‘DADDY’S HOME 2’ brings laughter back into our lives

Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell in DADDY'S HOME 2. Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell in DADDY’S HOME 2. Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

Courtney Howard // Film Critic

Given the current state of the world, there is very little that sparks joy anymore. So it’s very special when something comes around to do so. We can now thank the cinema gods that the DADDY’S HOME 2 trailer is now in our purview as it’s literally the only thing today bringing laughter back into our lives.

Here’s the clever set-up in this second chapter in this ever-growing saga: Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) and Brad (Will Ferrell) have learned to get along. They’ve got their routine down to a “T.” That is until their dads – Dusty’s macho father (Mel Gibson) and Brad’s overly affectionate dad (John Lithgow) – come to town for Christmas and stand to torpedo the guys’ new family dynamic. Hijinks and hilarity ensue.

The comedy also stars Linda Cardellini and John Cena. Original co-writer-director Sean Anders returns, as does co-writer John Morris.

The original DADDY’S HOME (of which you can see my review here) served as a refreshing palate cleanser to the stuffy “awards season” movies. And by the looks of things, this sequel will do the same – and maybe be the comedic lifeline we the people need so desperately.

DADDY’S HOME 2 opens on November 10.

Courtney Howard

Courtney Howard is a LAFCA, CCA, OFCS and AWFJ member, as well as a Rotten Tomatometer-approved film critic. Her work has been published on Variety, She Knows and Awards Circuit.