Prime Video’s latest attempt at mixing fast-paced action with lighthearted comedy arrives in the form of Playdate, helmed by director Luke Greenfield. Featuring Kevin James, Alan Ritchson, Isla Fisher, and Sarah Chalke, the film tries to deliver laughs and thrills but ends up feeling like something best left playing in the background while folding laundry. Packed with implausible plot turns, outdated humor, and action sequences that fail to energize, Playdate struggles to find the balance between buddy comedy and family adventure.
Story
The premise follows Brian (Kevin James), a mild-mannered forensic accountant who loses his job after refusing to participate in corporate fraud. With his wife Emily (Sarah Chalke) returning to her old law firm to make up for his lost income, Brian reluctantly assumes the stay-at-home parent role for his stepson Lucas (Benjamin Pajak). Lucas, cheerful and theatrically inclined, seems well-adjusted—but Brian clearly has issues with his son’s flamboyant interests.
Things spiral when an encounter at the park introduces Brian to Jeff (Alan Ritchson), a charismatic stranger with an unusually strong and stoic child named CJ (Banks Pierce). An invitation to a “playdate” at Jeff’s home quickly turns into a chaotic escape from mercenaries, suburban mobsters led by Isla Fisher, and even law enforcement, with the group inexplicably ending up in what could be mistaken for a prolonged car commercial.
Performances
Kevin James reprises a familiar persona—clumsy, insecure, and a magnet for humiliation—though here he strips away any semblance of determination. Alan Ritchson plays Jeff with exaggerated bravado, but the humor rarely lands. Isla Fisher’s suburban mafia turn is as eccentric as it is underutilized, while Sarah Chalke delivers a pleasant but forgettable presence. Benjamin Pajak, as Lucas, offers the most genuine warmth in the cast, though much of his charm is undermined by the film’s dated jokes.
Behind the Scenes
Director Luke Greenfield appears inspired by the early-2000s wave of broad comedies, yet the execution relies heavily on old stereotypes and uninspired set pieces. Needle-drop soundtrack choices attempt to camouflage weak scene construction, and the over-the-top stunts feel disconnected from any believable stakes. The narrative’s central conflict—Brian’s embarrassment over Lucas’s interests—feels too thin to drive the chaos that follows.
Final Verdict
Playdate wants to be a zany ride but ends up as a tedious mix of clumsy action and stale humor. The supposed emotional beats are brief and unconvincing, while the final scene delivers a jarring—if not baffling—twist that undermines any remaining goodwill. Even the end credits double down on misfires with both outtakes and a cast sing-along, making sure the bad taste lingers.
Unless you’re a die-hard fan of Kevin James, this may be one playdate you’ll want to skip.
