Guerra de papás

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 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.

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.

Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell) is a mild-mannered radio executive struggling to be loved by his stepchildren. The children's biological father Dusty Mayron (Mark Wahlberg) comes to town. Despite reservations from his wife Sara (Linda Cardellini), Brad invites him to stay. Dusty starts manipulating and overshadowing Brad. Brad's inability to have children is another way to diminish him. Dusty brings them to his friend fertility doctor Emilio Francisco (Bobby Cannavale). Leo Holt (Thomas Haden Church) is Brad's unhelpful boss. Griff (Hannibal Buress) is a handyman who ends up staying in the home.

Ferrell and Wahlberg are a great duo. The jokes don't really hit that hard except the dance off in the end. The great thing is the duo. They have great chemistry together especially when they end up in a bromance. Despite not being terribly funny, it would be great to see a sequel with the guys struggling together which is what happens in the last act of the movie. That's the best part of this movie.

Given how much I loved "The Other Guys",I was pretty excited to see Ferrel and Wahlberg back together again. But it turns out that "Daddy's Home" is for the most part just a normal family friendly comedy. It lacks the edge and twisted humor you'll normally find in Will Ferrel movies.

Since this is a spoiler free review I'm not going to say too much about the plot. Will Ferrel plays the role of "Brad", who is working his ass off trying to be the new dad for the two children in his new family. But suddenly one day their real dad, played by Wahlberg, shows up with a plan to win his family back. From there on out everything is pretty predictable. In fact, if you replaced Will Ferrel with Adam Sandler you might think to yourself "have I seen this before?"

If you're expecting a movie in the style of "The Other Guys", you will be disappointed. If you just want to relax with a typical family comedy, it's pretty good. You just might want to have your youngest kids sit this one out.