Can an Uber driver and a hot-headed detective find common ground in Los Angeles?
In short: Stuber, a 2019 action comedy, pairs a mild-mannered ride-share driver with an aggressive detective recovering from laser eye surgery. As they navigate a high-stakes investigation across Los Angeles, the unlikely duo clashes over toxic masculinity and personal courage, ultimately delivering a chaotic ride that critics found uneven but occasionally entertaining.
The film centers on Stu Prasad, an unassuming driver obsessed with his app ratings, who inadvertently becomes the chauffeur for Vic Manning, a Los Angeles Police Department detective. Vic is desperate to track down a drug lord who killed his partner, but his mission is complicated by recent laser eye surgery that leaves him temporarily vision-impaired. The narrative forces these two polar opposites together, with Stu navigating Vic's reckless behavior while simultaneously grappling with his unrequited love for a business partner.
Production for the film began in April 2016 when 20th Century Fox acquired the spec script from Tripper Clancy. Principal photography took place in Atlanta, Georgia, between May and July 2018. Upon its release in July 2019, the film marked a notable milestone as the first Walt Disney Studios project to receive an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association since 2013, following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
Critical reception was largely mixed. While reviewers praised the chemistry between leads Kumail Nanjiani and Dave Bautista, many felt the movie failed to successfully blend its contrasting action and comedy elements. With a worldwide gross of $32.2 million against an $18 million budget, the film struggled to achieve broad acclaim, finishing with a 43% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the lukewarm critical response, the story concludes with a resolution that sees the characters finding personal growth, with Stu eventually entering a relationship with Vic's daughter.
The film's legacy remains tied to its odd-couple premise, which some critics argued squandered the potential of its stars. Nevertheless, it remains a distinct entry in the buddy-cop genre, characterized by its R-rated intensity and the specific, high-stress dynamic between its central pair.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Stuber (film)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-stuber-film.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
