Daddy Day Care (2003)

To me, this movie is perfection.

Sorry, this movie sucks

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

"Daddy Day Care" is about 2 men (Eddie Murphy and Jeff Garlin) who work at company that make breakfast food. When they tried to make the breakfast food healthier they got fired. Then they decide to open a day care center. The parents was uneasy about guys running a day care because they felt its the women's job to do that kind of work. Will the dads show the world that guys can do that kind of work or will they fail? Pros: Good plot Funny Con: Acting was lacking. If you want a good family film you should give this a try.

As someone who's watched Eddie Murphy since his television debut on "Saturday Night Live" in 1980, I've seen him in many of his movies and I've liked him in most of the ones I've viewed (an exception would be Pluto Nash). So it is that I've now watched him in this family-friendly comedy that was a hit nine years ago. Having been used to seeing him being a wise guy or playing some outrageous characters, I have to admit I'm not used to seeing such a subdued Eddie as he seems here. In fact, he rarely says or does anything remotely funny. I mean, this is very much a cutesy kind of movie meant to amuse parents and provide their kids some relatable characters their age. And if I was an under age 12 one, I'd probably really like this movie. I don't hate it, per se. It's just not something that's my cup of tea, that's all. Still, Daddy Day Care is harmless enough and it's fascinating to see "SNL" vet Murphy have scenes with subsequent cast members Kevin Nealon, Siobahn Fallon Hogan, and Laura Kightlinger. And if you want to expose your kid to Murphy without getting embarrassed by some of the material, this is as good a place to start...

Unlike its follow-up Daddy Day Camp, Daddy Day Care delivers the laughs and fun for all ages. The kids are actually developed here, and the movie does a smart thing of building a nice bond between Eddie Murphy and his son during this movie, something Daddy Day Camp tried to do, but couldn't. Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin|Phill| and Steve Zahn are the perfect trio for this movie, and they are the main reason this movie succeeded as well it did. This was actually my 2nd time viewing this movie. I first came across this movie when I ordered it in my hotel room. I enjoyed it than, and I enjoyed it just as much now. Anjelica Huston played the perfect villain for this movie, and I must say watching her get the injustice that deserved in the end was a real treat. I've heard a lot of bashing for this movie with critics calling it another lazy movie for Eddie Murphy. What did they honestly expect? An award-winning comedy?.Performances. Eddie Murphy's charisma and humor serve him perfectly here. He's not too over the top, but not too restrained either. In my honest opinion, it's one of his best performances in his later years. Jeff Garlin and Steve Zahn do well as Eddie's sidekicks. Regina King is decent as Eddie's wife, and did what she had to do well. Anjelica Huston is excellent as the villain who is angry due to the success of Daddy Day Care.Bottom line. It's light, it's easy-going and just a nice family movie for the parents and the kids of all ages to just sit down and enjoy. Give it a break, it really is quite cute.6 1/2 /10

Caught this today on DVD with a buddy's grand-kids, and was pleasantly surprised. I have given it 9 out of 10, not for pure artistic merit, but as a funny 'family-film'. Certainly, the current rating here at IMDb is pessimistic. There are only 2 or 3 decent films of this sort produced annually in Hollywood, the rest being utter trash.Eddie Murphy plays a more subdued role than we might expect as a high-powered 'player' in the ad game, with little time for his family. A sudden change finds him desperate for work or an enterprise, in a plot ploy reminiscent of Michael Keaton's "Mr. Mom". The unfolding action finds Eddie scrambling to operate a day care facility with frenetic partners Jeff Garlin and, later, Steve Zahn. Murphy allows that duo to handle the slapstick end of things. He remains the thinker and the one who calms the waves of lunacy, allowing the plot to move forward to the next challenge facing our heroes.The satirical side of this story is shown by examining the competing (snotty) daycare center of the always-delightful Angelica Huston, reprising her 'vampy villainess' role of "Ever After". She runs a sophisticated academy for toddlers that Fraser and Niles Crane might envy (but it really needs to be taken down a peg or two).Refreshing, too, is the portrayal of the daycare inspector unleashed on Eddie by Huston. Instead of the typical clichéd grump who threatens and hollers, we get a tender, supportive fella who really wants the boys to succeed (we find out why at the end - watch the puppet show carefully!).Garlin is the closest thing I've seen to a replacement for our departed and dear John Candy, a slightly over-sized actor who can combine tenderness with slapstick! Zahn was an unusual sidekick fit as 'Giordino' to McConaughey's 'Dirk Pitt' in "Sahara", and, here as a hapless Trekkie, impresses with his comedic timing.Other notables pop up in supporting roles, and the kids are terrific. Enjoy! Final word to other actors of (former) glory: check your ego at the door, share the limelight with a great supporting cast and find a real script with likable or compelling characters. in no particular order.