May 12, 2014

 

In typical comedy fashion, Neighbors has a lot revealed already in the trailers, but there’s so much more that it’s worth it to head to the theater to catch this rated-R comedy (because those are the best kind after all). Seth Rogan and Rose Byrne really play well off each other as a young couple with their first child, trying to balance being new parents and rowdy young neighbors. The under-lying theme of the film seems to be getting older and growing up, but it falls short of getting that point across somewhere in the middle of the film.

 

Mac Radner (Rogan) and his wife Kelly (Bryne) are adjusting to being new parents and trying to keep up with their single friends, who just recently divorced, Jimmy (Ike Barinholtz) and Paula (Carla Gallo). They are, however, happy and content with their little princess Stella, though you can tell Kelly is bored staying at home all day. Soon, a fraternity moves in next door. In order to pre-empt any noise issues and to appear cool, the pair head over to meet the group, including president and vice president Teddy (Zac Efron) and Pete (Dave Franco). Mac offers Teddy pot as a peace offering in hopes they will ‘keep it down.’ Teddy assures them they will be good neighbors, but if they ever have complaints to just come over or call him, and not the cops.

 

Teddy has other plans though, and that is to throw the most epic parties and to ‘discover’ something cool to make it on the frat’s wall of fame. The first night there, they throw a party. Mac and Kelly head over with their baby monitor and spend the night partying after Teddy and Pete invite them in. Teddy and Mac bond during the party. However, the next few nights, Mac attempts to call Teddy about the noise to no avail, so he calls the cops. Teddy is not happy and basically declares war on the Radners.

 

The two homes play ‘pranks’ on each other. Kelly and Mac devise ways to bring the frat down, and even go to the dean, who informs them that as long as the frat doesn’t get two more strikes, they will stay in the home. After a couple more attempts, Kelly and Mac manage to make a riff in the group and gets them put on probation. In a final attempt to get that last strike, they make the frat believe they are off probation so they can throw the most epic party ever, which leads to more antics.

 

Of course, all ends up well for everyone involved, but not after some hilarious scenes. My favorite was probably the scene after the first party when Kelly goes to breast-feed Stella but can’t because she’s been drinking. Mac breaks the breast-pump and he is forced to milk her to relieve the pain. Hilarious! I also love the random sex scenes between Mac and Kelly. It’s definitely awkward to see Rogan naked, but still very funny and realistic in a way. And of course, any scene where Efron is without a shirt is worth it. Yum.

 

As I said, the underlying theme between ‘old and young’ runs throughout, but never really makes it through to the surface. Though you do get a glimpse when Pete focuses more on school than the frat and Teddy gets pissed at him. Since it’s really one of a few comedies out right now, it’s worth it to start your summer off right. And it also makes you want to throw a party with shirtless men.