It’s been nearly a decade since Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg went head-to-head in the 2015 movie *Daddy’s Home*. For those of you among the millions of Netflix users, this is your chance to revisit the legendary comedic pair. Both *Daddy’s Home* and *Daddy’s Home 2* have made their way to the streaming service this month, and both films are currently showcased on Netflix’s Top 10 list this week.
Even if you experienced the movies upon their initial release, or perhaps multiple times since, this is a fantastic occasion to enjoy some hilarious cinema with friends, family, foes, or anyone you think would appreciate witnessing Will and Mark in competition. It’s an ideal way to relax this weekend, and extra points if you choose to check out director Sean Anders’ previous comedic endeavor with Ferrell and Wahlberg, *The Other Guys*.
*Daddy’s Home* and *Daddy’s Home 2* may not be destined for the Library of Congress’ film archives, but they offer a kind of family-friendly entertainment that everyone can chuckle at. After all, not everything needs to be esteemed, award-winning material.
**Daddy’s Home earned over $240 million at the box office**
Premiering in theaters on Christmas Day 2015, *Daddy’s Home* features Ferrell as the unassuming radio executive Brad Whitaker, a man who must vie for the love of his wife and stepchildren when their formidable biological father, Dusty Mayron — portrayed by Wahlberg — arrives in town. Let the comedic chaos begin.
The ensemble cast also includes Linda Cardellini, Thomas Haden Church, Hannibal Buress, and Bobby Cannavale. The film was co-written and directed by Sean Anders, based on a narrative by Brian Burns.
*Daddy’s Home* wasn’t exactly a critical favorite, but viewers significantly responded to the quirky dynamic that Ferrell and Wahlberg brought to the screen. Daddy’s Home remains Will Ferrell’s highest-grossing live-action film to date, outpacing *Elf* by around $20 million.
This Paramount Pictures release actually went up against one of the largest blockbusters imaginable: *Star Wars: The Force Awakens*. Naturally, the latter dominated the box office, but *Daddy’s Home* still managed to earn a commendable $38.7 million in its opening weekend.
**Daddy’s Home 2 infused holiday spirit into the successful formula**
Hollywood tends to be rather predictable, so it’s unsurprising that a sequel to *Daddy’s Home* was swiftly approved after the original’s box office success. *Daddy’s Home 2* reunites Ferrell, Wahlberg, and Cardellini, along with two new dramatic heavyweights: John Lithgow and Mel Gibson. Lithgow plays Ferrell’s optimistic father, Don, while Gibson takes on the role of Wahlberg’s father, Kurt, a rough-around-the-edges pilot. Co-writer/director Sean Anders returns to lead the sequel.
In this installment, the A-list dads from the first movie, now joyfully co-parenting, decide to host a “together Christmas” for the children. With Lithgow and Gibson joining the fun and an added dash of holiday cheer, you’ve got a bit of a repeat formula, but still a worthy follow-up.
*Daddy’s Home 2* hit theaters on November 10, 2017, earning $29.7 million at the box office during its opening weekend, and went on to surpass $180 million globally. Critical feedback was not as favorable as that for the first film, with many reviewers pointing out flaws in the plot and humor. Nevertheless, others appreciated the expanded cast and festive antics.
