Grown Ups 2: A Hilarious Sequel Review

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.8

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The Returning Cast and Their Chemistry

The undeniable strength of Grown Ups 2, just like the original, lies in its ensemble cast. The comedic chemistry between Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and David Spade is electric. Their effortless banter and perfectly timed comedic delivery are the film's backbone.

• Iconic Moments: Scenes like the infamous water park sequence and the chaotic birthday party showcase their impeccable timing and ability to elevate even the most absurd situations.
• Character Evolution (or Lack Thereof): While the characters haven't undergone radical transformations, their established dynamics provide a comfortable familiarity for viewers. The sequel allows for a deepening of their relationships, albeit within the context of familiar comedic tropes.
• Supporting Cast: The addition of new characters, while not always groundbreaking, provides fresh comedic opportunities and further enhances the ensemble's comedic potential. The supporting cast successfully complements the main four, contributing to the overall comedic landscape.

The Plot and its Strengths/Weaknesses

Grown Ups 2 follows the four friends as they navigate the challenges of family life and suburban living in their hometown. The plot, while somewhat predictable, relies heavily on slapstick comedy and situational humor.

• Comedic Situations: Many of the comedic situations are relatable, exploring the absurdity of parenthood and the challenges of maintaining friendships amidst busy lives. However, some jokes rely heavily on physical comedy, which may not appeal to all viewers.
• Pacing and Structure: The film's pacing is generally brisk, keeping the energy high and preventing the humor from becoming stale. However, the plot occasionally feels somewhat disjointed, lacking a strong central narrative thread.
• Plot Holes and Inconsistencies: While not overly significant, some inconsistencies and plot holes may distract viewers who are seeking a more tightly woven narrative. These inconsistencies are, however, easily overlooked amidst the comedic chaos.
• Comparison to the Original: Compared to the original Grown Ups, the sequel feels less focused and perhaps slightly less cohesive, relying more on sheer comedic energy to carry the plot.

The Humor: Slapstick, Observational, or Something Else?

Grown Ups 2 employs a mix of comedic styles, relying heavily on slapstick and physical humor.

• Slapstick Comedy: The film delivers a steady stream of slapstick moments, from pratfalls to silly fights. These moments are often effective in generating laughs, particularly for audiences who appreciate this type of comedy.
• Observational Comedy: While less prominent than the slapstick, there are moments of observational humor that touch upon the realities of parenting and adult friendships. These moments provide a slightly more grounded counterpoint to the film’s more over-the-top comedic sequences.
• Effectiveness of Comedic Styles: The effectiveness of the humor is subjective. Fans of Adam Sandler's brand of comedy will likely find much to enjoy, while others may find the humor somewhat juvenile or predictable.
• Target Audience: The humor in Grown Ups 2 primarily targets a younger adult audience and those who enjoy broad, slapstick comedies.

A Worthy Sequel or a Disappointment?

Grown Ups 2 is a mixed bag. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of the original, it delivers enough laughs to make it a reasonably enjoyable watch for fans of the cast and their style of humor.

• Comparison to the First Movie: While falling short of the original's comedic precision, Grown Ups 2 still provides a satisfying dose of familiar, albeit less refined, humor.
• Place within Adam Sandler's Filmography: The film fits comfortably within Adam Sandler's broader comedic output, offering a predictable yet entertaining experience for his loyal fanbase.
• Box Office Success: The film’s box office performance was relatively successful, indicating its appeal to a broad audience, despite mixed critical reviews.
• Critical Reception: Critical reception was largely mixed, with many critics citing the film's reliance on predictable humor and lack of narrative cohesion.

Conclusion

Grown Ups 2 offers a decent dose of slapstick fun, fueled by the undeniable chemistry of its returning cast. While the plot may lack the tightness and originality of the first film, the sheer comedic energy and relatable situations make it a watchable, if not entirely memorable, sequel. Ultimately, whether Grown Ups 2 is "good" is a matter of individual taste.

Final Verdict: A fun, if somewhat predictable, comedy that delivers enough laughs to justify a watch, especially for fans of Adam Sandler's brand of humor. It's not a cinematic masterpiece, but it's perfectly acceptable as a lighthearted, low-stakes entertainment option.

Call to Action: Have you seen Grown Ups 2? What are your thoughts on the Grown Ups 2 movie? Share your Grown Ups 2 review and opinions in the comments below! Is Grown Ups 2 good? Let us know!