to go have fun at work. It was one of those things that I knew was going to be emotionally draining at times. But, the subject matter to me was important because it deals with a lot of themes. It deals with forgiveness, which I really like that theme with Eric Dane’s character, but from my character also. This was before people really put a spotlight on mental health.

    At the time people really weren’t talking about mental health, but I always thought it was important. I felt like my character in this movie was not a bad person or an evil person. He did these acts and was troubled, but he had mental health issues. There’s one scene in the movie where he is actually talking to Eric Dane’s character and he is being a little cryptic.

    I always thought, well, what if that conversation went to another level? What if there was a little bit more probing in there? Maybe he was trying to reach out for help but didn’t know how to reach out for help. It just makes you think, check in with friends. Make sure they’re okay. Because those things that happened that night, they could have been prevented. There’s an alternate universe where that mental health issue was corrected, and he got the help he needed, and he didn’t snap.

    Peter Facinelli in 'The Ravine.'
    Peter Facinelli in ‘The Ravine.’

    MF: You play a pivotal role in the film but have limited screen-time. As an actor, what are the challenges of playing such a small but important role, and being able to convey your character to the audience in a short amount of time?

    PF: For me, you’re kind of constrained by the writing as well. But there were scenes there to show his personality. So, when he is dancing with his wife, when he first meets her, in the scene where I’m talking to Eric Dane, I wanted to give the sense that he was this guy that you’d want to hang out with, go play basketball with or go to a party with. He was the best friend that makes you laugh. He wasn’t this guy who had this dark cloud over him, the villain that sits in his house plotting something. This event came out of nowhere.

    I think that what’s interesting about it is Eric Dane’s character has to put those pieces together. Is this the person that I thought he was? Did I read him wrong? Was our friendship a lie? Eric Dane’s character was left with all these questions, and what he was left with was that he had issues and he didn’t deal with them in the way that he should have. It doesn’t reflect on all the good times that he had with him. It reflects on one bad night and then he finds forgiveness.

    Eric Dane in 'The Ravine.'
    Eric Dane in ‘The Ravine.’

    MF: You have an extremely emotional scene that opens the movie, can you talk about how you prepared for filming that sequence?

    PF: I don’t know. I mean, it’s hard to say, because you just kind of got to do it. It’s like when you’re playing a game of basketball and you’re down by two points, there’s a basket and you just try to shoot. I think it’s more for me about knowing what’s on the page, and there’s a lot of pressure because it’s a very emotional scene and it’s very easy to force it. For me it’s always about just staying connected in the moment. If I’m staying in the moment and connected, then it’ll be truthful and whatever comes out of that will happen. Sometimes it takes you for a ride and it’s almost meditational in a way. It’s more about letting go and trusting what could come out of it.

    I think we did a few takes. But I think some were more emotional, and some were less emotional. Again, the worst thing is whenever you’re doing a scene where you’re crying, it’s interesting because in real life nobody tries to cry, right? You’re always trying not to cry. So, when you see an actor who’s trying to cry, it becomes forced and it feels weird or ugly. But it’s when you just let go, then it just kind of takes over that moment and it’s whatever that moment is. Some takes I might not have cried. Some takes I did cry. Then it was whatever the director ended up wanting to use. But my job is just to stay in the moment and give them as many truthful moments as I can.

    Then I can walk away feeling good about it. But it’s funny because most of the time we’re trying not to cry in real life? You start to cry and you’re fighting it. But for him there was a real release there, because when you’re staring at the ravine of your life and you’re about to plummet into the unknown, and you’ve done these horrible acts that are behind you, there’s nowhere else for you to go but forward. So, it was almost symbolic of leaving his life behind and just driving as fast as he could into the unknown, letting it all go and knowing that he can no longer stay on this planet with all the things that he had done.

    Teri Polo in 'The Ravine.'
    Teri Polo in ‘The Ravine.’

    MF: Finally, can you talk about how Danny’s actions has caused a disagreement in Mitch and Carolyn’s marriage, as well as what it was like working with Eric Dane and Terri Polo?

    PF: Well, I mean, I love Eric Dane. He’s a real solid guy. He is the guy you want to go play basketball with. As a matter of fact, we were doing the basketball scene and I showed up a little early. I was rehearsing it because I haven’t played basketball in a while. So, by the time we went to shoot I was all sweaty. Eric Dane was sitting in the corner hanging out and I was like, all right, you guys ready? He gets up and he just starts hitting dunks with every basket. I’m sitting there all sweaty thinking, I got to take a page out of this guy’s book. He just showed up and started hitting the baskets. I put too much work in and we were laughing about it. But he’s just a solid, good dude.

