Selfie Dad

Selfie Dad, released in 2020, is an evocative and witty film thriving on themes of family, faith, and rediscovery. The movie, delicately woven with elements of humor and introspectiveness, stars accomplished actors such as Michael Jr., Chonda Pierce, and James Denton that deliver stellar performances which complement the nuanced and thought-provoking plot.

The plot of the film revolves around the main protagonist, Ben Marcus, brilliantly brought to life by the comedic genius of profound stand-up comedian, Michael Jr. Ben is portrayed as a disillusioned middle-aged man teetering on the edge of a midlife crisis, yearning to rediscover himself amidst the mediocrity of routine life. Previously a budding comic, he now leads a monotonous life as a 'reality editor', oscillating between his stable job and the familial responsibilities of his wife and two children.

Ben appreciates his predictable life but can't help but reminisce the glory days of his youth, filled with spontaneity and excitement. Furthermore, he is subconsciously aware of the growing distance between him and his teenage son; however, he seems clueless on how to bridge this gap and foster a stronger bond due to the generational gap and his own insecurities.

The plot takes an unexpected turn when, in an attempt to reclaim his sense of humor and reignite his passion for comedy, Ben delves into the world of social media. He starts his own YouTube channel, named Selfie Dad, and begins posting videos of his comedic endeavours. To his surprise, his videos rapidly go viral, drawing substantial attention from the online community, and he becomes an overnight internet sensation.

As the movie progresses, the audience realizes that behind Ben's popularity and success, he is drowning in the superficiality of the social media world. The character struggles to cope with the sudden surge in internet fame and the consequential challenges that ensue. He becomes entrenched in all the likes, shares, and comments, careful always to ensure his curve of popularity never dips. The online validation, while gratifying initially, only amplifies his underlying insecurities, exacerbating his confusion and loneliness. It doesn't take long for his personal and professional life to start spiraling out of control.

In the midst of the chaos, Ben has a chance encounter with the Bible. This reintroduces religion in his life, which proves to be the turning point of Ben's journey. Carroll, a friend and also a Christian coworker, played by James Denton, initially introduces him to bible study. This instigates a spiritual journey within Ben, making him reassess his life's choices, his beliefs, and his relationships. The essence of the Bible slowly starts to seep into his life, instigating him to make choices that realign him with his purpose and allows him to regain control of his life. In essence, his rediscovery of faith serves to be an anchor amidst his tumultuous life, steering him through times of turbulence and uncertainty.

Within the fabric of this film, Chonda Pierce, the queen of clean, adds another layer of complexity with her role as Rosie, a zealous radio host. Her performance adds to the warmth and color of the movie, seamlessly blending humor with heart-touching sentiments.

Directed by Brad J. Silverman, Selfie Dad skillfully wove comedy and Christian values into the narrative. The movie is essentially a subtle and sophisticated exploration of mid-life crises, the role of faith in self-discovery, and the perceptive dissection of the effects of quick fame from the lens of a family man. It masterfully addresses the issue of how technology and internet fame can control one's life while purposefully nudging the audience to introspect and question their basic values.

The interplay of comedy, familial relationships, and spiritual exploration makes Selfie Dad a captivating and heartwarming narrative. It serves as a gentle reminder of life's essential values while evoking laughter, joy, and introspection from its audience. Rather than focusing explicitly on faith alone, the movie artfully integrates it into a wholesome experience that is certain to hold an appealing charm for a broad audience base.

In summary, Selfie Dad is a soul-stirring, comedic family film about finding your true self amidst societal pressures and superficial validation. With an impressive cast and a captivating storyline, the movie provides an enthralling blend of comedy, drama and heartfelt reflection on faith and family dynamics. Regardless of whether viewers relate to the struggles of a midlife crisis or the allure of social media fame, Selfie Dad offers a relatable and enjoyable experience for all.