DADDY ISSUES AT PLAY

WHEN it comes to comedies starring Will Ferrell, I’m often at a loss as they are mostly of the slapstick kind which I’m not a fan of. I only watched (2015) because of Mark Wahlberg. I think he makes a great sparring partner for Ferrell since he is usually known for serious roles. I was right to assume that

features lots of slapstick jokes but the dynamics between the two stars made it worthwhile.

As expected, the sequel is similar in terms of humour, but it has more heart. The fatherhood theme is amped up when a new pair of daddies is thrown into the mix.

Here’s a recap of the 2015 movie: Brad (Ferrell) married Sara (Linda Cardellini), and her ex-husband Dusty (Wahlberg) wasn’t too pleased with the new addition to their family.

The whole film was about them struggling (sometimes physically) to accept each other in their lives. At the same time, Brad was trying to learn the ropes about being a father.

In the sequel, Dusty and Brad have a more understanding relationship, co-parenting Dusty’ kids Megan and Dylan. Brad has a son of his own with Sara, named Griffy.

The two dads are about to celebrate a “together Christmas” (instead of having two separate celebrations with each dad), when their respective fathers arrive for the holidays.

Don (John Lithgow) is an endearing old man who is super-affectionate with his son Brad while old-school Kurt (Mel Gibson) is an absentee father who had lost touch with Dusty for years.

Sean Anders

Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, John Lithgow, Mel Gibson

100 minutes P13

Their personalities totally match their sons’, providing for some humour when they are first introduced in the film.

Kurt is a tough guy who mocks Dusty for turning soft like Brad and Don. Dusty thinks that Kurt is trying to stir up trouble between him and Brad even though they’re close friends now.

The family grapples to have a normal Christmas but the comedy element kicks in fast when things go wrong and their celebration turns chaotic.

Even without the slapstick jokes, the script is enjoyable. There are some nifty jokes, but some can be pretty offensive.

Comedy aside, the essence of the film is family relations, and the filmmakers made sure to highlight it through different subplots.

Brad and Dusty also have issues with their respective dads and the storyline explores their relationship.

Sara, Megan and Dylan also have problems of their own. Meanwhile, parents perhaps can learn a thing or two from the issues explored, for example, on how to talk to their children on “the birds and the bees”.

is mostly funny until it gets to the third act where the storyline takes a surprising turn for the dramatic.

Well, it’s no surprise that even comedies have serious climaxes, but the turn of events is quite unexpected.

Meanwhile, the cast delivers well. Lithgow is a natural but I find Gibson rather odd. There is a crazy glint in his eyes which I find scary.

My favourite, however, is John Cena, who plays Dusty’s second wife Karen’s exhusband Roger. His role is minimal but he leaves an impact.

In a nutshell, is a good family movie to watch if you’re looking for laughs.