Starbuck (2011)

Directed by: Ken Scott
Country: Canada

Review: With “Starbuck”, parenthood never got so drastic repercussions on the screen. David Wozniak (Patrick Huard) is a common meat delivery guy who works for his family company. Being constantly threatened by a pair of thugs from whom he received a loan, David really struggles to straighten up his life, especially after hear from his girlfriend that she was pregnant. But the real shocking news came when he received a letter saying that he was the father of 533 children, 142 of whom wanted to know who their biological father was. This was a consequence of several years donating sperm. “Starbuck” was the second feature film directed by Canadian Ken Scott, who is already working on another similar project entitled “The Delivery Man”. It was considered the most popular Canadian film at Vancouver Film Festival, revealing to be more touching than funny, and more carefree than serious. The plot took advantage of David’s “special” children (those who presented evident abilities, features, or handicaps) to create gentle and bizarre moments, which not always had the best outcome. Providing a sufficient portion of entertainment, “Starbuck” is easy watching, even if not totally satisfying with its episodic sentimental manipulations and a romantic side that turned out to be flat.