Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (B+) Movie Review
In this sequel to 2014's Neighbors, Seth Rogen and Rose Bynre star once again as two parents, this time trying to sell their house. This proves to be more difficult-than-expected when a sorority of girls moves next door. In order to stop them, they must recruit the help of Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron), their ex-nemesis.
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is pretty much just a better version of Neighbors. Where Neighbors was funny but aimless, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising retains the humor while adding a fair amount of heart and messages about family. It's also topical and probably the most progressive summer movie we'll see this season.
This comedy sequel is undeniably familiar to the original which proves to be its biggest hurdle. But the most striking resemblance it bears to its predecessor is in general storyline alone, meaning Sorority Rising follows the same "how-do-we-get-these-kids-next-door-to-move-out?" narrative before branching out in unexpected directions. The expository first half-hour isn't necessarily tiresome but it follows a lot of the same threads as the first Neighbors.
What's particularly exciting about Neighbors 2 is that it builds upon the tired bro "shtick" of its predecessor and applies it directly to females and, in the process, tackles feminism, college rape culture, and even some touching truths about family. Everything Neighbors 2 is trying to say, it says clearly and efficiently. Teddy's best friend Pete, played by Dave Franco, has since come out as gay since the first film. Chloe Grace Moretz and her rag tag team of feminists/girls start their own sorority in hopes to party on their own terms, meaning no douche-y frat parties. It's all quite refreshing in how Neighbors 2 attempts to subvert genre trappings and the "college bros" movies.
But Neighbors 2 knows itself and what it is: a comedy sequel. Though progressive, the film's comedy is never lost. In fact, it's a very funny film that has a good sense of humor. Although it's discouraging that every member of the screenwriting team is male when a good chunk of the film centers around female relationships, they create an intelligently comedic work that knows its strengths. There's quite a bit of raunchy material here, but it's often played in comically uncomfortable ways. One of my problems with the film is that it contains an underwhelming amount of large-scale, hilarious set pieces (though there's a memorable chase scene set to Yeezy's "Black Skinhead"). But the film has its fair share of laugh-out-loud moments and while the set pieces may be lacking, Neighbors 2 is comprised of genuinely amusing little moments.
A lot of Neighbors 2's success is owed to the film's brilliant ensemble. Seth Rogen's adorable/raunchy/stoner brand of humor is not lost. Most of the cast members fit into this world quite well, actually. Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen's playful banter and chemistry is thoroughly amusing and may be one of the film's greatest strengths. Byrne may be the film's secret weapon and it's (again) refreshing to see a marriage in a comedy film where the wife gets just as much to do as her husband. Zac Efron proves once again that he's a talented actor with an ear for comedy. Chloe Grace Moretz is no stranger to adult humor (see Kick-Ass) and pulls her weight. There's an innerworking chemistry amongst every actor here that makes Neighbors 2 so damn entertaining.
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising marks a genre landmark where women are treated as equals to men in the comedy universe and proves to be a rare exception to that old rule that says sequels must be worse than their predecessor. See the film and don't be surprised if it offers you thoughtful material beyond belly laughs.
FINAL GRADE: B+
MPAA RATING: R for crude sexual content including brief graphic nudity, language throughout, drug use and teen partying
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is pretty much just a better version of Neighbors. Where Neighbors was funny but aimless, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising retains the humor while adding a fair amount of heart and messages about family. It's also topical and probably the most progressive summer movie we'll see this season.
This comedy sequel is undeniably familiar to the original which proves to be its biggest hurdle. But the most striking resemblance it bears to its predecessor is in general storyline alone, meaning Sorority Rising follows the same "how-do-we-get-these-kids-next-door-to-move-out?" narrative before branching out in unexpected directions. The expository first half-hour isn't necessarily tiresome but it follows a lot of the same threads as the first Neighbors.
What's particularly exciting about Neighbors 2 is that it builds upon the tired bro "shtick" of its predecessor and applies it directly to females and, in the process, tackles feminism, college rape culture, and even some touching truths about family. Everything Neighbors 2 is trying to say, it says clearly and efficiently. Teddy's best friend Pete, played by Dave Franco, has since come out as gay since the first film. Chloe Grace Moretz and her rag tag team of feminists/girls start their own sorority in hopes to party on their own terms, meaning no douche-y frat parties. It's all quite refreshing in how Neighbors 2 attempts to subvert genre trappings and the "college bros" movies.
But Neighbors 2 knows itself and what it is: a comedy sequel. Though progressive, the film's comedy is never lost. In fact, it's a very funny film that has a good sense of humor. Although it's discouraging that every member of the screenwriting team is male when a good chunk of the film centers around female relationships, they create an intelligently comedic work that knows its strengths. There's quite a bit of raunchy material here, but it's often played in comically uncomfortable ways. One of my problems with the film is that it contains an underwhelming amount of large-scale, hilarious set pieces (though there's a memorable chase scene set to Yeezy's "Black Skinhead"). But the film has its fair share of laugh-out-loud moments and while the set pieces may be lacking, Neighbors 2 is comprised of genuinely amusing little moments.
A lot of Neighbors 2's success is owed to the film's brilliant ensemble. Seth Rogen's adorable/raunchy/stoner brand of humor is not lost. Most of the cast members fit into this world quite well, actually. Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen's playful banter and chemistry is thoroughly amusing and may be one of the film's greatest strengths. Byrne may be the film's secret weapon and it's (again) refreshing to see a marriage in a comedy film where the wife gets just as much to do as her husband. Zac Efron proves once again that he's a talented actor with an ear for comedy. Chloe Grace Moretz is no stranger to adult humor (see Kick-Ass) and pulls her weight. There's an innerworking chemistry amongst every actor here that makes Neighbors 2 so damn entertaining.
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising marks a genre landmark where women are treated as equals to men in the comedy universe and proves to be a rare exception to that old rule that says sequels must be worse than their predecessor. See the film and don't be surprised if it offers you thoughtful material beyond belly laughs.
FINAL GRADE: B+
MPAA RATING: R for crude sexual content including brief graphic nudity, language throughout, drug use and teen partying