Release date: 25 December 2015 (USA)
Genre: Comedy
Director: Sean Anders
Cinematographer: Julio Macat
Budget: $50 million USD
Box office: $242.8 million USD
“But not everyone has the patience or the devotion to be a dad.” – Brad Whitaker (played by Will Ferrell)
4 MIN Read Time
Daddy Issues Done (Mostly) Right: A Look at “Daddy’s Home”
The world of blended families can be a comedic goldmine. Throw in the clash between uptight stepdad Brad (Will Ferrell) and freewheeling biological dad Dusty (Mark Wahlberg), and you’ve got the recipe for a laugh riot, right? Well, “Daddy’s Home” isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but it delivers enough chuckles and a surprisingly sweet message to make it a worthwhile watch.
Ferrell shines as Brad, a mild-mannered radio executive who’s finally settled into domestic bliss with his wife, Sarah (Linda Cardellini), and her two adorable kids. Dylan, the older child, is a budding entrepreneur with a dry wit that perfectly complements Brad’s uptight personality. Megan, the younger one, is a ball of energy who craves adventure – a quality she readily finds in her returning biological father, Dusty.
Dusty’s a walking paradox—a tattooed, muscle-bound guy who loves Metallica and struggles to hold down a job, yet possesses an undeniable charisma that the kids adore. He bursts back into their lives on a motorcycle, a symbol of his carefree and unpredictable lifestyle.
The film thrives on the contrast between these two dads. Brad relies on organic snacks, meticulously planned schedules, and educational games. Dusty throws pizza parties, takes the kids on impromptu bike rides, and lets them stay up way past their bedtime. Their competitive antics often veer into the ridiculous, from a disastrous attempt at building a bunk bed that ends in a gloriously chaotic collapse to a hilariously uncoordinated dance-off at a school function.
Some of the physical comedy borders on slapstick, and the jokes aren’t always highbrow. There’s a stray dog named “Tumour,” questionable parenting decisions that leave you wincing (like Brad’s ill-advised attempt at a magic trick with a disappearing goldfish), and plenty of puns that will elicit groans as easily as laughs. But Ferrell and Wahlberg have a great comedic chemistry. Their playful jabs and escalating one-upmanship keep the energy high, even when the material feels familiar.
Thankfully, “Daddy’s Home” isn’t all about childish competition. As the story unfolds, it explores the complexities of modern fatherhood. Brad wrestles with feelings of inadequacy as he tries to win over the kids’ affections, constantly comparing himself to Dusty’s effortless cool. Dusty, on the other hand, grapples with the guilt of leaving his family behind and the realisation that fatherhood requires more than just showing up with a motorcycle and a winning smile. There’s a touching scene where Dusty admits his regrets to Brad, a vulnerability that adds unexpected depth to his character.
The film also avoids demonising either dad. Brad eventually learns to loosen up and embrace some spontaneity, even if it means letting the kids eat sugary cereal for breakfast. Dusty recognises the importance of commitment and responsibility, stepping up to be a reliable presence in his children’s lives. More importantly, they eventually realise that the kids don’t need to choose between them; they can have a loving relationship with both dads.
While the central conflict might be predictable—Brad and Dusty eventually learn to put aside their differences for the sake of the kids—the film’s heart lies in its message of acceptance and cooperation. By the end, Brad and Dusty have formed an unlikely bond, united in their love for the kids and Sarah. It’s a bit cheesy, sure, but it’s a sentiment that resonates, especially for anyone who has ever navigated the complexities of blended families.
“Daddy’s Home” might not be a laugh-out-loud riot from start to finish. The jokes are hit-and-miss, and the plot unfolds in a fairly predictable manner. However, the strong performances by Ferrell and Wahlberg, combined with a surprisingly heartwarming message, make it a perfectly enjoyable comedy for a casual movie night. Just don’t expect anything that will rewrite the comedic rulebook. It’s a film that’s content to be silly, heartwarming, and occasionally cringe-worthy, all in equal measure.
My Rating: 7/10
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