By Zach Geibler
Yes, we have another hit from the genius minds of Happy
Madison productions
Ok, Sandler movies aren’t that bad, but they have certainly
gone downhill.
This sequel to the 2010 movie brought most of the same
comedy lineup back for a second go around at growing up. This time around, the
kids are older, the adults are goofier, the situation humor is at an extreme,
but nothing was all that funny. The movie was 30% a good chuckle, and 70%
failed jokes.
Now I cannot honestly say I was expecting much more from a sequel
to a cheesy predecessor, and I was entertained at times. The movie was really a
cameo fest of all Adam Sandler’s buddies from his acclaimed movie career. Each
character had a weird problem or a strange gimmick. Some fitted, others
stunk. In comparison to the other group
comedy movie of the year “This is the End”, the old guys seem to have lost
here, unlike in the movie, where the group takes on an entire house of preppy frat
boys with ridiculous handshakes and abnormal love for each other.
The movie takes place all in one day. No one seems to be
doing much work, but the whole crew now lives together in the same town that
they grew up in, and were so fond of. The Grown Ups kids are going through
experiences that their parents had to deal with such as school, cliffs, dating,
and parties. The Grown Ups generally
screw around all day in preparation for a party at Sandler’s house later in the
evening. Also, Sandler’s wife, Salma Hayek wants to have another child, but
Sandler is iffy on the situation. Spade also meets up with his unknown son from
a most likely a one night stand with deemed hot chick “Hiccup McGee.” Spades
son is a big strong freak. We later learn that the son just wants a father’s
love, and is a teddy bear. Rock deals with his wife forgetting their
anniversary, while James hides from his wife at the comforts of his mother’s
house, and is embarrassed by this. Of course all of this stuff gets resolved
through the crazy antics of everyone around them. In between, they meet up with old faces and
new friend such as an entire frat house led by an vamped up Taylor Lautner. They get bullied by the college kids. They become the villains of the story.
The Grown Ups deal with their children first dates, getting bullied, learning
sports, and a whole mess of other things. Later at the party, the frat boys come back
for revenge upon there destroyed frat house and blame the Grown Up crew.
Fighting breaks out and every single character shows their ninja skills and
fighting endeavors. In the end the Grown Ups of course win. Sandler goes on to accept the fact that he is
going to have another child, and that is the end.
Was the movie a good time? Somewhat. No move really
devastates me enough to the point of leaving the theater or a completely and
utter bash. After all Grown Ups 2 is in the business of what I will simply call
“stupid comedy”. The premise of this term being that we as an audience know the
jokes are dumb, overplayed, corny, but it
doesn't matter to much, cause it is a good time overall. I saw the movie with
my friends today. Was it my first choice? No, but I had a good night out with
the guys anyway, despite the un-witty humor and the constant fart jokes, or
should I call it the Burp snart (I think the joke was done a little too
much). Just like last movie Chris Rock
did not seem to reach his full potential of comedy, he as laid back as anything
in this role. He is still pretty funny, but not enough. Kevin James is fat and
fartsical like usual. Sandler is witty, and Spade is a dorky lovable hustler.
Back to the cameos though, as there were a lot of them. Some
of my favorite temporary characters in this flick were John Lovitz, who was a
perverted janitor at some kind of yoga class. Yes Jon Lovitz, perverted. A
shock right? Other characters who gave me a laugh or two were Shaq police
character, who was danced filled, overly happy, and smiley. He also has the
massive strength going for him(He throws someone over a house), but he is a big
teddy bear. Steve Buschemi returned as Wiley, the frail and goofy freak. Seeing
him dressed as Flava Flav was a chuckle.
Other cameos were made by Stone Cold Steve Austin, the
wrestling legend. He did not perform a stunner on any of the characters which
was a disappointment. Andy Samberg was a creep sexual male cheerleader washing
cars. Nick Swardson was a depressed divorcee of three weeks, driving schools
buses and popping pills, and pooping in department stores. The sub characters
antics made for a chuckle or two, but delayed any possible development of an
actual meaningful story line.
Some happy times are thrown in, Kevin James kid who thinks
the 80’s were 70 years ago, and that 7+9 is 79 makes redemption through piano.
There is a new baby is the midst. There is unheard singing voice of Chris Rocks
daughter. There is puppy love all over the place (including an awkward
relationship between a steroid jacked girl and Spade). There is a son meeting
his father for the first time and bonding. There is all this sentimental stuff,
but none of it is dwelt on enough to make the audience care. Instead we look
forward to the goofball actor being a loony.
The 80’s reference was all over the place, as the climax of
the movie takes place at an 80’s themed party. There are Prince Costumes,
Meatloaf (Bat out of Hell, Not the Food), Pat Benetar, Risky Business, Smurfs,
Bruce Springsteen, and Hall and Oates.
So no, do not be surprised the Grown Ups 2 was not a good
movie. I know we were expecting a winner here, (sarcasm) but we got this movie
instead. It was good for a laugh or two, nothing to pay money over. It is nothing
to watch twice. But maybe you will enjoy it more than I did. It is a good time,
either way. Whether you are reminiscing about the movie, or mocking its flaws,
it will be a good best pal’s movie to enjoy.
I give this move 1.5 out of 5 stars
4/10 on IMDB
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