Skip to content

Stuber: Movie Review

Stuber | Walt Disney Studios
Stuber | Walt Disney Studios

Stuber is something of a strange film. It has an immensely interesting and creative premise. A charming and lovable lead character, and the adrenaline pumping action of your typical summer film and yet, it’s not as good as it could be.

The idea of an Uber driver taking a police officer to fight crime is a novel idea. Stuber should invoke fun and hilarious moments. Instead, it is for the most part an average action movie that layers on some funny quips.

Six months after an altercation in a hotel that caused the death of his partner, Detective Vic has found his biggest lead yet. The only thing is, he has just had Lasik eye surgery and can’t drive. So an Uber driver named Stu, nicknamed Stuber, takes him around the city, fighting bad guys and solving the crime.

The biggest thing the producers did right was choosing the two leads. Kumail Nanjiani’s Stu is the best character. His dry one-liners, and (average joe) take during heightened tensions are excellent. Contrasting Stu's quirky nature is Dave Bautista’s Vic, who’s strong, manly, “emotion is for suckers” attitude counters the jokes in a playful way. It leads to some genuine moments between them.

The movie's faults are numerous. The action scenes could have been truly great. An example of this is when Stu gets into a fight. The scene is creative and fun, but unfortunately it's hard to see what’s happening because the camera is so shaky. Those who suffer from motion sickness take caution.

One fight scene in the third act is good, honestly good. It’s easy to watch, very funny, and subverts expectations in pleasant ways. It’s what could have taken place throughout this film, but only happens near the end.

Aside from Nanjiani, the comedy is hit or miss depending on the viewer's perspective. Stu’s normal guy reactions to what’s happening around him are the funniest parts of the movie (which considering he’s one of the leads means that they are throughout). Most of the other jokes are crude and sex-based. They can often fall flat.

Fans of R-rated comedies like Deadpool 2, along with fans of action-packed summer blockbusters will like Stuber. Everyone else will either come out of Stuber smiling or disappointed.

Kumail Nanjiani’s Stuber gets a 5-star rating. The remainder of the movie isn’t quite up to that standard.

Stuber

1 hr 33 mins. Comedy, Action. Rated R

Directed by Michael Dowse

Starring Dave Bautista, Kumail Nanjiani, Mira Sorvino, and Natalie Morales.

Now playing at Film.Ca Cinemas, Cineplex Winston Churchill, Cineplex Oakville & VIP.