Very Bad Dads

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?

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.

'Daddy's Home' is the second collaboration between Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, the first being 2010's 'The Other Guys'. There's no doubt the two have chemistry. What there is doubt about is how to perfectly utilise each of the two as characters. The problem is that for Wahlberg's confident, in-charge character (which he has to play) to work Ferrell needs to play the straight guy and that isn't when he's at his best. He does it well there's no doubt about it, but he's at his best when his character has an edge to him like 'Ron Burgundy' or his character in 'Step Brothers'. Playing the overly straight guy just seems almost a waste for the one Ferrell movie we get a year, even though no one could deny he still does it very well.

The difference in quality between this and 'Get Hard' is noticeable. There, Kevin Hart was unable to find a chemistry with Ferrell and it just turned into the two competing with each other trying to make the movie their own. Here that's not the case. Wahlberg seems happy to let Ferrell take the reins and is comfortable just doing what he does best, with his laid back, dry sense of humour accompanying Ferrell perfectly.

There are consistent laughs throughout, but perhaps not one stand out scene that will be memorable for years to come. It doesn't push the envelope as much as other Ferrell movies have in the past either. I really would love to see him always be given free rein to say and do as he pleases but also understand why that can't always be the case. If you're just looking to get your annual fix of a bit of Ferrell hilarity then you won't be disappointed. If you are looking for a game-changer, perhaps wait for the next one.

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.