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One Movie Punch


Jul 22, 2018

Today’s movie is “Father of the Year” (2018), the Netflix Original comedy directed by Tyler Spindel and written in collaboration with Brandon Cournoyer. The film follows Ben (Joey Bragg) and Larry (Matt Shively), whose argument about which father would win in a fight, escalates into a confrontation between Ben’s alcoholic father Wayne (David Spade) and Larry’s submissive father Mardy (Nat Faxon). The chaos results in Ben losing his job in New York and working to repair the damage for another shot.

Spoilers ahead.

In my quest to view every single Netflix Original film this year, I knew I would have to watch a few stinkers. The year started out pretty rough, with more than a few bad late-night comedies and romantic comedies, but things have steadily improved since then. Netflix has been making some pretty big acquisitions and great long-term contracts, including their deal with Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions. I spoke a lot about the pros and cons with their agreement in my review for “The Week Of” (Episode #121), and without repeating myself too much, I think today’s film fits the Happy Madison formula.

“Father of the Year” is a constant rotation of slapstick physical comedy and gross-out humor, regularly interrupted with a by-the-books boy meets girl relationship story. It includes an above-average amount of literal potty humor and has fleshed out caricatures for the fathers, one the epitome of trailer trash and the other being the near-perfect alt-right definition of the beta male, literally bullied by his kid. Wash, rinse, repeat. Cap it off with a resolution where everyone gets what they should, if not what they wanted.

Am I being too harsh? I don’t think so. Happy Madison Productions have become their own genre of films, which isn’t a bad thing. However, the difference between a good and a great genre film is being able to tell an excellent story within that genre. “Father of the Year” has an almost painfully contrived story, centered around the slapstick gags and situational comedy, and a real waste of talent for Bridget Mendler, who plays Ben’s love-interest, Meredith. It’s good for a few laughs and a few more groans, but that’s about it.

“Father of the Year” (2018) is another slapstick, gross-out comedy from Happy Madison Productions, sticking to the formula and delivering an exceedingly average film. Fans of Happy Madison Productions or late-night comedies should consider checking out this film, especially if you’re looking for something new. Otherwise, skip it and check out any number of better comedies out there. 

Rotten Tomatoes: NR

Metacritic: NR

One Movie Punch: 5.4/10

“Father of the Year” (2018) is rated TV-MA and is currently streaming on Netflix.