NEIGHBORS (2014)

Directed By: Nicholas Stoller
Written By: Andrew Jay Cohen & Brendan O’Brien
Cinematography By: Brandon Trost
Editor: Zene Baker 
 
Cast: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco, Carla Gallo, Ike Barinholtz, Craig Roberts, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Halston Sage, Jerrod Carmichael, Hannibal Burress, Lisa Kudrow, Jason Mantzoukas

A couple with a newborn baby face unexpected difficulties after they are forced to live next to a fraternity house.

Now this is a film that had me laughing throughout most of the film and I believe it will have most audiences feeling the same way.

This isn't prime Seth Rogen though he tries to show he is growing up and so are his slacker characters, but still can be goofy and put it all out there.

The film also has subtle dogs about getting older before you know it and gaining responsibilities and facing the fear of the future.

Even the directing is kid of inspired with certain interesting choices of cuts and shots.

Though with all that being Said. While there is a story it is very thin and feels like a cocoon to explain away as highlight the hijinks. Though luckily the story you Initially come in For gets old fast and luckily the film tries to fill it with substance. Only the substance feels disposable. Like fast food rather than a rich meal.

The film is fun and if that Is all you seek. You will have no problems with the film as obviously you can tell what you are going to get from the trailer. So you don't come to this film for the acting or filmmaking. I have to say even watching the film I longed To go To the parties depicted in this film. It has plenty of raunch and crude humor that gives the film a fun atmosphere.

Now while I have never had a problem with Zac Efron like most of his roles he is serviceable to the character and story no muss, no fuss. Though looking at him physically and just at his acting style he seems almost different. He definitely has the leading man looks as I wonder why he isn't playing some kind of superhero character. I let thinking as I watched his performance he would be a not too bad younger superman.

Luckily the comedy isn't reserved to only come out when the frat and the couple are at war with one another. There are plenty of other comedic scenarios and characters to keep the film busy. I give the film points as it would have been easy for it to go on auto pilot and just been simply about the story we know going into the film. The film let's it evolve and show some of the consequences.

Though not as raunchy as films it's type it is a little raunchier then the usual Seth Rogen vehicles with more sex than usual. All of the actors took major pay cuts in order to help save money for the budget, in particular, Seth Rogen and Zac Efron.

Luckily the film never devolves solely Into a us versus them, not purely oral war format. It just has a message about responsibility and the desire to stay carefree as long as you can.

While the film is enjoyable it's not as funny or entertaining as this is the end, but the film is entertaining and gives it's audience everything they could expect.

The final scene between Mac and Teddy outside of the Abercrombie and Fitch store was completely improvised. Zac Efron had no idea that Seth Rogen would take off his shirt.

Plus as it is directed by Nicholas Stoller. It was already intriguing as I am a fan of his work so far exclusively in comedy THE MUPPETS, GET HIM TO THE GREEK, FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL, FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT.

As all of his comedies have set pieces but focus more on characters and hit a certain emotional truth time to time with what the characters are going through that bongs you more in as an audience member and helps to make you relate to the proceedings.

Grade: B-