Movie Review Daddy's Home': Predictable, but enjoyable family film

Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, Thomas Haden Church

Director: Sean Anders

One look at the trailer or poster, and it’s not hard to see how this movie plays out.

As the title suggests, 'Daddy's Home' is primarily about fatherhood. Director, Sean Anders (We're the Miller's) has reunited Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, after their unsuccessful comedy outing, 'The Other Guys'.

Will plays Step-dad, Brad Whitaker, whose wish to be a family man is fulfilled when he marries Sarah, a mother of two from a previous relationship. During his 8-month long marriage, Brad tries to win over the kids who time and time again shut him out (or rather have him killed off in family portraits) because he is not their ‘real dad’.

Brad’s world is turned upside down when the biological father, Dusty, played by Mark, waltz his way back into the house and his kids’ lives. While Brad is portrayed as the familiar, predictable, stable, suburban fatherly figure, hunky Dusty is just the opposite! It’s no wonder that from here on, Will is constantly on the receiving end of Wahlberg's macho act, that ultimately sets the tone for the film.

The movie continues with this step-dad vs real dad fight to the finish, with each going to great lengths to out do the other for the admiration of their children. Like other comedies co-written or directed by Anders, it is fitfully amusing. Thomas Haden Church as Leo Holt, adds in his touch of dry humour while a handful of well timed one-liners by Hannibal Buress, makes the overall experience enjoyable.

Yes ‘Daddy’s Home’ is a predictable movie, but it has its moments of sheer unpredictability, that bring out some hearty laughs.