Director: Sean Anders
Starring: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini
Running Time: 96 min
Rating: 12A
Release: 24th December 2015
It has been five years since Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell last collaborated together in hit action comedy THE OTHER GUYS, and their latest release DADDY’S HOME offers the perfect opportunity for the two to reunite. Ferrell plays Brad – recently married to Sarah (Linda Cardellini), he is desperate to be the best dad he can to her two children, Megan (Scarlett Estevez), who constantly draws ‘family’ photos featuring a murdered Brad, and Dylan (Owen Vaccaro). Brad finally seems to be making progress with the children – that is until their biological father Dusty returns after discovering that Sarah has re-married.
Brad is a sweet-natured, sensitive man who has always wanted children but, due to an unfortunate accident at the dentist (this film is very daft in certain places!) he has been rendered infertile and so is thrilled when he has the opportunity to become a father to Megan and Dylan. He takes them to and from school, reads bedtime stories, coach’s Dylan’s basketball team and helps run Megan’s Girl Scout troop on weekends.
When Sarah’s ex-husband Dusty returns his life is turned upside down as the children become caught up in Dusty’s exciting life, where responsibility is left at the front door and the plan is to just have fun, regardless of the consequences.
The plotline is pretty obvious throughout most of the movie – we see Brad and Dusty competing for the affection of both the children and Sarah, but it doesn’t make it any less hilarious. From drunken antics at a LA Lakers game to building a giant skate park in the backyard – both dads will stop at nothing to gain the children’s favour.
Although it is very silly in parts, this is a movie with a lot of heart and enough comedic moments to have the whole family entertained.
Verdict
Missed the DADDY’S HOME premiere in London? Watch Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell’s interviews here.
