Fatherhood

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 18, 2021

Genre
Drama, Comedy

Cast & Crew

• Kevin Hart as Matt Logelin
• Melody Hurd as Maddy Logelin
• Alfre Woodard as Marian
• Lil Rel Howery as Jordan
• DeWanda Wise as Liz Swan
• Paul Reiser as Howard
• Anthony Carrigan as Oscar

Director
Paul Weitz

Other Movies Director is Known For

• About a Boy (2002)
• In Good Company (2004)
• American Pie (1999)

Producer
Kevin Hart, Marty Bowen, David Beaubaire, Peter Kiernan, Paul Weitz

Writer
Paul Weitz, Dana Stevens (screenplay), based on the memoir Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love by Matthew Logelin

Budget
Estimated $15-20 million

Production Company
Temple Hill Entertainment, Free Association, Sony Pictures, Netflix

Running Time
109 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13 (for some strong language and thematic elements)

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Themes of grief, loss, and single parenting

Movie Story
Fatherhood is a heartwarming and emotional drama that follows Matt Logelin (Kevin Hart), a new father who must navigate the challenges of raising his daughter, Maddy (Melody Hurd), alone after the sudden death of his wife, Liz (Deborah Ayorinde). The film is based on the true story of Matthew Logelin, whose memoir Two Kisses for Maddy recounts his experiences of grief and single parenthood.

After Liz passes away shortly after giving birth, Matt is left devastated and unsure of how to move forward. Despite the doubts of his in-laws and friends, who question his ability to raise Maddy on his own, Matt is determined to be the best father he can be. The film chronicles his journey through the highs and lows of fatherhood, from sleepless nights and diaper changes to the joys of watching his daughter grow.

As Matt learns to navigate the challenges of single parenting, he also faces the lingering pain of losing his wife. With the support of his friends Jordan (Lil Rel Howery) and Oscar (Anthony Carrigan), and the guidance of his mother-in-law Marian (Alfre Woodard), Matt gradually begins to heal and build a new life for himself and Maddy.

Fatherhood balances moments of humor with heartfelt drama, showcasing Kevin Hart in a more serious role than his usual comedic fare. The film explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, offering a touching portrayal of a father’s unconditional love for his daughter and the lengths he will go to ensure her happiness.

Special Effects
Fatherhood relies on emotional storytelling rather than special effects. The film’s strength lies in its character development and the relationships between the characters. The cinematography captures the intimacy of Matt and Maddy’s relationship, with scenes that emphasize the small, everyday moments that define their bond. The film’s visual style is warm and grounded, reflecting the authenticity of the story.

Box Office Performance
Fatherhood was released on Netflix and became one of the platform’s top films during its release period. While it did not have a traditional theatrical release, the film’s success on streaming platforms, particularly among family audiences, demonstrated its wide appeal. The film received positive feedback for Kevin Hart’s performance and its heartfelt narrative.

Filming Locations

• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “I don’t know how you’re going to do this, but you’re going to do it.” – Marian
• “I’m going to give it everything I’ve got because I’m all she’s got.” – Matt Logelin
• “Life is full of hard things, but it’s also full of beautiful things.” – Matt Logelin

Behind-the-Scenes

• Fatherhood is based on Matthew Logelin’s memoir, which became a bestseller after its release in 2011. The story resonated with readers for its honest depiction of grief and the challenges of single parenting.
• Kevin Hart, who is known for his comedic roles, took on the role of Matt Logelin to show his range as an actor. He worked closely with director Paul Weitz to bring authenticity to the role, balancing humor with the emotional weight of the story.
• The film was initially set for a theatrical release by Sony Pictures, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was released on Netflix instead.

Awards

• None, but the film received praise for Kevin Hart’s performance and its heartfelt storytelling.

Final Verdict
Fatherhood is a touching and emotional film that showcases Kevin Hart in a more dramatic role, delivering a heartfelt performance that resonates with audiences. The film’s exploration of single parenthood, grief, and the bond between father and daughter is both moving and uplifting. While the story follows a familiar narrative arc, its sincerity and the strong performances from the cast make it a standout drama. Fatherhood is a must-watch for those who appreciate stories about resilience, love, and the strength of family bonds.

IMDb Rating
6.6/10