[Review] Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising

2014's Neighbors was an uproarious comedy and a surprisingly thoughtful conjuncture about straddling the lines between youth and adulthood. However, it never really felt like we needed a sequel to move in. But you know what? I'm glad Neighbors 2 is here.

Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne return, now as seasoned (sort of...) parents. Zac Efron and Dave Franco are back too, but with lesser roles as they make way for the Sorority Rising Kappa Nu, which is led by Chloe Grace Moretz, Kiersey Clemons (Dope), and Beanie Feldstein.

Yeah, the premise is mostly a retread of the first film, but it's still a really funny retread. A welcome round two. A fitting companion piece. Along with some cleverly-sourced lines of humor and great moments of comic timing from the whole cast (Efron and Moretz are especially punchy), the extravaganza of nextdoor generational gap warfare continues with that jocular and laugh-worthy class of raunch, rather than that lewd and eye-rolling class of raunch.

The narrative flaunts some female empowerment and tackles double standards and upends notions of sexism through various dialogue, gags, and setpieces. At one point, Chloe and her sisters chuck used tampons at their rival's window as a prank. Efron expresses his disgust. Chloe argues that he'd react differently if it was a bag of dicks or something. Efron ruminates on the subject. He begins to agree with Chloe's sentiment, then quietly chuckles to himself, "Bag of dicks..."

While its highs don't quite reach the more riotous festivities of the previous go-around, Neighbors 2 is an uncommon comedy sequel that you won't absolutely despise.

( 7.5/10 )