DADDY’S HOME

Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg’s last screen outing (2010’s The Other Guys) wasn’t big or clever, but it was very funny. This was largely down to the collaboration of Adam McKay’s freestyle anarchy and Ferrell’s unfettered mania. The major problem with Daddy’s Home is co-writer/director Sean Anders’ (That’s My Boy) reluctance to capitalise on the talents of his cast.

This time Ferrell is kept on a tight leash and relegated to the role of straight man. It’s a role that he doesn’t suit. By securing a kiddie-friendly rating, Anders has delivered an unremarkable, conservative comedy that ignores the strengths of the talent. It’s not terrible – Bobby Cannavale’s irreverent fertility specialist raises a laugh – but it is a missed opportunity. Daddy’s Home is a far too safe and by-the-book. Gator is sorely missed.