Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mild violence, language, drinking in parenting comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Preschool
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Allen (Josh Duhamel) and Brian (Michael Socha) are two dads living in the same English town who both want to get their children into a prestigious PRESCHOOL. Their wives, Lauren (Charity Wakefield) and Sarah (Antonia Thomas), are on board with the plan but not as convinced this is the only school for their kids. When the families find out there's just one spot left for a new student the next school year, the competition between the dads heats up.
Is It Any Good?
The cast and premise here are funny, but the humor doesn't keep at a consistent enough level to make this film a real winner. Parents and now-adult helicopter kids will appreciate the ideas behind Preschool, and it's great that it's the dads for once who are going crazy with aggressive overparenting. The insecurities driving the adult behavior revolve around the men's need to prove themselves, and the competition gets physical. This provides for some general silliness, including a funny Padel (think pickleball) match. But other scenes feel too contrived or even a little weird (what's with the TV personality in a diaper?), and you're left wishing for more character insight like we get in one scene where Brian tells his story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the parents are so determined to get their kids into this particular Preschool. What are the messages here about competitive parenting, pushing your kids too hard, and the connection between education and wealth?
The film is set in the U.K. Do you think the story is specific to British culture? Could it be set elsewhere?
Did you expect the resolution of this film, or did it surprise you in any way?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 17, 2026
- Cast : Josh Duhamel , Michael Socha , Antonia Thomas
- Director : Josh Duhamel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Competition , Family Stories , Friendship , School ( Preschool )
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some language, suggestive material and violence
- Last updated : April 2, 2026
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