Stuber – Film Review

A quick-tempered cop who’s recovering from eye surgery recruits a mild-mannered Uber driver to help him catch the heroin dealer who murdered his partner. The mismatched pair soon find themselves in for a wild day of stakeouts and shootouts as they pursue violent criminals through the seedy streets of Los Angeles.

Stuber, directed by Michael Dowse, is an action-comedy film that brings together an odd pair of characters on a wild ride. While the movie has its moments of laughter and entertaining action sequences, it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly memorable experience. With a mix of clichéd plotlines, lackluster character development, and inconsistent humor, Stuber fails to reach its full potential.

The film follows Stu (played by Kumail Nanjiani), a mild-mannered Uber driver who unwittingly picks up a cop named Vic (Dave Bautista) on a mission to track down a dangerous criminal. As the night progresses, Stu finds himself dragged into a high-stakes chase filled with bullets, explosions, and a constant stream of banter between the two unlikely partners.

One of the biggest issues with Stuber is its reliance on tired genre tropes. The “buddy cop” formula has been done countless times before, and while the film attempts to inject some fresh elements, it ultimately feels like a rehash of familiar territory. The plot feels formulaic, lacking any surprises or twists to keep the audience engaged. It becomes apparent early on how the story will unfold, leaving little room for genuine suspense or excitement.

The character development in Stuber is also disappointingly shallow. Stu and Vic are both one-dimensional archetypes, with Stu being the timid, reluctant hero, and Vic embodying the tough, no-nonsense cop. The film fails to explore their backgrounds or motivations in any meaningful way, leaving the audience without a strong emotional connection to either character. As a result, it becomes difficult to truly care about their journey or invest in their personal growth.

While the chemistry between Nanjiani and Bautista is palpable at times, the humor in Stuber is hit-or-miss. The film relies heavily on raunchy and vulgar comedy, often resorting to cheap gags and crude humor. While some viewers may find this style amusing, it can quickly become tiresome and repetitive. The comedic timing feels off in several instances, with jokes that fall flat or go on for too long, diluting their impact.

In terms of the action sequences, Stuber delivers on the expected thrills to some extent. There are car chases, shootouts, and hand-to-hand combat scenes that are executed competently, providing a brief respite from the film’s other shortcomings. However, even the action suffers from a lack of originality. The set pieces and choreography feel derivative, lacking the inventiveness and creativity that would have elevated them to a more memorable level.

From a technical standpoint, the cinematography and editing in Stuber are serviceable but unremarkable. The film’s visuals lack any distinct style or flair, opting for a generic and forgettable look. The pacing also feels uneven, with some scenes dragging on while others rush by without proper development. This inconsistency further detracts from the overall cohesiveness of the film.

While Stuber falls short in many aspects, it does have its redeeming qualities. The performances by Nanjiani and Bautista are solid, showcasing their comedic talents and physicality. They manage to inject some charm into their characters, even if the material they’re working with doesn’t fully support their efforts. Additionally, there are a few genuinely funny moments scattered throughout the film, providing occasional bursts of laughter amidst the mediocrity.

Stuber, directed by Michael Dowse, is a forgettable action-comedy that fails to rise above its genre clichés. Despite the efforts of its talented cast, the film suffers from a lackluster plot, shallow character development, and inconsistent humor. While it offers a few entertaining action sequences and occasional laughs, they are not enough to salvage the overall experience. If you’re looking for a mindless action flick with some laughs, Stuber might suffice, but if you’re seeking a truly memorable and satisfying film, you’re better off looking elsewhere.