Sequel follows in ‘Daddy’s’ footsteps

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Dylan Udziela, Opinion Editor

“Daddy’s Home 2” is a direct sequel to “Daddy’s Home”, a movie starring famous Hollywood actors Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell, acting giants due to the immense number of films under their belts.

The first film centered on a stepfather (Will Ferrell) finally getting his stepchildren’s recognition, when their biological father (Mark Wahlberg) re-enters the scene and causes tension. The first film serves as a lighthearted way to introduce divorce to children without coming off as overbearing. While some jokes are subpar at best, the film was still a good family friend.

This film leaves off where the last one ended, with the divorced and newlywed fathers finally getting along, and even enjoying each other’s company. The catalyst of the plot is that the fathers of the fathers have arrived from out of town, and the increasing disparities between the two families are shown even further.

Dusty’s father (John Lithgow) is old-timey, over-affectionate, and a clumsy but gentle soul. Brad’s father (Mel Gibson) is the opposite; chauvinistic, abrasive, and an overall playboy. The grandfathers are spitting images of the personalities of Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell, but to much higher extents. The movie also plays with a new subject; the differentiation between biological parents and parents who raise the child. The biological father (John Cena) of Brad’s children fills this role by trying to re-enter his children’s lives.

The movie has an overall similar plot to the first movie, and follows the principle of, “If it isn’t broken don’t fix it” and does so pretty adequately, about to the same ability as its foundation film. Jokes are slapstick and potty humor, but nothing more was expected of it. It features jokes meant solely for adults, which can keep parents sated until the movie ends.

Overall the movie is a quaint family film that plays well off of its prequel. The comedy and plot are appropriate for its audience, and it never feels too dumbed down, nor is it forcedly intelligent.

The cast feels like it’s just a bunch of recognizable names in Hollywood, with no regard for making the family members look similar. That being said, the Hollywood stars bring their A-game and sell the part they were meant to fill.

The film isn’t a must-see, but definitely worth watching if it comes on. I rate this movie a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.