Everyone remembers that first time one's parents meet their future in-laws; that feeling can range from excitement to outright dread. Sebastian Maniscalco falls more on the "dread" side of the spectrum in About My Father, a comedy loosely based on his own experiences. Directed by Laura Terruso, this film is simple, mildly entertaining, and truly funny in spots. Playing out like an Italian version of "Meet the Parents," we get to see Robert De Niro, who plays Sebastian's father, on the other side of the coin. The big emotional payoff may not land for most viewers, the journey to get there is usually funny, even if it is wrapped with inconsistent acting and a bland plot.
Sebastian (Sebastian Maniscalco) is a Chicago-based hotel manager who falls in love with the eccentric and upbeat Ellie (Leslie Bibb). Every year for the Fourth of July, Ellie's family, who are extremely wealthy, have a get-together at their summer home for the weekend. This year, the family extends an invitation to Sebastian, who has been desperately trying to seek their approval. Sebastian's father, Salvo (Robert De Niro), is a recently widowed Italian immigrant who has worked his entire life for his son. When Sebastian asks for his grandmother's ring to propose, Salvo refuses to hand it over until he meets Ellie's parents. Now he must tag along to the summer home for a weekend full of awkward introductions.
About My Father is at its best when De Niro and Maniscalco are riffing off each other in front of Ellie's parents. The family dynamics and lifestyles are so different, one being a frugal immigrant family just trying to make ends meet, and the other, a hotel chain mogul who has more money than they know what to do with. The contrast makes for some good comedy, especially when Ellie's father, Bill (David Rasche), comes into play. Rasche is truly funny here, dropping laugh-out-loud one-liners and playing his role perfectly. The rest of the supporting cast allows the film to move along smoothly, even though no one really stands out.
Terruso does a nice job not trying to make this movie any more than it is. With a brisk 89-minute run time, About My Father never overstays its welcome, and the jokes seem to be spaced nicely, never allowing for a truly dull moment. The laughs are hit or miss from scene to scene, but the film shines when De Niro and Maniscalco get put in front of the parents. Going into this comedy with the right expectations can make all the difference. About My Father will not be immortalized as a great movie, but it is an enjoyable family comedy, especially for fans of Maniscalco's stand-up.