Daddy Day Care the predictable feel-good comedy.

Daddy Day Care is a comedic film that revolves around advertising executives Charlie (Eddie Murphy) and partner Phil (Jeff Garlin) attempting to market Veggie O's cereal to kids. Charlie's wife Kim and now former stay at home mom is attempting to go back to work and finally pursue her career as a lawyer. Unfortunately, a cereal that tastes like vegetables does not go over well with children. In fact the company Murphy and Garlin work for decide to fire or let of the entire health division leaving at least 300 people jobless. Now Murphy can no longer pay tuition at the military styled daycare his son attends and must look for an alternative.


Finally the laughter kicks in as the films exploits take off. The scene where Murphy goes to the Touch of Eden Preschool is hilarious as it borrows on some old stereotypes of living in a trailer park. Ultimately Phil and Charlie start their own daycare which is the movies title, Daddy Day Care to make ends meet. Both men are confronted with various challenges including the stiff neck competition from Chapman Academy; the villainous Miss Harridan (Angelica Huston) and of course parents who are reluctant at having their children watched by two men.


Director Steve Carr is definitely tapping into the family angle with this film especially with the cute kids. I am sure there will be several child actors in this comedy that will have a bright future in Tinsel Town as they mature in the industry. Director Carr also taps into the whole unemployment loss of job issue and its affect on the family as he realistically but humorously shows the importance of fathers in the lives of their children. The theme of supporting a family; and husband and wives working together and loving their children is strong throughout the film.


Eddie Murphy is a veteran comedian that has been able to changed with the times as he does an excellent job here. From his old days of wearing tight leather suits doing standup routine to his recent roles as Dr. Dolittle and his voice in Shrek, his style and brand of comedy has come a long way. I thought the chemistry between Murphy and actress Regina King lacked a lot of sparks. The husband and wife routine did not really work for them and at times it appeared their performances were strained. Fortunately, Murphy's relationship with the kids especially child actor Khamani Griffin who played his son Ben was good adding the necessary spark that ultimately pulled things together.


The special edition DVD has lots of extras including 28 different scene selections and special features. The Blooper Reel is funny and the option of watching it on widescreen verses full screen is nice when viewing it on a flat screen TV. The informative DVD casing offers a brief snap shot of the movie with the main actors names and previous films they've acted in.


Overall, I like this PG flick finding Eddie Murphy and Jeff Garlin amusing. There were a few corny laughs especially the part where the guys dressed as a broccoli stalk and the carrot stick attempt to get the children to eat Veggie O's. Fortunately, the films family orientated theme mixed with humor overshadows this particular scene, which appears at the movies beginning. Personally, as a father, I like the way Director Carr nails home the sentiment that father love and be nurturing to their children.