X
In Theaters Now
- 2023
- PG-13
- Lionsgate
- 1 h 30 m
- 2023
- PG-13
- Lionsgate
- 1 h 30 m
Summary Sebastian (Sebastian Maniscalco) is encouraged by his fiancée (Leslie Bibb) to bring his immigrant, hairdresser father, Salvo (Robert De Niro), to a weekend get-together with her super-rich and exceedingly eccentric family (Kim Cattrall, Anders Holm, Brett Dier, David Rasche). The weekend develops into what can only be described as a cul...
Directed By: Laura Terruso
Written By: Austen Earl, Sebastian Maniscalco
In Theaters Now
- 2023
- PG-13
- Lionsgate
- 1 h 30 m
- 2023
- PG-13
- Lionsgate
- 1 h 30 m
About My Father
39
3.5
Where to Watch
Summary Sebastian (Sebastian Maniscalco) is encouraged by his fiancée (Leslie Bibb) to bring his immigrant, hairdresser father, Salvo (Robert De Niro), to a weekend get-together with her super-rich and exceedingly eccentric family (Kim Cattrall, Anders Holm, Brett Dier, David Rasche). The weekend develops into what can only be described as a cul...
Directed By: Laura Terruso
Written By: Austen Earl, Sebastian Maniscalco
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally unfavorable
Based on 19 Critic Reviews
39
21% Positive
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
42% Mixed
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
37% Negative
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
Metascore
Generally unfavorable
Based on 19 Critic Reviews
39
21% Positive
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
42% Mixed
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
37% Negative
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
Secure in his standing as a marquis comedian, Maniscalco makes movies like a guy with nothing to prove, and his confidence buoys and brightens About My Father.
This is sit-com level material and, as such, there’s not much new or interesting that De Niro can bring to the proceedings.
User Score
Generally unfavorable
Based on 23 User Ratings
3.5
9% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
43% Mixed
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
48% Negative
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
User Score
Generally unfavorable
Based on 23 User Ratings
3.5
9% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
43% Mixed
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
48% Negative
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
"About My Father: A Heartwarming Tale of Acceptance with Memorable Bonds and Missed Opportunities"
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
"About My Father" invites audiences into a heartfelt story of a father and son journeying towards acceptance while navigating the complexities of family dynamics and impending in-laws. Anchored by the talents of Sebastian Maniscalco and Robert De Niro, the film delivers genuine laughs, surprises, and showcases their acting prowess. However, it also stumbles in certain areas, such as the reliance on clichéd characters and missed opportunities for further exploration.
One of the film's notable strengths lies in the bonds depicted between Robert De Niro and Sebastian Maniscalco's characters. Their on-screen chemistry adds authenticity and depth to their portrayal of a father and son relationship. Their interactions bring both humorous and touching moments to the forefront, highlighting the complexities of familial connections and the journey towards acceptance.
Additionally, "About My Father" succeeds in capturing genuine laughs. The comedic moments hit their mark, delivering humor that is both relatable and entertaining. The comedic talents of Maniscalco and the seasoned performance of De Niro blend seamlessly, resulting in memorable and enjoyable scenes throughout the film.
However, the reliance on clichéd characters, particularly the portrayal of the "dumb brothers," proves to be a letdown. This reliance on familiar tropes detracts from the overall originality of the story, potentially missing opportunities for more nuanced character development. Additionally, the dynamic between the daughter-in-law and her parents could have benefited from further exploration and fleshing out. While present in the narrative, it feels somewhat underdeveloped, leaving viewers wishing for more depth and impact.
One refreshing aspect of "About My Father" is its setting in a small area. This change of pace from grander settings commonly found in films provides a grounded and intimate atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of family connections and the impact of personal relationships.
Overall, "About My Father" is a solid film that showcases Sebastian Maniscalco's acting abilities and Robert De Niro's continued commitment to delivering strong performances
Report
Simple and familiar, but inoffensive and watchable enough. De Niro looks like he’s at least half trying!
Report
The supporting cast has its moments, but this movie sinks or swims with this father-son dynamic. And their banter, not the constant “ba-da-BING” of would-be punchlines voiced-over by Maniscalco, is what’s funny.
The film’s cast is great and, though the actors typically have great comedic timing, the dialogue falls flat and renders the humor inert. About My Father has a heart at its center, but it never really gets there in terms of having a compelling story and humor to elevate its scenes.
I admire Maniscalco’s decision to make his character the butt of the jokes, literally and figuratively. If only the jokes were funny. He has zero romantic chemistry with Bibb, who appears to be acting in another movie entirely, but he and De Niro make a credible father and son.
Maniscalco often talks about his father in his stand-up acts. Watching this film enforces the idea that maybe that’s where this story should have stayed.
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco has co-written and stars in this big sloppy Italian American kiss about family that not only leans into stereotypes — working-class Italians on one side, WASPs on the other — but plows the field with them.
I will never lose faith in Robert de Niro because of his tremendous cinematic legacy as an actor. That doesn't mean I'll somehow soften my opinion when he delivers films like this one. Since Analyze That I haven't enjoyed any comedy he's starred in, although I can forgive him for films like Last Vegas and The Intern.
The two **** movies were just more of the same.
His chemistry with Sebastian Maniscalco is deficient. He shared more with Zac Efron and that's saying a lot especially when you consider that the comedy is supposed to work between the two of them. About My Father is a comedy that travels down a bumpy road hoping to stumble upon a genuine moment of humor. It never does.
Report
As soon as I realized the father was played (badly) by DeNiro, I was out. He has to stop making movies. It's embarrassing.
Report
The on screen energy is so awkward I felt embarrassed to even chuckle. Nothing felt human, everything was so white washed. It’s like the script was written to be proofed by his actual in-laws to make sure nothing personal nor offensive was said about them. My wife said she was offended as an Italian because nothing about the culture was represented. I love Sebastian Maniscalco’s comedy. I’ve seen him twice on stage, watched all his specials, and read his autobiography, but man the only thing to really say is,
Aren’t you Embarrassed?
Report
Production Company
Lionsgate,
Media Capital Technologies,
Depth of Field
Release Date May 26, 2023
Duration 1 h 30 m
Rating PG-13
Genres
Tagline This Memorial Day weekend, feathers will be ruffled.
