(SPOILER WARNING!!! This article does contain spoilers, if you haven’t seen the movie, just see the first paragraph to be informed without spoilers!!!)

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising really couldn’t live up to the first movie, it had a weaker and bland story and decided to take a much more raunchier approach in their comedy which didn’t bode well!!!

Rating: 2.5 Stars

When the first movie Neighbors came out, I knew this movie was going to be a good comedy. It had a unique comedic storyline, some great acting (even from Zac Efron), and some hilarious moments. It was a good summer comedy for all people to enjoy. So when they announced the sequel to this movie, I was already skeptical, because I thought there was no way it can top its predecessor. At least I thought story wise, it was impossible. Having a sorority come next door is pretty much the same storyline. However, I had hope that they could up the comedy ante which would make it worthwhile. Unfortunately, they failed in the aspect.

What I Like: It had some funny moments. Some of the one liners between the characters did make me laugh. There were some hilarious moments that made me laugh. One scene where I cringed is when the sorority girls were tossing their used tampons at the window, and some hit Mac Radnor’s face (Seth Rogen). That to me was hilarious and perfect for this type of comedy. Rogan and Rose Byrne continue with their great chemistry on screen as a married couple living next door. Also, Jimmy Blevins (Ike Barinholtz) dressed as a creepy clown was funny, especially when he gives out that creepy laugh. They did bring back most of their characters, even though some parts were very slow. It just added to the continuity and reassessed your memory from the last movie.

The So So: They really tried hard to continue their charm from the first movie. When the sorority was on the verge of meltdown, I enjoyed seeing Kelly Radnor (Rose Byrne) giving them a big pep talk after everything that happened. Although, I hated the outcome after the talk where the sorority did quickly come back together, and started to rush more girls. Also, giving their neighbors an offer they couldn’t refuse. I liked the thought of after everything that happened they still do the right thing, even for their enemies.

What I Didn’t Like: Their story was weaker. It was almost like they pulled the same mistake as The Hangover Part II. Meaning, the story is very similar to the first movie, and lost their charm and uniqueness of their first movie. The only difference is, at least in The Hangover Part II they did up the comedy ante. For Neighbors 2: Sorority Row, I can’t say the same. Their comedy really went for more of a raunchier type of comedy which really didn’t work. Some of their jokes and gags were either disgusting, stupid, repetitive (they did bring back the air bag gag which really didn’t work), inappropriate, and just straight up not funny. I don’t care if it is practically the same story, but I was disappointed they didn’t have a big fight like in the first movie. At least have Kelly fight the sorority president, Shelby (Chloe Grace Moretz) but that didn’t happen. (Mainly cuz Kelly was pregnant again.) Not even a cool party gimmick, like the marijuana smoke party in the first movie. It was just too bland. Add to the fact that they did bring back Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron) and he was still a douche in this movie even though he switched teams to side with Mac and Kelly. Last, the whole toddlers and babies playing with dildos was just too inappropriate for my liking. I mean really, kids playing with dildos!?

Overall: The movie didn’t live up to the first movie, and it was a big step back. It really didn’t need a sequel, so maybe that was the first problem. Most of all, it wasn’t as funny, and really what’s the point of watching this movie if you’re not going to laugh!!!

Rating: 2.5 Star

(Sidenote: Norm of the North- (The start of watching 2016 movies on DVD.) This animated kids movie was really just for kids. The voice acting was fine, but the story and comedy was just too juvenile. It may be great for the kids, but the adults who have to endure, will not enjoy it. The movie really tried be like the other animated movies for kids, but it looked like it was borrowed rather than being creative, and that’s a shame!!!
Rating: 2.5 Stars)