2017 American Christmas comedy film follows the merger between a father and a stepfather to give their children a perfect Christmas. But their biggest fear soon arrived as plans changed when both parties welcomed new partners on board.
A cynical, synthetic piece of Hollywood production line tat, which reheats the narrative leftovers of an already mediocre domestic comedy about blended families.
Though one of the new cast members -- John Lithgow as Ferrell's soft-hearted father -- is a big asset, severe damage is done by another: Mel Gibson as Wahlberg's macho dad. His grimacing performance as a sexist pig deadens every joke it touches.
There are moments when it's deliriously silly and delightful, and others where it misses the mark. And while at times it feels like too many dads, they eventually all learn to "co-dad," in some kind of harmony.
All right. This time I'm POSITIVE we're not going to see a holiday comedy this sour and cynical and profoundly unfunny for a very long time. At least that's my Christmas wish.
I found the sequel better than the original-the writing sharper, the jokes fresher and smarter, the comic interaction between the lead characters consistently engaging.
The smidge of goodwill earned by the first DH turns to coal in this festive sequel, which goes the Meet The Parents route of wheeling out more big-name elders ...
If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing outing in the run-up to Christmas, you could do a lot worse than Daddy's Home 2, which sees Mel Gibson and John Lithgow joining the blended family fun for this seasonally themed sequel.