Neighbors Movie Review

"He looks like something a gay guy designed in a laboratory."

Mac Radner

Did I have a blast watching Nicholas Stoller's new film Neighbors? Yes. Was it an amazing film, no not really, but it is worth the laughs that it will bring. I had decided long ago that I was going to watch this film in theaters when it released, based on how funny the trailers were, and I finally had the chance to see it today. The cast already won it over for me with Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne and Dave Franco. My expectations were a bit high because of the positive feedback I was getting from friends who had already seen the movie, but like every other comedy I watch, I don't go in expecting to be blown away.

Before I get into the actual review I'd like to make a comment about Zac Efron. I think he is extremely underrated as an actor and has some serious acting skills. Given the right roles he will prove this big time in the future, I just think many people see him as that kid from High School Musical. Just my opinion but I hope to see him in some good movies in the upcoming years. Now I'll always be a Seth Rogen because I think he is absolutely hilarious and his voice is killer. I can't think of many movies that mainly involve Seth Rogen that I've hated, although I'm sure it's just not coming to mind at the moment. Neighbors is about a couple that has recently settled down, had a baby, and bought a house that involved investing most of their money into. They seem to be coming to terms with the fact that their life will never be the same again, but still deep down want to party and have a good time.

One day they see that new people are moving into the house next door when they realize it's a fraternity. A bunch of young college kids ready to party and cause havoc. Not wanting to seem lame, Mac and Kelly introduce themselves and their baby to Efron and Franco's characters, Teddy and Pete. Mac gives them a joint to prove they're cool but also mentions that they need to keep it down because of their baby. Teddy agrees and only asks that they never call the cops but come directly to him instead. The clear age difference is exaggerated and made so funny during these conversations. One of my complaints though is that a lot of the funny moments were ruined by being in the trailer but that is to be expected to a certain extent with all comedies now a days. On a completely random side note I think it's funny that Christopher Mintz-Plasse, aka McLovin, is always a welcomed supporting actor in comedies but never really gets a leading role, as of recently at least.

So after a couple of wild frat parties Mac and Kelly decide to call the cops anonymously but Teddy and Pete immediately figure out it was them who called. Here ensues that battle between frat boys and a married couple. The shenanigans go back and forth, back and forth getting progressively funnier. I don't think the film ever got too stale considering also that it wasn't very lengthy. I particularly enjoyed Rose Bryne's performance because I wasn't expecting her to be so damn hilarious. This film is pretty raunchy and vulgar but I have definitely seen worse. I really enjoyed neighbors but I don't think it had the same lasting effect as some other comedies, like Superbad or 21 Jump Street. With a solid cast and an entertaining story, I say Neighbors deserves a 7 out of 10. Had some really good laughs and I enjoyed the mix of older and more recent pop culture references throughout.