Story
Daddy’s Home is a slapstick comedy which follows Brad (Will Ferrell), a modest radio executive who strives to become the best step-father to his wife Sarah’s (Linda Cardellini) two young children, Dylan (Owen Vaccaro) and Megan (Scarlett Estevez). Despite the two kids not being very accepting of him, Brad thoroughly enjoys being a stepfather, and dedicates considerable time to volunteering at the children’s school, church and scout programs.
The children’s biological father Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) calls one day and discovers that his ex-partner has remarried, and proceeds to catch a flight over to meet the new man in his kids’ lives. Dusty is young, attractive and rides a motorcycle – and represents everything that Brad is not. Although the two men are polite to each other at first, Brad grows increasingly insecure and feels as though he cannot compete with Dusty.
Themes
Violence
Daddy’s Home contains considerable slapstick-style violence. For example:
Sexual references
Daddy’s Home has considerable sexual references. For example, there are many jokes regarding Dusty’s penis and scrotum size, as well as euphemistic references to the ‘size of a man’s sword’.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Daddy’s Home has some use of alcohol. Several adults are seen to be drinking alcohol throughout the film. One adult drinks to the point of intoxication, where he proceeds to make inappropriate comments and is subsequently thrown out of a sports venue.
Nudity and sexual activity
Daddy’s Home contains mild nudity, including a scene where a doctor asks two men to undress, so that a woman can identify which man is healthier based on the appearance of their genitalia.
Product placement
Daddy’s Home has some product placement, For example, Apple products are frequently shown.
Coarse language
Daddy’s Home has considerable coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Daddy’s Home is a comedy that explores issues of blended families and step-parenting. The movie highlights the insecurities that new parents or step-parents can face in regards to the responsibilities of having children, as well as the daunting nature of competing with an existing parent. However, it demonstrates that it is possible for parents and step-parents to work together, as well as learn from one another. The movie highlights that there is no single best way to parent, and that having decent motivations and always trying your hardest to do the right thing are the main qualities that define good parenting.
Values in this movie that parents may wish to reinforce with their children include:
- The importance of family members getting along and supporting one another, despite potential differences and disagreements.
- The need to acknowledge and deal with issues when they come up, as opposed to ignoring things – honest communication is presented as much healthier for a relationship than passive aggression.
- Good parents come in different forms, but oftentimes, being reliable and a good role model for children is more valuable than appearing ‘cool’ or ‘fun’.
This movie could also give parents the opportunity to discuss with their children attitudes and behaviours, and their real-life consequences, such as:
- Issues associated with family break-down, divorce, and re-defining the relationships of individuals within a family unit.
- The notion of what it means to be a father or parent, and the consequences/impact of different styles of parenting.
- Whether certain behaviours are glamorised (such as riding a motorcycle), and the impact this may have upon younger viewers.