Father of the Year

Father of the Year is a film brought to life in 2018 as a part of Netflix’s line-up of original movies. Within this comedy film, audiences will find a well-mixed cocktail of humor, relatable emotional struggles, and the timeless themes of identity, family, and finding one’s true path in life.

David Spade shines in the leading role, establishing his place once again as a seasoned prospector in the realm of comedy. He is cast as Wayne, a clueless and goofy New Hampshire dad. Carelessly fun-loving, Wayne barely survives on a wild range of odd jobs, clearly incapable of holding down a full-time job or assuming basic responsibilities throughout his adult life. His nonchalant, carefree attitude provided enough material to spread laughter yet cultivates the humane aspect of fatherhood throughout the movie.

The narrative takes off when Wayne’s son, Ben, portrayed by Joey Bragg, visits him for a summer vacation after graduating from college. A casual drinking session blows out of proportion when Ben’s pal, Larry (played by Matt Shively) and Ben himself starts arguing about whose father would win in a fight. Larry (Nat Faxon), an otherwise calm and sober engineer, finds himself trapped in this enticing yet absurd proposition.

This evolves into a supposedly lighthearted dare, spiraling into a series of comical escapades, turning the lives of both father-son duos upside down. While a substantial portion of the movie involves laugh-out-loud humor, the storyline also leaves enough space for viewers to ponder deeper issues about life, the significance of honor, loyalty, parent-child relationships, and the essence of genuine friendship.

Throughout the movie, every character experiences growth in their own unique ways. The transition of Ben, as he grapples with his father’s failure to fulfill his paternal role, is particularly noteworthy. As a freshly minted college graduate, Ben is initially determined to move to New York to begin his professional career. However, his reckless father's antics make him question his future plans.

Moreover, David Spade’s character, Wayne, goes through an equally engaging arc. From an irresponsible father and an aimless person, Wayne embarks on a journey to find his purpose in life. It is through these journeys that Father of the Year integrates humor with heartfelt exploration of mistakes and redemption.

The versatile Nat Faxon delivers a strong performance as Larry, surprisingly excelling in the serious as well as humorous scenes. He fits well into the character’s shoes who finds himself reluctantly dragged into a juvenile bet and its bewildering aftermath. As Larry navigates this absurd spiral of events, Faxon succeeds in bringing a balance of realism and comic relief to the role, adding an extra layer of depth to the storyline.

Audiences will also appreciate the performances by other supporting cast members, like Matt Shively, who plays Ben's goofy best friend; Bridgit Mendler, who plays Ben's romantic interest; and Bill Kottkamp, who adds another layer of comic relief to the narrative as the peculiar, faux-intellectual roommate with an unexplainable Russian accent.

In terms of the film's overall aesthetic, viewers will also notice the authenticity in its portrayal of small-town New Hampshire's charm and eccentricities. The sense of the community, the laid-back lifestyle, and intimate social connections thread together to form a bewitching backdrop to the comical, yet poignant, narrative, making it easier for the audience to connect with the story.

The flare of director Tyler Spindel shines through the film, who skillfully peppers the narrative with generous doses of humor while subtly maintaining an undercurrent of serious, more profound themes. Laughter and introspection walk hand in hand in this heartwarming tale about the relationship between a terribly imperfect father and a son struggling to embrace the reality of life.

In conclusion, despite its frat humor and improbable scenario, Father of the Year manages to strike a chord with its subtle presentation of family bonds, highlighting the essence of human relationships, personal growth, and societal norms. While it can be a roller coaster ride of humor, it'll also make you soak in nostalgia and sentimentality. A perfect choice for an enjoyable and thought-provoking movie night.