Sean Anders’ serviceable comedy Daddy’s Home was one of 2015’s surprise box office hits.

The antics of warring fathers – Will Ferrell’s ebullient Brad and Mark Wahlberg’s gruff Dusty - entertained audiences so much that a sequel was positively demanded.

With Daddy’s Home 2 Anders has provided a sequel that, while entertaining, sadly fails to monopolise on the talent in front of the camera.

Set soon after the events of the first film, Daddy’s Home 2 focuses on Brad and Dusty who, having overcome their animosity towards one another, decide to spend Christmas together, only for their own fathers to invite themselves to the festivities.

There are flashes of comedic brilliance in the early interactions between Brad, Dusty and their fathers –sweet natured Don (John Lithgow) and the tough, meddling Kurt (Mel Gibson)- an extended gag involving a thermostat is a particular highlight.

However, much like the first instalment, things quickly descend into a series of clumsily executed, largely unfunny set pieces – most of them involving Brad injuring himself - over so quickly that they barely register.

That said, the film’s unwaveringly optimistic tone is infectious and there is plenty of fun to be had in the central performances, particularly Lithgow whose high-spirited Don all but steals the show.

For all its flaws, Daddy’s Home 2 is a charming slice of yuletide fun strengthened by Lithgow’s wonderful turn.