Grown Ups 2 Review: What To Expect

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

5.0

Share

The Plot and its Strengths

Grown Ups 2 picks up years after the first film, with Lenny Feder (Adam Sandler) and his friends once again navigating the chaotic world of parenthood and suburban life. This time, the focus shifts to their children as they navigate high school shenanigans and the usual adolescent dramas. While the plot isn't groundbreaking, it provides a solid framework for the comedic chaos that unfolds.

• What worked: The film successfully utilizes the established dynamic between the core group of friends, relying on their familiar comedic timing and interactions. The incorporation of the children adds a new layer of humor, particularly in scenes showcasing generational clashes and the absurdity of teenage life.

• Specific comedic highlights:

  • The numerous slapstick moments, especially those involving the children, are often quite successful.
  • The running gags involving the eccentric characters add to the overall comedic energy.
  • The film's pacing is generally well-maintained, preventing the humor from becoming stale.

• Improvements from the first film: Grown Ups 2 features a slightly tighter narrative than the original, making the experience more focused and less episodic.

The Cast and their Performances

The ensemble cast, featuring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Salma Hayek, return to reprise their roles. Their comedic chemistry remains largely intact, and they clearly understand their characters' dynamics, providing a comforting familiarity for fans of the first film.

• Standout performances: While the performances are largely consistent with the actors' established comedic styles, Chris Rock consistently delivers strong comedic lines. The supporting cast also contributes significantly to the comedic chaos.

• Meeting audience expectations: The cast largely delivers what the audience expects – familiar comedic antics and comfortable interactions. However, some might argue that the performances lack the depth or innovation seen in other Sandler comedies.

• Ensemble effectiveness: The ensemble cast works well together, complementing each other's comedic styles. Their camaraderie is palpable on screen.

Humor and its Effectiveness

Grown Ups 2 relies heavily on slapstick, observational humor, and crude jokes. The humor often aims for a lowbrow, juvenile approach, which will appeal to specific audiences.

• Successful jokes: Many of the physical comedy scenes and the interactions between the children and their parents successfully land. The film’s reliance on absurdity and unexpected moments works in its favor.

• Unsuccessful jokes: Some jokes fall flat, relying too heavily on predictable scenarios or relying on shock value rather than wit.

• Comedic tone and style: The film's comedic style is consistent with the first Grown Ups and other Adam Sandler comedies. While some find this formulaic, it provides a sense of familiarity for fans.

Comparison to the Original Grown Ups

Grown Ups 2 shares a lot of DNA with its predecessor. Both films rely on a similar ensemble cast, similar comedic styles, and similar themes of friendship and family. However, there are also some key differences.

• Similarities and differences: Both films feature a similar structure: a group of friends reuniting and causing comedic chaos. However, Grown Ups 2 focuses more on the children and their antics, adding a new element to the storyline.

• Building upon the original: While Grown Ups 2 doesn't significantly improve upon the original, it delivers a similar experience for those who enjoyed the first film.

• Significant changes: The inclusion of the children’s storylines introduces a new dynamic and some fresh comedic opportunities.

Final Verdict and Overall Impression of Grown Ups 2

Grown Ups 2 is a decent, if not entirely memorable, comedy sequel. While it lacks the originality and sophistication of some other comedies, it delivers on its promise of providing some laughs.

• Strengths: The cast's chemistry remains a highlight, and the slapstick humor often lands effectively. The film is generally easy to watch and offers light entertainment.

• Weaknesses: The film lacks originality, relying heavily on predictable storylines and crude humor. Some jokes fall flat, and the overall plot isn't particularly engaging.

• Recommendation: If you're a fan of Adam Sandler comedies and enjoy lowbrow humor, you'll likely find Grown Ups 2 an enjoyable, albeit predictable, watch. Those looking for a more sophisticated or original comedy may be disappointed.

Conclusion: Should You Watch Grown Ups 2? A Final Word

Grown Ups 2 is a mixed bag. While it delivers laughs through familiar comedic tropes and the effortless chemistry of its cast, it lacks the originality and depth to truly stand out. It's a perfectly acceptable, if unspectacular, addition to the Adam Sandler comedy canon. Whether or not you should watch it depends on your tolerance for slapstick humor and your expectations.

Ultimately, Grown Ups 2 serves as a decent, if somewhat uninspired, sequel. It's a harmless comedy perfect for a casual viewing experience. But don't expect groundbreaking humor or a truly memorable cinematic event. Share your thoughts on Grown Ups 2 using #GrownUps2 #MovieReview #ComedyMovie!