‘Stuber’ could be classified as comedic stupidity

BY Ron and Leigh

“Stuber” is a very silly movie based on a flimsy premise and starring two incredibly mismatched stars, Dave Bautista (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) and Pakistani born Kumail Nanjiani (“The Big Sick”). This picture earns its harsh criticism from the mainstream critics, except it’s actually laugh-out-loud funny, in a very silly, flimsy, mismatched way.

This is a throwback to the buddy-cop-action-dramedies of the ‘80s and ‘90s, such as “48 Hours” or “Rush Hour.” Never mind that “Stuber” probably won’t stand the test of time, this forgettable feature still gets its share of grins and giggles. We’re not sure it’s worth today’s theater prices, but is clearly worth waiting for the Netflix download.

Former TV wrestler Dave Bautista has found his niche as a lovable lunk. This mook can transform from a credibly violent killing machine to a compassionate teddy bear in an instant. Here, he’s Vic Manning, a rough LAPD cop tracking down mobsters. After losing his eyeglasses in a fight, the brute is helpless. We understand how a cop can be near-sighted, but this guy is legally blind and still ready to charge into battle.

Kumail Nanjiani is brilliant as Stu, the nerdy Uber driver trying to earn an extra buck to impress Becca (Betty Gilpin), his best friend, who he secretly loves. When the mild-mannered driver picks up the grizzled detective, Vic orders the reluctant Stu to help him track down the sadistic, bloodthirsty terrorists.

Stu deadpans (sarcastic reference to Terminator), “Let me guess, you want me to drive to all the Sarah Connors in the city?” Unwillingly, Stu is thrust into a harrowing ordeal where he has to keep his wits, body parts, and five-star driving rating intact. Stu protests to his demanding and demeaning passenger, “You’re built for justice, I’m built for brunch.”

The incoherent script by Tripper Clancy is filled with mostly pointless F-Bombs. And, we’re not used to seeing guys getting their heads blown off in a slapstick comedy. However, we do witness what might be one of the most entertaining fight scenes, between the nearly blind cop and the exasperated driver in a sporting goods store.

After a battle with the mobsters in a vet hospital, they later meet Vic’s daughter Nicole (Natalie Morales), who asks, “What’s that smell?” Stu calmly responds, “Mostly blood, dog food and vomit.” Nicole then asks, “So, how do you know my dad?” Stu dejectedly replies, “He kidnapped me. We killed some people.”

Like many good buddy pics, this movie shines brightest when the incompatible partners accent their differences, usually in the banter on their way to the next action scene. Vic offers a small handgun to Stu to protect himself in their expected ordeal, Stu asks, “What’s this?” Vic mockingly states, “It’s a baby gun, it allows you to fire it while crying.”

Director Michael Dowse (“Goon”) barely holds this chaotic picture together, but the unlikely duo, as well as the supporting cast, that includes Mira Sorvino, Steve Howey and Karen Gillan (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), keeps the audience engaged throughout this cartoonish saga. Their enthusiasm is contagious, as they all seem to be enjoying themselves and never take themselves too seriously.

“Stuber” is 93 minutes and rated R for violence and language, some sexual scenes and brief graphic nudity. This is Disney’s first R-rated film in six years, but it would have been just as effective and funny without the gratuitous hyper-violence and foul language. After all, we came to this movie just for some dumb fun.

Bautista is capitalizing on his unlikely likeability while the audience is discovering that Naniani is a surprisingly funny guy. Having said that, some gags and jokes fall flat, but there’s only so much you can do with the given material. Even at their best, this movie could be classified as comedic stupidity. Sure, every now and then we enjoy stupid.

Ron’s Rating: B-
Leigh’s Rating: B+