There’s a recurring theme in the stream of sequels we’re seeing this Christmas season; obnoxious parents, whiney kids, and a penchant to portray pseudo-sentimental family matters.

Daddy’s Home 2 is no exception. Traipsing out a series of big names in an attempt to save a slap-stick and unintelligent script, this shallow offering is unlikely to entertain even the most die-hard Will Ferrell fans.

The main issue with this particular sequel is that they’re trying to offer a resolution to a problem that didn’t exist. All loose ends were very nicely tied at the end of the first Daddy’s Home, leaving very little to explore in a sequel. But, much in the style of the recent A Bad Moms Christmas, there’s a sure-fire way to drag out a thin plot a little further – bring in the grandparents, and make sure they’re played by audience-approved A-Listers. In this instance, it’s a characteristically unpleasant Mel Gibson and a particularly bland John Lithgow. It all feels very formulaic.

Let’s be fair here – there are a few vaguely funny moments. There was a minute of elation when John Cena rode in like the cavalry with his standard self-deprecating humour. But unfortunately, it was too little, too late after an hour of Will Ferrell smacking his head on something, and Mark Wahlberg looking concerned about it. You can only watch someone injure themselves so many times before it starts to become wearing.

As with all festive films, Daddy’s Home 2 throws at us the conventional cheesy finale, complete with a full group sing along and a vomit-inducing reconciliation of some kind, which might appeal to some people’s softer sides. But unfortunately, for most it’s all just becoming a little tiresome. A few genuine laugh-out-loud moments aside, Daddy’s Home 2 is truly nothing to write home about.

RATING: 1/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, Mel Gibson, John Lithgow

DIRECTOR: Sean Sanders

WRITERS: Sean Sanders, John Morris

SYNOPSIS: Having finally gotten used to each other’s existence, Brad and Dusty must now deal with their intrusive fathers during the holidays.