Problem Child 2

Right now you can watch Problem Child 2 on streaming — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Watch it for John Ritter — stay for everyone else around them. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Problem Child 2 is worth clearing space for. Problem Child 2 does what great comedies rarely manage — it is actually funny, consistently, across the whole run. Junior and his father, Ben, move from Cold River to Mortville. Junior becomes threatened by Ben's desire to date again and find a new mother for Junior, and sabotages each of his dates. John Ritter and Michael J. Oliver lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1991. The timing in Problem Child 2 is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Problem Child 2. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. John Ritter anchors an ensemble with real chemistry. Genuinely funny, consistently, across the whole run.