An unnecessary sequel to a 2015, amusing, male-centric comedy gets ported over to the ultra-high definition format to feature its stars’ age lines in Daddy’s Home 2 (Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, rated PG-13, 110 minutes, 1.78:1 aspect ratio, $34.99).
Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg returns as Brad Whitaker and Dusty Mayron, a pair of pops continuing to share custody of two younger children.
No longer hating each other or the situation, Brad and Dusty’s new friendship gets severely tested when their quirky dads, played by a manly Mel Gibson and meek John Lithgow, show up during the holidays.
Despite the formulaic comedy, directed and co-written by Sean Anders, all is not terrible with the second dose of “Daddy’s Home.” I even admit to some major guffaws during the action.
Heck, some may even be touched by its Christmas setting and allowing the once mighty Mr. Gibson to show off his comedy chops in a franchise, mini-blockbuster.
Actually, machismo Mel steals many scene with a devilish grin, a roar of laughter and a funny dose of sarcasm or well-timed insult, especially noted after Brad uses a out-of-control snowblower to eat an entire lighting display.
However, best of all, a scene featuring grown, sweaty men in their underwear nearly inconsolable after realizing an insolent child had been messing with a home thermostat might be worth the price of admission for any family patriarch.
Although, “Daddy’s Home 2” will not make my annual Christmas movie binge-watching this year, this merry clash of parenting styles certainly had its moments.
4K in action: Viewers did not really need an ultra-high definition version of “Daddy’s Home 2,” but thanks to a full-screen presentation and its seasonal time of year, it’s a pretty gorgeous-looking effort.
Yes, we do get to see way too much aged detail in the actors’ faces, especially Mr. Gibson, but it’s hard not to appreciated some of the Christmas colors, snowy outdoor locations and a pristine log chalet, tweaked with high dynamic range enhancements.
Fans of the series may also want to know that “Daddy’s Home” is also now available on ultra-high definition as well.
Best extras: Look to the included Blu-ray disc to find five production featurettes (totaling almost 30 minutes long); six deleted or extended scenes (one deleted had Mr. Gibson in a tank top chopping wood); and the required gag reel.
Best of the lot is a look at the actors playing the older dads in the film and the reuniting of the cast.
• Joseph Szadkowski can be reached at jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com.
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