Neighbors 2 is yet another needless sequel to a comedy and although it deviates somewhat from the original, the laughs, albeit a few, weren’t as consistent and there was an uncomfortable mean streak at times, something I generally loathe from a comedy.
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
(2016)
Genre(s): Comedy
Universal | R – 93 min. – $34.98 | September 20, 2016
Date Published: 09/20/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE — 2.0/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: Now that Mac (SETH ROGEN) and Kelly Radner (ROSE BYRNE) have a second baby on the way, they are ready to make the final move into adulthood: the suburbs. But just as they thought they’d reclaimed the neighborhood and were safe to sell, they learn that the new occupants next door are a hard-partying, out-of-control sorority, led by Shelby (CHLOE GRACE MORETZ), with the help and guidance of Teddy (ZAC EFRON). However, when they vote him out, he teams up with his former rivals. But the ladies of Kappa Nu aren’t going down without a fight.
Quick Hit Review: Having just seen the first movie the other day, in preparation for this sequel, I didn’t think Neighbors 2 was nearly as good however, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t at least laugh a few times at some of the adolescent humor. Approaching this as a farce, it’s not a terrible film and I can say the actors at least were trying and seem to genuinely enjoy themselves from Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne who are nice together, Zac Efron plays up on his sexuality for the ladies out there and Chloe Grace Moretz (who recently announced a break from making movies) made for a fine addition. All of that said, it is a thin plot though there is a glimmer of social commentary and role reversals, and it does veer from the plug-and-play aspects that often plague sequels, so there is that, it’s unfortunate that on the whole it wasn’t funnier outside of a few scenes and some are incredibly awkward.
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising was written by no less than five writers including Seth Rogen (who also served as a producer) and director Nicholas Stoller. I suppose if you enjoyed the first movie it might be worth checking out, but this is one that’s at best a rental or at worst catching when it airs on HBO. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.5/5 |
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This release comes with a title-embossed slip cover. Inside is a DVD Copy and redemption code for the Digital HD copy. Audio Commentary – Co-Writer/Director Nicholas Stoller and Producer James Weaver Nu Neighbors (8:09; HD) is your basic featurette with cast and crew interviews talking about the sequel. The Prodigal Bros Return (5:01; HD) looks at the return of actors Zac Efron, Dave Franco, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Jerrod Carmichael to their respective characters from the first film. Girls Rule (6:14; HD) introduces us to the new characters for Neighbors 2 and features interviews with the actresses and others. The Ultimate Tailgate (5:09; HD) covers the tailgate sequence. Deleted Scenes (24:14; HD) – There are 12 scenes included that either were trimmed or didn’t make the cut. Nothing all that interesting. Line-O-Rama (4:48; HD) – This seems to be a staple of many comedies today, especially from Universal where the camera roles to give actors a chance to try out different lines. Gag Reel (4:24; HD) |
VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| Presented with a 1080p high-definition transfer and shown in its original 2.40 widescreen aspect ratio, Neighbors 2 enters the party scene with relatively sharp detail and especially bright colors in keeping with its comedic tone. These types of movie generally don’t have much pop to them on the smaller screen yet still looks good. There were no obvious signs of artifacts or aliasing making for a clean transfer. |
AUDIO – 4.25/5 |
| As comedies go, this Blu-ray’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is pretty basic yet still effective. Dialogue levels sounded clean and loud enough and there’s some nice depth whenever the score or music with start. It’s nothing special but efficient enough for the genre. |
OVERALL – 2.75/5 |
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Overall, Neighbors 2 is yet another needless sequel to a comedy and although it deviates somewhat from the original, the laughs, albeit a few, weren’t as consistent and there was an uncomfortable mean streak at times, something I generally loathe from a comedy. The Blu-ray released by Universal offers good video/audio transfers while the features are pretty standard nowadays for the genre (wouldn’t expect a making-of documentary). |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.