Guerra de papás

Everybody loves a good laugh, but what makes us burst out into shrieks of delight is purely in the eye of the beholder. Some people still find Adam Sandler funny (and relevant)while others find the rebooted canned laughter of early eighties slapstick comedy the right fit for their sense of humour. It is all about taste and what one actually finds amusing. I find Will Ferrell amusing and when he teams up with Marky Mark Wahlberg, then what you have are a couple of "goofs" that can actually make people laugh. They are opposite in every way and because of this extreme difference, their personalities just seem to gel.

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.