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Stuber
(20th Century Fox)
By Lucas Allen
You may have heard some horror stories all over the internet involving the popular share-driving service Uber. Now we have a movie called “Stuber,” that takes the essence of those stories, throwing them into an action/comedy mix. The movie won’t cost you as much as a ride in the service, but it’s better than being stuck in the backseat of a heavy carpool.
Tough cop Vic (Dave Bautista) has been hunting for Oka (Iko Uwais), the leader of a heroin smuggling gang. Unfortunately, his poor eyesight cost the life of his partner, Sara (Karen Gillan), as well as allowing Oka to get away. Meanwhile, Uber driver Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) is in dire need of staying above his four-star average in spite of continuously earning one-star reviews. He’s also in a platonic relationship with aspiring businesswoman Becca (Betty Gilpin), though he secretly has feelings for her.
One day, Stu gets an unexpected passenger during his daily Uber job. Vic receives a tip about a new heroin deal and despite being told by his superior Angie (Mira Sorvino) to take some time off, he jumps at a chance and into Stu’s car. The cop pretty much forces his driver to go to all over Los Angeles to locate Oka. Soon enough, Stu is engulfed in a world of bullets, bloodshed, and explosions he’s not used to. Not to mention, he has to help protect Vic’s artistic daughter Nicole (Natalie Morales) from being a potential victim.
The movie is mainly a modern throwback to the buddy action/comedy films of the 1980s like “48 Hours,” and “Lethal Weapon.” However, by adding the goofy nature of an old Mr. Magoo cartoon is where the movie truly falters. There are some laughs to be found, but it’s lost in a shuffle of tonal changes in a way the action scenes are presented. They went overboard with the violence that they seem to be forgetting that they were also making a comedy. Some won’t have much issue with it, but they could’ve done so much better to make it more interesting.
If you think about it, the story sounds really stupid, and each situation could’ve been resolved on its own. Dumb comedies can still be entertaining if you don’t overthink the plot, but this movie has some facepalm moments that make you wonder why no one thought about giving the script a complete overhaul. It’s also difficult to connect to some of the characters when they’re basically playing stereotypes you’ve seen way too many times in these comedies.
The cast seems to be having a blast being in the film working with their talents enough to try to make it worthwhile. Both Bautista and Nanjiani do share some funny moments and their on-screen chemistry does work. At least Uwais shows off more impressive kung-fu work in a movie that has more of a three-act structure than “Mile 22.” Plus, the actors also handled themselves well in the fight scenes.
“Stuber” is another disposable bit of summer entertainment meant for its audience. However, it’s only recommended for cable rather than paying full theater price. It’s best to wait until the next big title to come around this season.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for violence and language throughout, some sexual references, and brief graphic nudity)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 2 Stars (Out of Four)
