By Juliana Riverin
Staff Writer
Rivaling hit comedies “Animal House” and “The Hangover” in lewdness and obscenity, “Neighbors” is crudely hilarious in the best way possible.
Despite an unrealistic set up and awkward emphasis on character growth, “Neighbors” provides constant laughs with its tried-and-true fraternity humor accompanied by equally silly character interactions.
“Neighbors” tells the story of new parents Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne) and their attempts to get rid of the fraternity that has moved into their quiet neighborhood. The moral boundaries and relationships of both groups are tested as the conflict between the Radners and Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron), the fraternity president, escalates in an obscure series of events.
The film draws many of its jokes from the different types of relationships between characters. Husband and wife, boss and employee, friend and friend, all are depicted in fairly satirical ways, giving the audiences a break from the simply crude humor seen in most modern comedies. The emphasis on character dynamics distinguishes “Neighbors” in a genre flooded with tired comedies.
The best example of this is the on-screen relationship between Rogen and Efron. They go from friendly to feuding and back again. The desire of both characters to hold on to what remaining childhood they have left becomes the driving force behind the conflict and the crux of the entire movie. Not only does this feud drive humor in the film, but its implication creates a viable issue the viewers can relate to.
Although the film’s frat-humor is not nearly as unique as the comedy found between the film’s characters, it is hilariously executed. “Neighbors” explores every aspect of the fraternity stereotype, from crude, embarrassing hazing rituals to out-of-control parties, all while playing up the extreme sense of brotherhood the members feel toward each other. The bro humor has all been done before but is one of the film’s funniest facets with its absurdity.
The only issue with the film is its unbelievability. The fact that parents would leave their newborn alone in a house to party with college students or attempt a series of pranks on these very same people is purely ridiculous and distracts the viewer from the rest of the plotline.
Worse yet is the film’s ending.The last 10 minutes of the film awkwardly switch from numerous interactions to creating a confusing set-up that is focused on sincere character development. Although this is necessary to the plot, it leaves the audience disoriented and more than a little unsatisfied at the new focus.
Thankfully, “Neighbors” is an overall riotous comedy that manages to overcome a ridiculous plot and ending with its amazingly absurd and original humor.
“Neighbors” is rated R and is playing in theaters nationwide.
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