Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Fatherhood (2021)

What is it about? 

A new father copes with the adjustment of his life to fatherhood after the sudden death of his wife immediately following the birth of his daughter. 

Who is in it? 

Kevin Hart - Matt Logelin

Alfre Woodard - Marion

Lil Rel Howery - Jordan

DeWanda Wise - Swan

Favorite Scene: 

[spoiler alert]

Matt faces his daughter on the doorstep of his in-laws and is saying goodbye as he internally wrestles with his love, his pride, his commitment to his deceased wife, as well as doing what is right for his daughter. 

Favorite Quote: 

"Matthew, today was a good day for you as a parent. You keep all these little victories like you had today in a little box inside you. They'll be your most prized possessions."

Review: 

Fatherhood was an impulse watch on a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon. Seeing Kevin Hart as the lead and the clips from the trailer, I was expecting a comedy. What I wasn't expecting was what Fatherhood would provide a more serious role for Kevin Hart. 

The film, based on a novel, presented a heart-wrenching opening of watching Liz pass away right after the birth of Maddy. It's a film that is very fair in bringing forth the dilemmas of new fatherhood, while also illuminating the struggles of Matt who wrestles with "proving he could do this" to himself, for his deceased wife, to his antagonizing mother-in-law, serving the chip on his shoulder through it all, and doing what is best for his daughter. The film brings the viewer in the space of thinking about the journey for Matt from a carefree adult to shouldering the issues of so much, and his growth through this fatherhood. 

For me, the relationship between Marion and Matt served as the most interesting dynamic of the film. And by the way, Alfre Woodard was sneaky good in her role - very much mirroring her role in Love and Basketball. The biggest takeaway from Fatherhood - Kevin Hart can definitely hold his own in a serious role. 

The ending was expected, and the second half of the film felt more shallow than the deep first half set-up, but Fatherhood was just enough to get its point across and provide a solid watch. 

Grade: 3/5

Labels:

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?
Read more

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...
Read more

Knicks Back in ECF Causing Catharsis

I've certainly shared my emotions and thoughts regarding the New York Knicks on this site over the years. There have been plenty of those to sort through - most of them are rants. Tonight, the New York Knicks ultimately destroyed the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 119-81. I sat on my couch, afraid to allow myself to feel joy until that final buzzer. As a Knicks fan, I've been through too much to allow myself to do anything else, to make any assumption, until it was final. Until it was confirmed. Until something couldn't fall through...the way we're used to.  Once it was final, it was unreal.  The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time since 2000.  I was 15 years old the last time that happened. And that was a run with a squad that I consider (still) to be my favorite Knicks team of all-time.  I sat on my couch with all sorts of feelings. My wife was likely trying to understand the moment. My son, exci...
Read more