Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Sean Anders, Paramount Pictures, PG 100 Minutes.
Director Sean Ander’s scintillating sequel to ‘Daddy’s Home’ released in 2015 is a Christmas comedy that is nothing short of hilarious complete with a number of funny scenes that are mainly instigated by the four leading characters.
Will Ferrell and Mark Walberg reprise their comedic roles as Brad and Dusty the co-dads having this time around appear to be behaving more amicably towards each other – even agreeing on holding a joint Christmas celebration with their respective families.
On the surface their arrangements appear to be going smoothly until the arrival of Brad’s wimpish dad Don (John Lithgow – ‘Miss Sloane’) and Dusty’s gung-ho, ex-astronaut father Kurt (Mel Gibson – ‘Blood Father’) – in a scene stealing highlight with Gibson grabbing the limelight.
It soon becomes evident that both Brad and Dusty are in for a bumpy ride as they do their best to fit in with their dads’ different dispositions; of most concern is Kurt’s criticism to the way Brad and Dusty’s former wife Sara (Linda Cardellini) are attending to the specific needs of their children Dylan (Owen Vaccaro) and Megan (Scarlett Estevez).
To celebrate Christmas altogether Kurt decides on housing both families including Dusty’s wife Karen (Alessandra Ambrosio) and his stepdaughter Adrianna (Didi Costine) at a ski lodge which heralds the start of a series of slapstick situations primarily involving Brad.
It is during this hectic period that Kurt’s attempts to destabilize the previously fragile friendship between Brad and Dusty are dashed only to then discover their relationship being reinforced.
As it turns out Anders sequel is a far more entertaining film than the original with plenty of more laughs and side-splitting scenes due to the inclusion of both of the older dads of Brad and Dusty-Kurt and Don.
Despite the usual antics performed by Ferrell and Walberg it is Aussie actor Gibson’s performance (especially his gags) that steals the show with Lithgow playing second fiddle in this fun – filled Xmas comedy caper that the whole family will enjoy.
The fun continues with the arrival of further relatives in the concluding scenes
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
Daddy’s Home 2 is being televised on Channel 9 at 7.30pm on Saturday 18 December.
