Daddy’s Home 2 (2017)
Brad and Dusty have finally achieved harmonious co-parenting for their blended family. Their holiday plans are ruined, however, when their own highly contrasting fathers arrive for Christmas. Brad’s overly affectionate dad, Don, immediately clashes with Dusty’s hyper-macho, critical father, Kurt. The grandfathers immediately challenge the new co-dad dynamic, pushing the entire family to the edge during a mandatory ‘together Christmas’ trip to a snowy mountain resort.
Length: 1h39m
Genre: Comedy
This Title is: Holiday Chaos
Cast
Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, John Lithgow, Mel Gibson, Linda Cardellini
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: PG-13 – Contains crude and suggestive humor, thematic elements, brief drug and alcohol use by children, and some language.
FAQ
- Is Daddy’s Home 2 Based on a True Story?: No. It is a sequel to the 2015 comedy and features original characters created by Brian Burns.
- Where was Daddy’s Home 2 filmed?: The movie was primarily shot across several locations in Massachusetts, including Concord, Framingham, Clinton, and Great Barrington.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Michael Andrews
Filmmaker Profile
Director Sean Anders, known for his work in the comedy space like *Horrible Bosses 2* and *Instant Family*, helms this sequel. His signature style uses grounded family dynamics to escalate comedic, often physical, confrontations, bringing a surprising amount of heart to the absurdity.
Why It’s Worth Watching
The reason to watch this movie is the electric comedic chemistry between its star-studded central quartet. Watching Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg struggle to manage their own dysfunctional parents, played expertly by John Lithgow and Mel Gibson, provides nonstop, hilarious payoff. The elaborate slapstick sequences and heartfelt moments perfectly capture the true chaos of modern family holidays.
Main Character Deep Dive
Brad Whitaker’s emotional journey centers on his desperate desire for acceptance, not just from Dusty, but from his own father, Don. Brad’s struggle to maintain his “perfect dad” persona, especially when his masculinity is undermined by Kurt and even Don, forms the core conflict. Will Ferrell’s exceptional performance leans into physical comedy while also grounding the character in genuine, relatable step-parenting anxieties and the yearning for patriarchal approval.
Unforgettable Quote
“The thermostat is a sacred covenant! I can’t believe we’re even talking about this! This is madness!”
Trivia
- Mel Gibson, who plays Dusty’s father, Kurt, is only 15 years older than Mark Wahlberg, who plays Dusty.
- John Lithgow, who plays Don, previously played a character with the last name Whitaker’s father in the sitcom *How I Met Your Mother*.
- The majority of the movie was filmed on location during the spring in various towns across Massachusetts.
Trailer
Stream Daddy’s Home 2 on:
Our Review
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I found myself laughing out loud throughout this whole production. The movie successfully ups the ante from the original by introducing the grandfathers, who are brilliantly cast. Mel Gibson and John Lithgow are fantastic additions, bringing a fresh, hilarious dynamic that doubles the family tension. I especially enjoyed the physical comedy sequences involving the blended family’s attempt at a winter vacation. The core relationship between Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg continues to be a highlight; their evolving brotherhood provides a warm center amidst the craziness. The story shines when it focuses on the surprisingly sweet moments of parental reconciliation, reinforcing the movie’s positive message about modern family structures. This is a very funny holiday-themed comedy that delivers exactly what it promises: big laughs and a whole lot of heart. The entire ensemble works together seamlessly, creating a truly enjoyable viewing experience.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you enjoy large-scale, slapstick family comedies featuring stellar casts and are looking for a highly entertaining, lighthearted holiday movie about complicated parental bonds.
