Like Father (2018)

Very mediocre.

Not that there is a lack of comedies, but take away the lighthearted dramas and dramedies, and there really isn't all that much choice left. This film dutifully falls into the lighthearted drama category: few real jokes, but plenty of lightheartedness. Naturally, interspersed between some more serious moments.

The relationship between Bell and Grammer is central, but actually not that captivating. Bell as a true workaholic who is on her phone all day, Grammer as a father who hasn't seen his daughter for 25 years. Together on a cruise and guess what... oh yes, things get a bit rocky but eventually they do find each other. I'm spoiling it, though, because there are people who have never seen a movie before.

A few funny supporting roles, but mostly a lot of fake happiness and coziness. Those game nights, for example, seemed really dramatic to me; I can hardly imagine that a workaholic like Bell could really get into that. But that isn't the film's biggest problem; rather, it felt very tame and stale.

But light and fast-paced, that's for sure.

2.0*

Translated from Dutch · View original

Severely underrated film. I hesitated whether it shouldn't have received the full 5 stars. Ultimately 4.5 stars because I wasn't completely blown away yet, but it was a close call. I am also a father of a daughter and was really drawn into the story. I am also a fan of travel as portrayed in the film. I love socializing, good food, entertainment, and parties. Although I have never actually been on a cruise ship, even though this type of travel is on my to-do list. The story itself really grabbed me. Father-daughter issues, travel atmosphere, deep conversations, laughter, tears, etc... Fun and not-so-fun real-life conversations. This was truly a film after my own heart. I can imagine that if you are looking for a hard-hitting action movie, you will choke on your glass of wine with this saccharine story, but if you are looking for a melodramatic father-daughter relationship film (what a word), your glass of red wine will taste good here... And for me, it was a bottle of red wine. During the Corona lockdown, this film was really a morale booster. Really enjoyed it.

Translated from Dutch · View original

25 years after Harry [Kelsey Grammer] broke the contract with his daughter Rachel [Kristen Bell], he shows up unannounced at her wedding. When Rachel's fiancé [Jon Foster] calls off the wedding at the last minute, Rachel goes on a drinking binge. In the process, she is persuaded to go on a honeymoon with Harry. The premise isn't very convincing, but the trip delivers memorable moments, including a questionable attempt to cheat on a quiz show. It helps that Bell and Grammer have pleasant chemistry. Lauren Miller's husband Seth Rogen has a fine supporting role as the likeable, recently divorced Jeff.

Translated from Dutch · View original