Starbuck - B

Rated R, 108 minutes
In French with English subtitles

"Starbuck" a predictable but amusing portrait of parenting

Patrick Huard

Some people complain about the burden of parenting. Try having 533 children. That's the premise of the enjoyable new French Canadian comedy "Starbuck," a charmingly wacky yet calculated look at how parenthood can really, really change you. David Wosniak (Patrick Huard), a 42-year old lovable but perpetual screw up who finally decides to take control of his life. A habitual sperm donor in his youth, he discovers that he's the biological father of 533 children, 142 of whom are trying to force the fertility clinic to reveal the true identity of the prolific donor code-named Starbuck. "Starbuck" is the hit 2011 Canadian film directed and written by Ken Scott just now getting a wide release in the U.S. French Canadian actor Huard is a witty delight in the title role, as the screw up who realizes his worth as a parent and human being. Things get sticky, no pun intended, when his girlfriend Valerie (Julie LeBreton), becomes pregnant (yes, that would be 534 children). Based on the charms of Huard, it's easy to see how the film became such a big hit, given how thin and predictable the storyline is and when some of the main character's motivations, good or bad, aren't fully explained, particularly in the final act. The film is such a big hit that director Scott is remaking a U.S. version with Steven Spielberg and Vince Vaughn called "The Delivery Man," which will likely be as wacky as this. For now, you can go see the French Canadian version, the utterly pleasant and enjoyable "Starbuck."

Wes's Grade: B