Starbuck, a terrifically entertaining comedy from our friendly neighbors to the north in Quebec, Canada opened March 22 and continues to play in theaters such as the Landmark and Laemlle in Los Angeles and Pasadena. It’s a completely funny and charming film from start to finish that captures the essence of the aging X-generation as it hits mid-life crisis in the form of a Peter Pan type character suddenly forced to face the responsibilities of adulthood – in spades. Although the plot centers around a concept geared toward mature audiences it is not beyond the appreciation of young adults, and in fact offers a solid (yet lighthearted) message about family and identity that should resonate well with younger viewers struggling with issues of belonging and self awareness.
Patrick Huard (a French-Canadian actor, producer and writer) stars as David, a 42-year old lovable but perpetual screw up who lives the life of an irresponsible adolescent. From the first scenes we learn that David coasts through life with minimal effort, evading loan sharks, while working as a delivery man for his family’s meat market and maintaining a relationship with a policewoman (Julie LeBreton). Just as his girlfriend tells him she’s pregnant, David’s past resurfaces in a spectacular way. You see, twenty years earlier he was a sperm donor to a fertility clinic that apparently relied exclusively on his abundant donations. Now he discovers he’s the father of 533 children, 142 of whom have filed a class action lawsuit to determine the identity of their biological father, who up until now has been known only by the pseudonym Starbuck.
Because he has been viscerated by the press and faces the real possibility of financial liability David decides to hide his identity from everyone except his best friend who is also his lawyer. But he just can’t help himself and decides to secretly observe a few of his offspring. The encounters range from the thrilling to the tragic, the banal to the hilarious as David discovers the satisfaction of selflessly being there for more than one of them in a well-timed moment of need. And although it has its moments of seriousness, Starbuck never forgets that it is a comedy first and foremost. Making even the heaviest of moments a little lighter with just the right amount of awkward silliness. Of course, complications arise and what started out as an anonymous gesture becomes very involved as David’s good deeds bring him closer and closer to 142 people who were once total strangers, to him as well as to each other. Ultimately the group forms into the most unusual and untraditional family you’ve ever seen. That’s a pretty heavy concept for a comedy, but Starbuck manages to strike the right cord at every beat, often prompting a smile even in the most touching of moments.
Plain and simple Starbuck is a fun watch. It’s not the funniest film ever made but it’s one of the most entertaining I’ve seen in a very long time. Most importantly it doesn’t try desperately hard to get you to like it. It just is a good, straightforward likeable film led by the irresistibly charming Huard who is completely winning as David, who when backed into a corner and forced to think fast on his feet, is most particularly charming. I urge you to take a date, your friends, and family to what is likely to be everyone’s favorite film of the season. It’s no summer blockbuster, nor does it try to be. But Starbuck is perfect for a fun and memorable movie-going experience that will spark lively and enjoyable discussions.
And FYI, upon seeing the first few scenes of this particularly engaging French language comedy I just knew that someone was going to want do an American version. And sure enough, as it turns out Vince Vaughn has already completed production on the Hollywood remake. He’s a very good choice for what is now titled Delivery Man as Vaughn personifies the character Huard so deftly establishes in Starbuck. However, it’s going to be a very different film regardless of the fact that you have the same director, Ken Scott at the helm. Good or bad, a Hollywood film just can’t help taking on certain aspects that makes it, well, very Hollywood. I have nothing against remakes or Vince Vaughn, and in fact will likely see the Hollywood re-do just to see how it compares, but I urge you to see this original before the remake which is set to be released later this year on October 4. I promise you won’t be disappointed, and very likely will make you appreciate the Americanized version all that much more.