Let’s not forget the ladies, who are basically the referees in this circus. Linda Cardellini returns as Sara, Dusty’s ex and Brad’s wife, and she’s the only sane person in the room. Her job is to roll her eyes and say, “Really, guys?” about seventy times. Then there’s Alessandra Ambrosio as Karen, a new, single mother who becomes a romantic interest for one of the dad’s kids. Spoiler: she’s way too cool for all of this.
The kids are back, too, including Dylan (Owen Vaccaro) and Megan (Scarlett Estevez). They’re more like supporting actors in the adults’ mess, but they deliver some of the funniest dropped-jaw reactions when their grandpas start acting like toddlers. Honestly, the kids’ facial expressions during the big “who has the better Christmas tree” fight are worth the price of admission.
The Secret Sauce: That Other Grandpa
And just when you think the cast can’t get any weirder, Liam Neeson shows up. Yes, the Liam Neeson, with his very specific set of skills. He plays a pilot named—I’m not kidding—Liam Neeson. It’s a meta joke that lands because he plays it completely straight, acting like he’s in a gritty thriller while everyone else is in a slapstick comedy. He helps Mark Wahlberg’s character “land a plane” (literally—it’s as absurd as it sounds).
Speaking of absurd, keep an eye out for Didier “Didi” Coste, who plays a French baggage handler. He’s only in one scene, but he delivers a line about mistletoe that will make you snort-laugh. Also, John Cena returns in a flashback as the guy who teaches Dusty how to be a “real man” via shirtless push-ups. It’s exactly as ridiculous as it sounds, and it’s glorious.
Preview Film: Daddy’s Home 2 (2017) – Edwin Dianto – New Kid on the Blog
