Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is the most unlikely of joys on several fronts. The film is the rare comedy sequel that is as funny as the first film, perhaps even more hilarious. It also serves us a message that will have audiences thinking throughout at the most and at the least, becoming aware of an issue that most never knew was one to begin with.
This time around, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne’s Mac and Kelly Radner are raising their preschool-aged little girl and living in the same house that saw them do battle with Zac Efron’s Teddy and his fraternity in the first film. Of course they won that battle, but a whole new war is coming their way.
The Radners are expecting a baby and they have bought a bigger house to accommodate the new addition and are in the process of closing on the sale of their home. When Chloe Grace Moretz’s Shelby and her KU sorority move in next door with the sole purpose of living debaucherously every single day, the idea that the Radners came make it through 30 days of escrow seems doubtful. What to do?
Enlist Teddy and go to war again…
What seems like it could be a re-tread story is actually anything but. Director Nicholas Stoller and his co-writers (including Rogen and longtime partner Evan Goldberg, among others) have crafted a story that has as much heart as it does hilarity. And like we said, that message about female empowerment has us cheering as much for KU as we are pulling for the Radners to be able to find away to not loose escrow and go bankrupt from having to own two homes.
Not many people know this, but in the United States, sororities are not allowed to throw parties. As Shelby rushes several sororities on campus, she learns that quickly. She’s appalled and is moved to action. She recruits a slew of fellow girls who just want to have fun and rent the house next door to the Radners. Raging parties once again ensue and the girls of KU let their freak flag fly and we become aware of something while witnessing Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, this is an equal rights issue. Frat parties on campus are quite “rapey” – to quote the film, and are not the safest place for girls to let loose.
If they were to have their own house to party and throw parties, then girls would feel safer and more empowered to be themselves and have just as much fun as the boys have been having in fraternities.
Who can’t agree with that?
What is fascinating is how Teddy, Mac and Kelly find a way to battle these ladies and not trample on their right to party to the point where the audience is turned off. Unlike the last film, we can see both sides of this coin and it is truly fascinating and brilliant how the team of screenwriters and Stoller have weaved a web of comedy and insight that comes to a conclusion that is satisfactory for everyone. Truthfully, this is one of the rare comedies that can paint a picture of raunchy R-rated amusement that simultaneously entertains while it enlightens.
The cast is still terrific. Efron is a movie star, for sure, but there is something about how Rogen and Stoller use him in the Neighbors movies that taps into what he does best. When part of an ensemble, he is a spoke in a wheel that shines. What else is true about Stoller is he knows keenly how to utilize the comedic brilliance that is Byrne — her turn in Get Him to the Greek is legendary. She again gets a chance to shine and steal scenes left and right. When will she get a chance to headline a comedy on her own? Let’s hope sooner than later.
Rogen is his usual softly satirical self and that works yet again in the role of the father/husband who is pushed to the edge. That produces many laughs, but also shows some growth for the actor in that we also know that as co-writer and co-producer of this film, his hands are also involved in the creative process as a whole. As an artist, Rogen is truly expanding.
Stoller is the magic man behind the camera who proves yet again when it comes to comedy, his films don’t have to hit your over the head with the humor. And what else is he can insert a little social commentary in the mix that has you tantalized with laughter while you are subtly realizing that there are wrongs out there that need to be righted.
Grade: B