Cinematic Releases: Neighbors 2 - Reviewed

The epic story of Neighbors continues in the biggest sequel of ALL time. 

Where most other sequels fail, Neighbors 2 succeeds in glorious fashion. Relying on the same basic plot principles of its predecessor, this one comes along and falls within inches of matching the humor, chemistry, and sex fueled jokes of the first Neighbors flick. No, it's not high art. But, it's not meant to be. Changing the story from a fraternity to a sorority serves the purpose of the ninety minute run time just fine and adds a whole new spin on the grotesque and offensive narrative that's taking place here. Penis jokes, pot humor, gross out routines, and a never ending dildo bit bring us right back to life with the Radners and it's a total blast. 

Did you guys see that?
No. I'm just staring at Rose Byrne in a cheerleading outfit. Wowza!

With the entire lead cast of the first movie returning, Neighbors 2 does a lot of things most modern comedies refuse to do. For once, we're given some minor depth to the lead players, a small bit of emotional context, and audiences are actually treated to something called character development. None of the continued characters are in the same place they were in the first one. Their lives are moving on, they're changing as people, and the movie never feels stagnant, even if it is a hair repetitive at times. 

With Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne playing off each other like a realistic married couple with child and the typically dumbfounded Zac Efron still engaging his inner man child, Sorority Rising takes off from the start and really never lets up. The jokes never cease as real adult life situations somehow creep into a comedy that's well written and timely. The always dedicated Rose Byrne finally stops trying to hide her accent and feels much more natural this time around. The little bit of time spent between Efron and Franco is just as hilarious as it's ever been.  

Spraaaannng break.......forever!

The only issue I really took with this sequel is Chloe Grace Moretz. She's a great actress and has seamlessly weaved in and out of many different genres. Here, she feels forced, slightly contrived, and is given a nearly barren amount of workable lines. Sadly for her, she doesn't feel into the role at all. When she tries to be gangster, it's embarrassing. When she tries to be conniving, it's awkward. Her character's motives are hampered by poorly written lines and a director that may have been too reluctant to draw a better performance from her. The other sorority sisters that surround Moretz are underused and should have mirrored the fraternal brotherhood from Neighbors a bit more. The sorority is never as threatening and a little too silly and virginesque at times. 

Despite some obvious flaws, this is really an entertaining comedy that does what a good sequel should do. It takes characters that we know and relate to and continues their story by going further forward in their lives. As goofy and unbelievable as it is, director Nicholas Stoller creates another laughable movie that should end this series on a high note. We don't need a third one, at all. 

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Score

-CG