Hollywood’s upcoming filmAbout My Father, slated for a Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) release by Lionsgate on June 16th, is making waves as a hilarious comedy that explores the complexities and nuances of familial relationships. Fronted bySebastian Maniscalco, a renowned stand-up comedian and actor, this film promises to provide a hearty laugh that captures the ups and downs of family dynamics that most people can relate to.
Maniscalco portrays a character named Sebastian, who, alongside his father Salvo, played by the acclaimed actor Robert De Niro, finds themselves in a whirlwind of amusing predicaments. As the narrative unfolds, Sebastian and his fiancée Ellie (Leslie Bibb) plan a Fourth of July weekend visit to Ellie’s family home. In a bid to include Salvo in their plans, what follows is a comedic clash of cultures, as Salvo encounters Ellie’s eccentric and affluent family. The stark cultural and socioeconomic differences between Salvo and Ellie’s family set the stage for a weekend full of uproarious situations, ultimately leading to the realization that the best and worst aspects of family are intrinsically linked.
A noteworthy feature ofAbout My Fatheris its portrayal of Italian American families. The film, in fact, draws inspiration from Maniscalco’s own relationship with his father, offering an authentic lens into the cultural nuances and mannerisms that differentiate Italian American families from more typical American families. These differences, juxtaposed with a compelling narrative, create ripe opportunities for comedy, driving the humor throughout the film.
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A Film Everyone May Be Able to Relate to
The film’s director, Laura Terruso, who is of Italian American descent herself, articulated her personal connection to the project. She recognized the story’s resonance with her own experiences, particularly the emphasis on the relationship between Sebastian and his Sicilian father. This personal connection, she noted, was a significant factor in her decision to direct the film.
The director shared her thoughts in an interview withCollider.
“What is ending up in theaters is pretty much the director’s cut. We never did reshoots. I mean, this is the movie that was scripted, and it’s what ended up on screen. There was a lot of fun that we had on the day and improv that made it into the film, but this cut, it’s really like my first cut of the film.”
Thefilm’s star-studded cast, which includes Leslie Bibb (Iron Man,The Inhabitant), Anders Holm (Inventing Anna), Davis Rasche (Burn After Reading,Men in Black 3), and Kim Cattrall (How I Met Your Father), further elevates its appeal. Notably, this film reunites Maniscalco and De Niro, who previously shared screen time in Netflix’sThe Irishman. Maniscalco, showcasing his versatility, also co-wrote the script with Austen Earl, while the production team boasts the talents of Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, Andrew Miano, and Judi Marmel.
About My Fatherpromises to be a heartwarming comedythat combines the charm of its cast, the authenticity of its storyline, and the finesse of its production to offer a unique perspective on family dynamics. With its imminent release on PVOD, it is poised to entertain audiences with its blend of humor and heartfelt sentimentality.
