Say hello to Kevin Hart, the dramatic actor starring in Fatherhood. Popular comedian Hart shows very little of his usual loud-mouth comic side here as Matt, a man who chooses to raise his baby daughter all by himself. Could this be a turning point for his career? If so, it will be my pleasure to see all of Hart’s upcoming films. Perhaps he should stick with director/writer Paul Weitz, who is no stranger to heartwarming movies. Remember About a Boy with Hugh Grant?

However, others also deserve credit for the high quality of Fatherhood. The film is based on Two Kisses for Maddy, a tender memoir by Matt Logelin. And Dana Stevens joined Weitz in writing the wonderful screenplay. Along with Hart’s casting, the following actors should be praised for their terrific performances, starting with little Melody Hurd, who plays darling Maddy, and DeWanda Wise, whose charming portrayal of a new love interest should boost her acting career considerably. Others who stand out to me include: Alfre Woodard as an impatient but caring mother-in-law; Paul Reisner as a sympathetic boss; Lil Rel Howery as Matt’s best friend; and Anthony Carrigan as his loyal business colleague.       

A widower and girl baby.

Can they make it? Well just maybe.

A dad tries to do everything,

despite the fact he’s still grieving.

“Fatherhood” makes us cheer for him.

We come to see it is no whim.

As baby grows, the bond gets strong 

  for both of them, and that’s not wrong.

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Kevin Hart excels as the dad.

He makes us laugh and also sad.

The little girl is a real find.

She adds some fun, and you won’t mind.

But tissues should be close to you.

Heart-tugging scenes made me “Boo Hoo.”

Don’t worry though, my movie friend.

You’ll be smiling before the end.

Ups and downs for a father raising a child all by himself receive candid attention in Fatherhood. I personally know something about how to deal with a new baby who won’t stop crying – even with two parents, and this movie does a good job showing how hard it is to suffer through that as well as the dreaded diaper period. But it also emphasizes how happy you feel when the little one snuggles in your arms or takes their first steps.

As the child grows, Fatherhood reveals the problems Maddy faces because she’s being raised by her dad. For example, when other youngsters are being scheduled for play dates, Maddy is learning to play poker with Matt and his close friends. Also, because she refuses to follow the uniform restrictions at school, her dad supports Maddy -- which causes her trouble with the nuns and other students.  

This strong relationship between Matt and Maddy impresses almost everyone close to them. So when Maddy agrees to stay with her grandparents in another town, it’s a big surprise. How will this work out for the two of them?

If you love movies from the heart, you can’t beat this one.   

(Released by Nefflix and rated “PG-13” by MPAA.)