ISMO – Breaking Bad English is a cinematic version of the saying “through hardships to the stars.” Ismo, who grew up in Jyväskylä, is a shy boy with a vivid imagination who has trouble fitting in. As a student in his twenties, he stumbles upon a new form of expression in Finland, stand-up comedy, which suits him perfectly. Ismo quickly rises to become one of Finland’s most successful stand-up comedians, but that’s not enough for him. He decides to pursue a career in the United States, the homeland of the world’s most famous comedians.

The father and mother flee to Lapland to prepare for Christmas, but peace is at a standstill when the children tag along. When Jussi's new girlfriend Viktoria is revealed to be the millionaire's only child, the father does everything he can to make the best possible impression on the family's new daughter-in-law. As one surprise follow after another, the father must put all his “expertise” into play.