Preschool
The brief
Josh Duhamel steps behind the camera for this high-energy dad comedy that feels like "Daddy's Home" meets the cutthroat world of private school admissions. The premise is wonderfully ridiculous and Duhamel (also starring) leans into the physical comedy with surprising commitment, while Michael Socha brings his usual manic energy as the rival father. It's fast-paced and genuinely funny when it embraces the absurdity, though it occasionally stumbles when trying to squeeze in heart. Perfect for anyone who enjoyed the Will Ferrell/Mark Wahlberg comedies or found themselves stress-laughing through actual preschool application season.
The verdict
If you're in the mood for silly physical comedy about the insanity of competitive parenting, this high-energy romp delivers genuine laughs with Josh Duhamel fully committed to the ridiculous premise. If you prefer more sophisticated humor or get annoyed when comedies force in sentimental moments, the uneven tonal shifts will likely grate on you.
Watch with
- 👥 Fellow parents who've survived school applications
- 👫 Date night for couples with kids
- ⚠️ Skip if you're currently stressed about school admissions
Heads up
- Competitive parenting anxiety themes (moderate)
- Physical comedy with minor injuries (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Josh Duhamel
- Cast
- Josh Duhamel, Michael Socha, Antonia Thomas, Charity Wakefield, Fenella Woolgar, James Cosmo
Official synopsis
Two determined fathers engage in a comical battle to enroll their kids in an elite preschool, escalating into
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Pout-Pout Fish (2026)
Both explore childhood themes with gentle humor for family audiences.
Total runtime: 1h 44m + 1h 32m = 3h 16m
