Brad Whitaker is a radio host trying to get his stepchildren to love him and call him Dad. But his plans turn upside down when their biological father, Dusty Mayron, returns.Brad Whitaker is a radio host trying to get his stepchildren to love him and call him Dad. But his plans turn upside down when their biological father, Dusty Mayron, returns.Brad Whitaker is a radio host trying to get his stepchildren to love him and call him Dad. But his plans turn upside down when their biological father, Dusty Mayron, returns.
- Awards
- 1 win & 4 nominations total
- Dylan
- (as Owen Wilder Vaccaro)
- Jean Jacket
- (as La' Jessie Smith)
- Red-Head Kid
- (as Billy Johnston)
- 4th Grade Bully Girl
- (as Olivia Dupepe)
Featured reviews
Since this is a spoiler free review I'm not going to say too much about the plot. Will Ferrel plays the role of "Brad", who is working his ass off trying to be the new dad for the two children in his new family. But suddenly one day their real dad, played by Wahlberg, shows up with a plan to win his family back. From there on out everything is pretty predictable. In fact, if you replaced Will Ferrel with Adam Sandler you might think to yourself "have I seen this before?"
If you're expecting a movie in the style of "The Other Guys", you will be disappointed. If you just want to relax with a typical family comedy, it's pretty good. You just might want to have your youngest kids sit this one out.
Director, Sean Anders (We're the Miller's) has reunited Ferrell and Wahlberg for the first time since their maiden outing together in the goofed up comedy, 'The Other Guys'. Surprisingly, that film worked with a collection of the most bizarre casting coming together to produce a funny cinematic experience. 'Daddy's Home has created a similar feeling with plenty of riotous events that will leave you with no other choice but to laugh out loud before choking on a mouthful of popcorn. Brian Burns screenplay is nothing spectacular but it doesn't have to be as Ferrell revels in the moment, delivering his trademark idiosyncratic 'fruitcake' performance. The funny man is constantly on the receiving end of Wahlberg's macho act but it sets the tone for some memorable events. Ferrell's films are predictable but he does them so well that the fans keep coming back for more. Marky Mark is proving versatile and isn't afraid of fabricating his own style. He is comfortable in allowing Ferrell to take the lead and then with all the smoothness of a newborn babies bum, slides into his role, bouncing off the comedic turn of big Willy's antics.
As the title refers, 'Daddy's Home' is primarily about fatherhood. Ferrell is the Step-dad, Brad Whitaker, who has longed to be a dad but because of an unfortunate incident, can no longer father his own. He gets his opportunity when he marries Sara (Linda Cardellini), a sheer beauty who has two children from a previous relationship. Ferrell's dopey, almost juvenile approach to his two step-children fuels the laughs from the very beginning. He is a man that loves his role and even in the face of adversity he enthusiastically launches himself into the children's lives. Brad's world is threatened when the irresponsible biological father makes a visit. Dusty Mayron (Mark Wahlberg) is everything Brad is not. In a simple word, the man is cool. He is popular with everybody and can do pretty much anything.
What follows is a riotous narrative of Step-dad versus dad as both Brad and Dusty go to great lengths to out do each other for the admiration of their children. There are some truly gut busting moments and throw in the dry humour of Thomas Haden Church as Leo Holt, adds flavour to an already delicious pie. A real standout are the well timed comments of Hannibal Buress whose presence is hard to ignore. His character, Griff, is likable from the very first appearance. Griff's relationship with both Brad and Dusty are priceless and commands the audiences attention whenever he is on the screen.
'Daddy's Home' does exactly what it was supposed to do and that was to make people laugh. Director, Sean Anders has delivered a thoroughly amusing film that allows its cast (especially Ferrell) to do their stuff. Relax and enjoy it. You will be rewarded.
The difference in quality between this and 'Get Hard' is noticeable. There, Kevin Hart was unable to find a chemistry with Ferrell and it just turned into the two competing with each other trying to make the movie their own. Here that's not the case. Wahlberg seems happy to let Ferrell take the reins and is comfortable just doing what he does best, with his laid back, dry sense of humour accompanying Ferrell perfectly.
There are consistent laughs throughout, but perhaps not one stand out scene that will be memorable for years to come. It doesn't push the envelope as much as other Ferrell movies have in the past either. I really would love to see him always be given free rein to say and do as he pleases but also understand why that can't always be the case. If you're just looking to get your annual fix of a bit of Ferrell hilarity then you won't be disappointed. If you are looking for a game-changer, perhaps wait for the next one.