    Then, Teri’s just so sweet and a really good actress too. I think I only had one scene with her, but she’s really lovely in the movie. She gives the other perspective. Because when you’re going through something, trying to find answers, she’s a good wife and a good friend to Mitch. You could see why Danny and Carolyn were good friends in high school. She was best friends with Danny’s wife in high school. But you could see why she was a good friend to Mitch in that moment, because she was giving him the other perspective of no, you didn’t make mistakes. You didn’t do anything wrong. He had issues. One act doesn’t define who he was as a person. Then you could find forgiveness in that because it was hard.

    It’s based on true events. The producer and his wife were the Eric Dane and Teri Polo characters in real life. So, there’s a real responsibility when you show up to work because these people lived through that. Out of respect for them you want to give everything you can. You want to make sure that their story’s being told truthfully. But there was a weird thing where I felt very tapped into that character. I almost felt like he was connected with me and I could feel him. I could feel him as I was working.

    Teri Polo and Eric Dane in 'The Ravine.'
    (L to R) Teri Polo and Eric Dane in ‘The Ravine.’
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  • Movie Review: ‘Father Stu’

    Mark Wahlberg in Father Stu
    Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Father Stu.’ Photo: Karen Ballard. Copyright: © 2022 CTMG, Inc. All Rights.

    Opening in theaters on April 13th is the new movie ‘Father Stu,’ which marks the directorial debut of Rosalind Ross. Based on a true story, the film stars Mark Wahlberg as Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-actor who decides to become a priest and is then diagnosed with inclusion body myositis.

    In addition to Wahlberg, the cast also includes Jacki Weaver, Mel Gibson, Malcolm McDowell, and Teresa Ruiz. The result is a surprisingly well-made and touching faith-based film, that never forces the faith on you, and is grounded by Mark Wahlberg’s strong and dedicated performance.

    The movie begins by introducing us to Stu Long (Wahlberg), an over-the-hill boxer on the verge of retirement. Not sure what to do next, Stu moves to Hollywood to become an actor. While auditioning for projects, Stu gets a job working as a butcher, and soon meets Carmen (Ruiz). Smitten with her, he joins her church in hopes of getting to know her. However, Carmen makes it clear that she only dates Catholics. So, Stu decides to get baptized and join the church.

    Stu and Carmen soon fall in love but are challenged when Stu has a terrible motorcycle accident. Stu believes that God saved his life, and in a surprising and difficult decision, he decides to become a priest. Neither Carmen, Stu’s mother Kathleen (Weaver), or his estranged father Bill (Gibson) understand his choice and all three try to convince Stu to change his mind.

    He joins the seminary but soon discovers he has IDM, a rare muscle disease. Now, against the odds, Stu will have to his fight for his life while working towards his goal of serving God and becoming a priest.

    Mark Wahlberg and Jacki Weaver in 'Father Stu.'
    (L to R) Mark Wahlberg and Jacki Weaver in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Father Stu.’

    Mark Wahlberg famously played a boxer once before in director David O. Russell’s brilliant ‘The Fighter,’ which was also based on a true story. While ‘Father Stu’ isn’t quite on the same level as ‘The Fighter,’ it was surprisingly good and an enjoyable watch.

    Wahlberg is clearly dedicated to the role and transforms himself physically several times throughout the film. But his personality also fits the character of Stu perfectly. Stu is optimistic, charismatic, and a dreamer full of energy, boxes that Wahlberg’s persona all check. But the actor is also a devout Catholic and brings that reverence for the church to his performance.

    ‘Father Stu’ is a faith-based movie, but in many ways it’s the best kind of faith-based movie. My issue with faith-based movies in general is that the “faith” part always seems to come out of left field and is shoehorned into the main story. But with ‘Father Stu’ the “faith” is baked into the story and is necessary to the overall plot, so it never feels forced. The movie is about the “faith” that Stu eventually finds, first through Carmen, then through the church, and ultimately by reuniting with his estranged family after his illness.

    Actress Teresa Ruiz gives a very good performance as Carmen and has great chemistry with Wahlberg. You can understand why Stu falls for her and goes to such great lengths for her love. As an audience, we begin to root for them as a couple, which is why it’s so devastating when Stu tells her he’s joining the seminary, and you can see the pain on Carmen’s face.

    Actress Jacki Weaver seems to have a lock on playing worried mothers after her Oscar nominated roles in ‘Animal Kingdom’ and ‘Silver Linings Playbook,’ and gives another strong performance as Stu’s concerned mom. Kathleen Long has a very close relationship to her son, having raised him herself, and you can see that clearly in Weaver’s scenes with Wahlberg as the two have a very playful on-screen chemistry.

    Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson
    Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) with his father Bill (Mel Gibson) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Father Stu.’ Photo: Karen Ballard. Copyright: © 2022 CTMG, Inc. All Rights.

