Film Review: Stuber Is The 90’s Cop Comedy of 2019

If Lethal Weapon decided to reincarnate, its closest incarnation would be Stuber. This film oozes 90’s style comedy; with two men that could bot be more opposite yet hilarious in their differences. With Dave Bautista as vengeful cop, Vic, and Kumail Nanjiani as Stu, a lovelorn, Uber driver, misadventures are BOUND to happen but the perfect chemistry is a nice surprise. 

The thing about diversity in movies is that is does spark diversity in mind. Directed by Michael Dowse and written by Tripper Clancy, prior to seeing the film, I could not fathom how Nanjiani and Bautista would work together onscreen because I cannot recall any prior American action films that highlight two Asian American actors as their leads. Still, unsurprisingly, the humor is palpable. Nanjiani has a way of making his characters simultaneously helpless and strong (check out Pawny In MIB: International). Stu is at his “rock bottom;” the girl he has had a crush on for nearly a decade is not removing him from the “friend-zone,” his savings account holds more of his tears than money, and he cannot get a good Uber rating for the life of him. Things are not looking up for Stu, but neither is it for Vic.

Stuber | International Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX

Bautista funnily embodies every man that swears they have “no feelings,” but leave them alone in a desert and there they will cry about daddy issues. Vic thinks any man with emotions is weak, which leads to clashes with Stu; who might as well by real-estate for his sentiments. Yet, there is a sweetness to their building friendship, even if it leaves a few dead bodies, broken sriracha bottles, and department store completely devastated. In typical “buddy comedy” fashion, Stu and Vic cannot leave one situation without entering into a worse one, which makes the film a non-stop laugh. 

Between big action sequences, hilariously awkward fight sequences, and the cheers and giggles you give at seeing Nanjiani and Bautists form a dynamic pair, Stuber brings so much fun to theaters. Part of why it resonates like a visually upped, 90’s film is that it carries a simplicity to its action. It truly is about two guys that DO NOT want to be together, but feel bound to each other after experiencing so many mishaps together. For however much they eviscerate each other with jabs, to your pleasure, they push each other to grow. Stu offers Vic a chance to show how hurt he has been due to loved ones’ lost, and Vic offers Stu the opportunity to go for the love he wants. The results are hypnotic and humorous. Stuber Is In Theaters On July 12.

Stuber | “Lock It Down” Clip | 20th Century FOX