About My Father Review

About My Father, directed by Laura Terruso and co-written by comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, is a lighthearted family comedy that tries to blend cultural and generational clashes with slapstick humor. Inspired by Maniscalco’s own life, the film follows Sebastian (Maniscalco), an Italian-American hotel manager, as he introduces his traditional immigrant father, Salvo (Robert De Niro), to his fiancée Ellie’s wealthy WASP family. What unfolds is a predictable tale that borrows heavily from better movies like Meet the Parents but fails to carve out its own identity.

The story revolves around Sebastian’s reluctance to leave his widowed father alone during the Fourth of July weekend. When Ellie (Leslie Bibb) insists that Salvo join their trip to her family’s estate, the stage is set for a comedic culture clash. Ellie’s father (David Rasche), a wealthy hotel tycoon, and her mother (Kim Cattrall), a polished U.S. senator, represent the stereotypical privileged elite. Meanwhile, Salvo is a no-nonsense Sicilian immigrant who struggles to adjust to their opulent lifestyle.

De Niro’s performance as Salvo is a saving grace. Though the script doesn’t give him much to work with, he manages to infuse his character with moments of genuine humanity. His comedic timing — particularly when delivering deadpan reactions — adds a layer of charm that the film otherwise lacks. One of the more memorable scenes involves Salvo giving Cattrall’s character an unexpected haircut, a moment of chaos that briefly breathes life into an otherwise formulaic plot.

Maniscalco’s Sebastian, however, feels like an underwhelming protagonist. His humor relies heavily on exaggerated stereotypes and familiar jokes, many of which feel recycled from other comedies. While Maniscalco is clearly playing a version of himself, his performance lacks the charisma needed to anchor the film. The chemistry between him and Leslie Bibb’s Ellie is also tepid, making it hard to invest in their relationship.

The supporting cast provides occasional laughs. Brett Dier as Doug, Ellie’s eccentric, New Age-obsessed brother, and Anders Holm as her arrogant sibling, Lucky, bring moments of levity but aren’t given enough material to leave a lasting impression. Cattrall’s sharp performance as the no-nonsense matriarch adds some bite, though her character often feels underutilized.

Despite some humorous moments, About My Father struggles to find its footing. The film is bogged down by overly familiar tropes, from the “embarrassing dad” antics to the inevitable bonding moment between the two families. It attempts to explore themes of cultural identity, family, and belonging, but these ideas remain surface-level, never delving into anything meaningful.

The humor, much like the story, is hit-or-miss. A few gags land well, such as the ongoing jokes about Salvo’s frugality, but others — like a prolonged scene involving Sebastian losing his swim trunks — feel forced and overdone. The film’s reliance on physical comedy and predictable setups makes it feel more like a sitcom episode than a compelling feature.

About My Father is a harmless but uninspired family comedy. While De Niro’s performance and a few scattered laughs keep it from being a total misfire, the film’s lack of originality and weak character development make it difficult to recommend. It’s an easy watch for fans of light, low-stakes comedies, but those looking for something fresh or memorable may leave disappointed. For a more nuanced exploration of family dynamics, Somewhere in Queens offers a better alternative.