Recent comedies have been a bit of a mixed bag as of late. A large majority of them give away all of the funniest bits in the numerous trailers that are put out. Some however are able to keep the best moments under lock and key which helps to cement a fantastic comedic impression when they are finally viewed. Even so, few comedies truly hold up on a second viewing and even fewer are able to make you laugh at the same jokes time and time again. That very small percentage of absolutely hilarious films contain jokes that embed themselves into popular culture so much so that the films become instant classics. Some of these classics would include: Some Like it Hot, Blazing Saddles, When Harry Met Sally, and Superbad. Sean Ander’s new film entitled Daddy’s Home takes two of Hollywood’s comedic heavyweights and pairs them up yet again in an attempt to recreate the same amazing chemistry they had in The Other Guys.
Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell) is a devoted stepfather and husband who works at local smooth jazz radio station. One day he finds out that his wife’s carefree ex-husband named Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) is coming into town so Brad decides to try and get on his good side. Numerous attempts to befriend Dusty are completely squandered while Brad looks on in disbelief as Dusty makes an effort to try and push him out of the family circle. From there the two men struggle to one up each other in the pursuit of the family’s overall love and affection.
Ferrell’s recent films have truly been a hit or miss type of situation. I actually enjoyed what he did with Get Hard and The Lego Movie but Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and The Campaign were unbearably awful. Luckily for this film, Ferrell brings out more of his over-the-top comedic sensibilities which is the side of him that I enjoy the most. Wahlberg on the other hand perfectly embodies the tough straight man persona that meshes fantastically with Ferrell’s ridiculous antics. Together they are a pairing of yin and yang that bring comedy gold to nearly every joke that they set up. In addition, some of the supporting actors are definitely worth mentioning. Owen Vaccaro and Scarlett Estevez who play the two main kids in the film hit their comedic beats time after time that ultimately results in laughs-a-plenty. Furthermore, Thomas Haden Church who plays Farrell’s boss has some great moments where his stories of sexual experiences become more and more outrageous and unbelievable.
On a similar tangent, if you put the very rote and by-the-books plot aside, the film is actually capable of delivering some truly memorable and hilarious comedic moments. Sure some of them have been spoiled in the trailer, but luckily several of the best pieces are saved for the somewhat surprising ending to the film. Daddy’s Home doesn’t do anything to reinvent the comedic genre but it is able to bring back some of the charm that Ferrell and Wahlberg have when facing off against one other.
Daddy’s Home:[usr 3]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2sgpwTBnuLo]
About Daddy’s Home
Synopsis: A step-dad must confront his children’s biological father as he tries to move in on the new family that he has married into.
Director: Sean Anders
Writers: Brian Burns, Sean Anders, John Morris
Stars: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, Thomas Haden Church
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 96 min
Just call me “Turbo” because it sums me up in a single word. I’m originally from Visalia, California but currently reside in Mesa, Arizona. I’m a movie and video game fanatic with a BA in Film and Media Production from ASU. I try to see every movie that I can (new and old) as well as play the latest video game releases. My goal in life would be to create a feature length film which viewers absolutely love. However, until then I love to entertain people with my 100+ voice impersonations as well as fill them in with the latest movie/ gaming news on Twitter. Facebook.com/turbizl, Twitter: @turbizl
