Padres por desigual

Everybody loves a good laugh, but what makes us burst out into shrieks of delight is purely in the eye of the beholder. Some people still find Adam Sandler funny (and relevant)while others find the rebooted canned laughter of early eighties slapstick comedy the right fit for their sense of humour. It is all about taste and what one actually finds amusing. I find Will Ferrell amusing and when he teams up with Marky Mark Wahlberg, then what you have are a couple of "goofs" that can actually make people laugh. They are opposite in every way and because of this extreme difference, their personalities just seem to gel.

Director, Sean Anders (We're the Miller's) has reunited Ferrell and Wahlberg for the first time since their maiden outing together in the goofed up comedy, 'The Other Guys'. Surprisingly, that film worked with a collection of the most bizarre casting coming together to produce a funny cinematic experience. 'Daddy's Home has created a similar feeling with plenty of riotous events that will leave you with no other choice but to laugh out loud before choking on a mouthful of popcorn. Brian Burns screenplay is nothing spectacular but it doesn't have to be as Ferrell revels in the moment, delivering his trademark idiosyncratic 'fruitcake' performance. The funny man is constantly on the receiving end of Wahlberg's macho act but it sets the tone for some memorable events. Ferrell's films are predictable but he does them so well that the fans keep coming back for more. Marky Mark is proving versatile and isn't afraid of fabricating his own style. He is comfortable in allowing Ferrell to take the lead and then with all the smoothness of a newborn babies bum, slides into his role, bouncing off the comedic turn of big Willy's antics.

As the title refers, 'Daddy's Home' is primarily about fatherhood. Ferrell is the Step-dad, Brad Whitaker, who has longed to be a dad but because of an unfortunate incident, can no longer father his own. He gets his opportunity when he marries Sara (Linda Cardellini), a sheer beauty who has two children from a previous relationship. Ferrell's dopey, almost juvenile approach to his two step-children fuels the laughs from the very beginning. He is a man that loves his role and even in the face of adversity he enthusiastically launches himself into the children's lives. Brad's world is threatened when the irresponsible biological father makes a visit. Dusty Mayron (Mark Wahlberg) is everything Brad is not. In a simple word, the man is cool. He is popular with everybody and can do pretty much anything.

What follows is a riotous narrative of Step-dad versus dad as both Brad and Dusty go to great lengths to out do each other for the admiration of their children. There are some truly gut busting moments and throw in the dry humour of Thomas Haden Church as Leo Holt, adds flavour to an already delicious pie. A real standout are the well timed comments of Hannibal Buress whose presence is hard to ignore. His character, Griff, is likable from the very first appearance. Griff's relationship with both Brad and Dusty are priceless and commands the audiences attention whenever he is on the screen.

'Daddy's Home' does exactly what it was supposed to do and that was to make people laugh. Director, Sean Anders has delivered a thoroughly amusing film that allows its cast (especially Ferrell) to do their stuff. Relax and enjoy it. You will be rewarded.

I have to confess that for the most part, Will Ferrell kind of mystifies me; I don't see what makes him so popular with the mass public. Still, I have to confess that in "Daddy's Home", he tones it down so he isn't strident like he is in other movies. In fact, he does end up having some charm and likability, and paired up with Mark Wahlberg (another actor who usually doesn't impress me), some genuine chemistry is generated. Also, director Sean Anders wisely lessens the raunch factor that is usually high in in the two stars' other movie; there is an easy-going feeling instead that is quite palatable, a feeling that does sneak up on you and does tickle your funny bone on occasion. However, in the end there are not quite enough laughs to make me give it a recommendation. As I said in my summary line, the movie is quite formulaic; you can really predict what will happen before it actually happens throughout. Since there are no surprises, it becomes very difficult for the movie to pull the rug out under the audience and generate laughs. There are many comedies that are much worse than this, I admit, but in the end it's only a movie to watch when something else in your home is asking for your primary attention.

This film tells the story of a sensitive stepfather who is disliked by his two stepchildren, despite trying super hard to win the kids' hearts. One day, the biological father shows up at the doorstep, and a big oneupmanship ensues.

"Daddy's Home" shows two likable fathers by they are so different from each other. Their competition is full on, the jokes are very funny but does not feel silly at all. The best thing is that Mark Wahlberg's character is super attractive and charming in almost every way. He says the right thing all the time, he can criticise and manipulate the other father unreasonably and yet you would find yourself agreeing with his half twisted logic.

"Daddy's Home" is way better than I expected and I really enjoyed watching it.

Daddy's Home is not classic comedy, it's one of those one-time, watch on an airplane movie just to pass the time. Will Ferrell plays the stepfather who's always wanted to be a father, clearly a wimpy kid in his childhood that grew up to be a pushover adult that lives for other people. Dusty Mayron played by Mark Wahlberg, a tough guy, no strings attached kind of dad who is still living and reliving his adventure years instead of facing his own responsibilities.

It has its moments, Will Ferrell has his typical outbursts and the stark contrast between the two father figures is enough amusement on its own.

It has its corny moments (especially near the end, although I won't say what to avoid spoiling anything) that are almost cringe-worthy, but otherwise I would say it's quite an enjoyable film, although good for just the one-time watch only.

This is actually pretty funny. It's not the most sophisticated comedy, but you should know that even before watching this. Mark Wahlberg showing off his perks ... I mean comedic talents again. Also his muscles yes (for those who care). There are quite a few jokes that go below the belt (even literally), but it's all kept pretty light, if you don't mind that direction in general.

Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg have lots of fun, playing off each other and being "enemies". The ending kind of could be seen as a "things to come" kind of thing, which might ring true, with Part 2 already announced (though the movie as I know did not make that much business in Germany at least). Still you get what the box/cover promises after all, so why complain?