Daddy’s Home (3/22/2016)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, crude and suggestive content, and for language.

Starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini and Thomas Haden Church

Directed by Sean Anders (Horrible Bosses 2, That’s My Boy)

This may not be the smartest comedy of the year, but it is full of laughs.

Daddy’s Home follows a mild-mannered radio executive (Ferrell) who strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father (Wahlberg) arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids.

I think most people understand that movie reviews are very subjective and they depend heavily on the taste of the movie reviewer. That being said, I think it is fair to mention that I am a fan of Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. I think Will Ferrell is one of the funniest people on the planet and when paired with Wahlberg, it simply works. Their timing and chemistry are perfect and very entertaining.

There are plenty of laughs like Ferrell crashing the motorcycle and Wahlberg dancing. But it felt like the filmmakers didn’t want to make a decision about ‘who the audience is’ for this film. It’s too vulgar to be family entertainment, but the pro-family message seems to miss with the adults who typically flock to PG-13 comedies.

Like most comedies, there are plot points that are painfully predictable, but Ferrell and Walhberg keep the audience engaged with rapid fire jokes, clever dialogue and slap-stick craziness. Linda Cardellini has the straight role, while Hannibal Buress drops some really funny one-liners into almost every scene…both are welcomed additions.

The odd mix of sentimental family warmth and gross jokes may keep the masses away from this one, but I thought the laughs were worth some of the rude humor…I said “some” of the rude humor. For me, this film is a “Rental.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity, but a lot of sexual dialog. That being said, the profanity is actually on the mild side.

There is some violence, but it is all meant to evoke a laugh.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. Describe the relationship between Brad and Dusty?


2. Why is there a rivalry between them?


3. Are there people you know that you are jealous of?

Read Philippians 2:3

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.


4. How can you get rid of jealousy and consider others better have yourselves?