By Liz Lopez
Rating: C
Brian Burns story for Daddy’s Home is directed by Sean Anders (Horrible Bosses 2, That’s My Boy), who also co-wrote the screenplay with Burns (Blue Bloods, Entourage) and John Morris (Horrible Bosses 2, Dumb and Dumber To). From a press release sent from Paramount Pictures dated November 5th last year, there are three other writers that helped in the revision of the script, among them Adam McKay. We can only guess what twists and turns the story took over the course of the production in order to have a result of an Official MPAA Rating of PG-13 that would be available for opening on Christmas Day. I realize there are a high number of blended families, or multiple mothers and fathers in a child’s life depending on the make – up of each side of the family and how a comedy can be developed about today’s family situations. I do not understand how Daddy’s Home can be considered a family- friendly film and I do not recommend it as a family outing that includes children.
The writers have spun a yarn about a step – father, radio executive Brad Whitaker (Ferrell) and the long lost unemployed biker-dude father, Dusty Mayron (Wahlberg), who appears out of nowhere to compete for the affection of his two children with Sara (Linda Cardellini), Megan (Scarlett Estevez) and Dylan (Owen Vaccaro). The story/script is likely not considered good for the mental health of the two minors. Although the film is rated PG-13, there are sexual references. There is a scene at a fertility treatment clinic where Brad and his wife, Sara (Linda Cardellini), are consulting with Dr. Francisco (Bobby Cannavale) and the dialogue is pretty crude.
Thomas Haden Church portrays Brad’s boss, Leo Holt, at the radio station and Hannibal Buress appears as a recommended handyman, Griff, who winds up living at the Whitaker home. They each have some good scenes in this film and they were a good option to view away from the tiring game of “one –up” happening between Brad and Dusty.
For adults who prefer this type of adult humor with Dusty showing off his masculinity and playing the macho man to Brad’s more mild-mannered style, it will likely be a hit. Just enjoy it as a date night movie without the minors in tow.
Source: Paramount Pictures