    Mel Gibson plays Bill Long, Stu’s estranged and abusive father. He’s not a likable character yet Gibson plays it well, adding humanity where he can in the form of remorse for his past actions. He has some strong scenes with Wahlberg, and you can see where Stu’s anger and rage comes from. The character also has a nice redemption arc, as seen in a tender moment with Weaver at the film’s conclusion.

    Writer and director Rosalind Ross has delivered a strong debut film, however the movie is not without its faults. Some of the pacing is off, especially in the first half as it takes almost an hour before Stu even attends a church service. I understand that we need to set up the character and his life before Carmen and the church, but a lot of time was spent on his fledgling acting career, which didn’t seem important to the film and its overall themes.

    In the end, ‘Father Stu’ works because of its inspiring true story and Mark Wahlberg’s strong performance. The themes of faith are respectfully explored, and the movie makes for touching and entertaining viewing.

    ‘Father Stu’ receives 3.5 out of 5 stars.

    Mark Wahlberg in 'Father Stu.'
    Mark Wahlberg in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Father Stu.’
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  • Mark Wahlberg Talks ‘Father Stu’

    Mark Wahlberg in Father Stu
    Mark Wahlberg as Stuart Long in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Father Stu.’ Photo: Karen Ballard. Copyright: © 2022 CTMG, Inc. All Rights.

    Opening in theaters on April 13th is the new drama ‘Father Stu,’ which is based on a true story.

    Written and directed by Rosalind Ross, the movie stars Oscar-nominee Mark Wahlberg (‘The Departed’) as Father Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-Catholic priest suffering from a muscle disease who inspired countless people on his journey from self-destruction to redemption.

    In addition to Wahlberg, who is also a producer on the film, the cast includes Teresa Ruiz (‘Narcos: Mexico’), Niko Nicotera (‘Richard Jewell’), Oscar-nominee Jacki Weaver (‘Silver Linings Playbook’) and Oscar-winner Mel Gibson (‘Braveheart’).

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Wahlberg about his work on ‘Father Stu.’

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    You can read our full interview with Mark Wahlberg below, or watch a video of our interviews with Wahlberg, Jacki Weaver, Teresa Ruiz, and writer/director Rosalind Ross by clicking on the player above.

    Moviefone: To begin with, this is a personal project for you that you have stated parallels your own life in some ways. Can you talk about that and what this project means to you?

    Mark Wahlberg: It’s an opportunity for me to just start to do more things that have real substance and can be helpful to people. I love to make movies that make people laugh and entertain people and is escape for a couple of hours. But it’s also a very important reminder, in these very difficult times that people are going to support each other and love each other.

    So, to have that message of inspiration and hope is really important. People need to hear that right now. We really go on an emotional journey, but I think it challenges people to look inside and maybe do a little bit more and dig a little deeper.

    MF: You go through several physical transformations in this movie. As someone known for working out, can you talk about the physical challenges of taking on this role?

    MW: Well, I got a wake-up call in that I thought, “Okay, I got to put on 30 pounds in six weeks. This is going to be great. This is going to be fun.” But nothing on the menu were things that I desired or craved. It was just way more protein, way more starch, way more eggs, drinking olive oil, the most random things, and lots of salts, and sodium’s to get bloated at the end of it. It was just miserable.

    Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson
    Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) with his father Bill (Mel Gibson) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Father Stu.’ Photo: Karen Ballard. Copyright: © 2022 CTMG, Inc. All Rights.

    MF: Did you have an opportunity to speak with Stu’s father Bill, and if so, what did you learn from talking to him?

    MW: Yeah. I spent quite a bit of time getting to know them, fellow seminarians, priests, friends from his childhood, and people from his congregation. We always want to make sure that we get it right. When playing somebody and telling a real-life story, you have to deal with it with the sensitivity and respect that it deserves.

    Reaching out to everybody and making sure you’re very clear about what your intentions are, getting to know them, them allowing me in, and helping me to understand who Stu was, was invaluable information. So, all you really care about is their reaction to the film. If they’re happy, everything else is easy. If not, well, you failed miserably.

    MF: Finally, director Rosalind Ross said that the last movie Stu watched in a theater was ‘The Fighter’ starring you and Christian Bale. If he were still alive, what do you think his reaction would be to seeing you star in a movie about his life?

    MW: Well, both movies took six years from beginning to end to bring them to the big screen. But he’d say I probably wasn’t good looking enough, tough enough or fit enough, but I did pretty good. But I do think he would think that there’s nobody better for the part, based on my real-life experience.

    The way he was most effective was talking to people, who went through things that he had already gone through. He could speak a language that they understood and relate to them because of all of his real-life experience and his authenticity.

    Mark Wahlberg in Father Stu
    Mark Wahlberg as Stuart Long in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Father Stu.’ Photo: Karen Ballard. Copyright: © 2022 CTMG, Inc. All Rights.
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