FATHERHOOD

 

If I ever shed a tear at a film starring Kevin Hart, I would have always thought that it would be tears from laughing, naturally because of course Hart is a comedian. I wasn't expecting it to be because of a new drama for Netflix. Fatherhood is said film and honestly, it really did take me by surprise at how endearing it is.

A widowed new dad (Kevin Hart) copes with doubts, fears, heartache and dirty diapers as he sets out to raise his daughter on his own.

It's always a good thing when a film takes you by surprise, Fatherhood doing so in a number of departments to become a truly heartfelt film that may just even catch the more emotionally solid off guard. It's not the most original idea you'll ever see however, Fatherhood does what it sets out to do well, making for an easy watch in front of the TV. 

There is a danger of the film drifting into cosy Hallmark Channel territory but manages to stray away from doing so with an incredibly by-the-numbers yet effective screenplay from Paul Weitz and Dana Stevens. It's a solid mix of comedy and drama that makes sure it doesn't turn into a farcical adventure Hart may usually star in, actually reminding me a little of Three Men and a Baby at times which is not a bad thing at all. 

Kevin Hart leads the film with what may not be his best performance but certainly his most interesting as he takes on a much different role than we are used to seeing him play. It's a more measured approach to a performance, Hart having to show more restraint as he plays a man whose life was turned upside down by a tragic event that leads to him having to raise a child by himself. Special mention must go to Melody Hurd as a slightly grown-up Maddy, keeping her onscreen father in check so he doesn't fold under the pressure. 

While it may not break any new ground, Fatherhood is a solid drama from Netflix that certainly hits the emotional beats it aims for and showcasing that Kevin Hart isn't just a one-trick pony and can take on a more serious role if required.

Verdict: ★★★