Playdate
What’s it rated? PG-13
When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime
If you’re looking for a silly, lightweight 90-minute diversion, director Luke Greenfield’s Playdate fits the bill. The absurdist mismatched buddy action comedy follows recently laid-off forensic accountant and new stepdad, Brian (Kevin James), who’s struggling with his father figure role to Lucas (Benjamin Pajak). Brian wants to teach him sports, but Lucas is more interested in dance.
One day at the park, they meet Jeff (Alan Ritchson), another stay-at-home dad, and his son, CJ (Banks Pierce)—both decidedly odd. Jeff is a hulk who’s weirdly desperate to strike up a friendship with Brian and for CJ and Lucas to hit it off. CJ is robotic and weirdly violent toward Jeff.
The four go on a playdate to Jeff’s house and later a Buckee Cheese pizzeria (I guess Chuck E. Cheese didn’t want to pay for product placement). Soon a group of mercenaries show up and attack, leading to a minivan car chase and the beginning of a violent misadventure that leads to a conspiracy best left for you to groan over.
Is it good? No. Is it fun? A little. Watching Ritchson acting ,like a kook is an experience. I laughed out loud. Sometimes that’s enough. (93 min.)
—Glen Starkey
This article appears in Nov 27 – Dec 4, 2025.