About My Father

This is a difficult movie to review, because, by all intents and purposes, it isn't good. Less a coherent narrative and more a random collection of scenes, "About My Father" is a so-called comedy that seemingly spares no expense to get a laugh. From carefully constructed comedic set pieces to jokey monologues and silly slapstick - all with the intent of making the audience laugh - "About My Father" has all the right ingredients to be the next laugh out loud hit of the summer. But is the film actually funny? Yes and no.

It bears repeating that "About My Father" isn't a good film, but you knew that already; no one can watch the trailer for this movie and legitimately think that it's going to be good (except for my mother, my father, and my grandmother, who all watched and trailer and were excited to see this movie). However, if you go in with the right mindset - preferably the mindset one gets from indulging in certain alcoholic beverages - I believe you can have a good time with this.

Look, is this movie a theatrical experience? Of course not. This is, without a doubt, a direct to DVD movie that someone, somewhere, greased the right hands to get released in theatres. That said, if you find yourself in a situation where you're forced to see this movie on a silver screen near you, I don't think you'll have a terrible time. There's nothing original in this movie, and it is by no means clever. In fact, "instantly" and "forgettable" are two perfect words to summarize this movie. But I can't deny that I was smiling and chuckling from beginning to end.

There's crude, somewhat naughty humor here; there's ridiculous facial expressions and comedic reactions to the goings on of the movie; all of it is wrapped around a story you've seen done, and done better, a billion times before - but that's not to say that there isn't entertainment value here. This is a silly, ridiculous movie, but it's one that offers some fun if you're willing to turn off your brain, forget about the plot, and focus on the gags. And while for me personally nothing ever made me belly laugh, I found myself chuckling constantly; it's also relevant to say that I saw this in a packed theatre, and everyone was laughing from beginning to end, so take that how you will.

"About My Father" is, once again, a bad movie, but I don't think you'll hate it, because I didn't hate it, and I fully expected to. In fact, I was dreading to see this movie, but once it started I was pleasantly surprised to realize that I was having a good time (and yes, the alcohol may have helped). So, if you're on the fence about this movie and wondering whether or not you should see it, I would recommend that you should, but definitely wait for it to release on DVD or on streaming; this is by no means a theatre experience. But, if you're at home, with some brews, and have literally nothing else to do, you could find a worse way to spend an afternoon.

I might be biased as a fan of both Sebastian Maniscalco and Robert de Niro but I'll try my best. I liked the film's jokes, most land while also incorporating Maniscalco's stand-up material. This movie was light-hearted and fun. It was well cast, some scenes are genuinely hysterical, and I thought the supporting characters were really good.

But this film was overwhelmingly cheesy. The voiceover sometimes interrupts serious moments and becomes really obnoxious. There's a lot of unnecessary fluff in the middle to end section; the weird pacing and quick conclusion kind of ruins a lot.

The whole movie overall was fun and lighthearted, and the jokes land most of the time. Some stuff was so outrageous but it honestly works because at least my theatre laughed. It was cool to see how Sebastian's acting actually improved throughout the film, and Robert de Niro was delightful as always. But honestly it's more worth it to just watch Meet the Fockers as it does the whole "meeting in-laws" thing in a much funnier way. I'm glad he made this movie, and I know everyone is saying this, but I'd hope to see Sebastian Maniscalco just stick to stand-up in the future.

About My Father is a 2023 comedy film directed by Laura Terruso (Good Girls get High, Work It, and I want my phone Back). It was written by comedian Sebastian Maniscalco (Is It Me?, Stay Hungry, Aren't You Embarrassed?, and Why would you do That?) and Austen Earl (The Santa Clauses, Happy Together, and The Millers). The film is loosely based on Sebastian's life and his relationship with his father. The budget was $29 million and it grossed $18.2 million at the box office.

Sebastian (played by: Sebastian Maniscalco from The Irishman, The Super Mario Bros, Green Book, and Tag) informs his traditional Italian immigrant father Salvo (played by: Robert De Niro from Heat, Goodfellas, Casino, Meet the Parents/Fockers/Little Fockers, The War with Grandpa, Dirty Grandpa, Joker, The King of Comedy, Analyze This/That, and Silver Linings Playbook) about his plan to propose to his American girlfriend Ellie (played by: Leslie Bibb from Iron Man 1/2, Law Abiding Citizen, The Babysitter 2, Running with the Devil, and Tag) but Salvo insists on joining them for a weekend with her parents (played by: David Rasche from Burn After Reading and Kim Cattrall from Big Trouble in Little China). Despite the clash between their two cultures and initial perception of having nothing in common he decides to let his father join him for the big weekend. Can they all get along or will it be pure chaos????

About My Father brings the iconic Robert De Niro back to the big screen. Since his nasty divorce, the legend has been forced to take roles in all kinds of small and b-movie projects the last few years. So it's nice to see him in a bigger movie every once in awhile like this. I've noticed as De Niro has gotten older, the comedy genre is his most regular role these days. It works because he has always had great comedic timing and he's just hilarious. About My Father is loosely based on Sebastian's real life. Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is the lead here.

Honestly, he's really not that great of an actor but he is able to basically play himself in this one. He took full control on this project and About My Father turned out good. Actors like De Niro and Leslie Bibb really elevated Sebastian in this comedy. De Niro is my all time favorite actor, this is one of his better performances in awhile. His chemistry with everyone is hilarious. It has a solid supporting cast with a few familiar faces in it. It has a little bit of everything thrown in here which includes drama, romance, father/son, and the obvious comedy. This is definitely worth the watch, it has some really humorous moments. RECOMMENDED!!!!

An example of glad I have the regal subscription yet I sill enjoyed a fair amount. Sebastian Maniscalco is pretty good as actor/co writer and Robert De Niro is still legendary even at his age! About My Father is a decent goofy romance that is focused on a trip to see family of the girlfriend Leslie Bibb's character and potential proposal which is charming, has great moments, and more entertaining than I expected. Pretty solid I understand the ratings, I'm sure Sebastian is a much better stand up comedian. I loved the most all the spiritual vibes of Doug and every time Robert De Niro talked to him that was delightful!

Refreshing. It was a nice, feel good movie that stresses the importance of family. My husband and I are big Sebastian Maniscalco fans and could not wait to go see this movie. It's funny and cute with a nice theme involving his immigrant father and the embarrassing things he does. As an immigrant myself with an immigrant mother, this hit home. It reminds us that our hard working parents taught us by example of how to be hard workers and put family first. It was an enjoyable movie and we laughed and cried. Recommended if you're looking for a light comedy with a family themed message. It does have some coarse language so keep that in mind.