It has its moments, Will Ferrell has his typical outbursts and the stark contrast between the two father figures is enough amusement on its own.
It has its corny moments (especially near the end, although I won't say what to avoid spoiling anything) that are almost cringe-worthy, but otherwise I would say it's quite an enjoyable film, although good for just the one-time watch only.
Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg (previously seen together in 2010's "The Other Guys") star as Brad Whitaker and Dustin Mayron, two dads vying for the affections and loyalties of young brother and sister, Dylan and Megan (Owen Vaccaro and Scarlett Estevez). Dustin was the proverbial bad boy who was exciting for Sara (Linda Cardellini) to date. After marrying her and giving her two beautiful children, the same qualities which initially made him appealing, made him impossible to live with and the couple split. Enter Brad, a sensitive man who can't have children, but who has a tremendous paternal instinct. He marries Sara and is a great husband and father – at least, to the extent that the kids allow. Still attached to their absentee bio-dad, the kids make Brad work for every ounce of grudging acceptance.
When Dustin unexpectedly calls the Whitaker home and announces that he's flying to New Orleans for a visit, Brad happily picks up Dustin from the airport. Brad's a bit intimidated by Dustin's machismo, but remains confident in his own lovingly and patiently-cultivated position of step-dad. Just starting to make emotional inroads with Dylan and Megan, Brad is thrown off his game by Dustin's "fun dad" persona – and passive-aggressive efforts to make Dustin look less. Along the way, Brad gets "advice" in the form of humorously self-aggrandizing stories from his boss (Thomas Haden Church) and medical help in trying to expand his family from a famous fertility doctor (Bobby Cannavale), while having to deal with a handyman (Hannibal Buress) whom Dustin invites to move in and who thinks that Brad's a racist. As Brad and Dustin escalate their competition, each deals with some of his efforts hilariously backfiring. It's going to take a lot of grit, determination and cunning for either Brad or Dustin to win this "dad off".
"Daddy's Home" is a very funny and well-constructed comedy with a lot of heart. The movie's jokes and sight-gags range from sweet to predictably crude, are often clever and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. Ferrell and Wahlberg are in top form. Ferrell's over-the-top patient understanding and affection-winning efforts make us root for him until we're not so sure. Wahlberg's oblique persona and shifting tactics keep us guessing. The cumulative result is a back-and-forth battle whose outcome may be predictable, but still entertains us with the method to its madness. My advice? As soon as daddy's home, get him to leave daddy's home and take him to see "Daddy's Home". He'll appreciate it. "A-"
Did you know
- TriviaThe scene involving Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell) botching a half-court shot and hitting a cheerleader with a basketball was filmed during the half-time of a real NBA game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers in New Orleans, Louisiana. Videos of the incident quickly popped up on video sites such as YouTube and Vine.
- GoofsThe Indian Chief Classic has a six-speed transmission, not five as referenced in the movie (1 down, 4 up).
- Quotes
Dusty Mayron: So the King raised his mighty sword and rained steel down upon the Step King.
Brad Whitaker: But the Step King blocked it with his shield. And swung his cat o'nine tails into the King's smug face.
Dusty Mayron: Which the King easily brushed aside like the feather of a gull. And then the King did counter with a barrage of slashes and thrusts so fast and precise the Step King had no way to party.
Dusty Mayron: But he did. He did. He parried all of them. Easily. It was no big deal.
Brad Whitaker: Then he grabbed the King's sword right out of his hand and smashed it over his knee.
Dusty Mayron: That's when the King pulled out a pump-action Mossberg shotgun!
Brad Whitaker: Which is completely anachronistic. So if we're gonna be doing any time period, then the Step King just happened to be wearing Kevlar body armor.
Dusty Mayron: Concussion grenade!
Brad Whitaker: Hand grenade.
Dusty Mayron: Rocket launcher.
Brad Whitaker: Missile launcher.
Dusty Mayron: Air strike.
Brad Whitaker: Nuclear strike.
Dusty Mayron: Black hole.
Brad Whitaker: God.
- SoundtracksHere Comes Your Man
Written by Frank Black (as Charles Thompson)
Performed by Pixies (as The Pixies)
Courtesy of 4AD Records
By arrangement with Beggars Group Media Limited
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Guerra de papás
- Filming locations
- Metairie, Louisiana, USA(watched filming)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $50,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $150,357,137
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $38,740,203
- Dec 27, 2015
- Gross worldwide
- $242,786,137
- Runtime1 hour 36 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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