Grown Ups 2 Review: What To Expect

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

4.9

Share

The Plot: A Familiar Recipe with New Ingredients

Grown Ups 2 picks up where the first film left off, reuniting Lenny Feder (Adam Sandler), Eric Lamonsoff (Kevin James), Kurt McKenzie (Chris Rock), and Marcus Higgins (David Spade) in their beloved hometown. While the core group is back, the sequel introduces new challenges and comedic situations. This time, the focus shifts slightly, incorporating the characters' families and their often chaotic interactions more prominently into the narrative.

• Return to the familiar setting: The film utilizes the same comfortable setting as the original, providing a sense of familiarity for returning viewers.
• New challenges and comedic situations: The group faces new obstacles, ranging from navigating their children's antics to dealing with local rivalries.
• Focus on families and interactions: The sequel expands on the characters' family dynamics, creating new avenues for comedy and emotional moments.
• Minimal plot twists: Unlike many sequels that attempt to reinvent the wheel, Grown Ups 2 opts for a more predictable storyline. There are few, if any, significant plot surprises.
• Comparison to the first Grown Ups: The plot shares a similar structure to the original, albeit with a more pronounced emphasis on family life and less on the nostalgia of revisiting childhood friendships.

The Humor: Hit or Miss?

The comedic style of Grown Ups 2 largely mirrors the first film, relying heavily on slapstick humor, crude jokes, and observational comedy concerning the absurdities of parenthood and suburban life. While some gags land with satisfying comedic impact, others fall flat. The humor is undeniably broad and geared towards a specific audience.

• Successful jokes: Several scenes involving the children and their interactions with the adults deliver genuine laughs. The chaotic energy of the film's many comedic set pieces occasionally hits the mark.
• Unsuccessful jokes: Some jokes rely too heavily on slapstick and toilet humor, which may not resonate with all viewers. A few storylines feel underdeveloped, resulting in comedic opportunities being missed.
• Target audience: The humor in Grown Ups 2 is primarily aimed at adult audiences and fans of Adam Sandler's comedic style, with some jokes appealing to families.
• Comparison to the first film: The humor is largely consistent with the original, although some may argue that the sequel relies too heavily on familiar comedic tropes.
• Recurring comedic elements: Several running gags from the first movie are reprised, providing a sense of continuity for returning fans.

The Cast and Performances

The ensemble cast reprises their roles from the original Grown Ups, with Adam Sandler leading the charge as Lenny Feder. While Sandler’s performance is largely consistent with his previous comedic roles, the supporting cast provides a mixture of strong and weaker performances.

• Adam Sandler's performance: Sandler's portrayal of Lenny remains engaging, although some critics may find his character somewhat one-note.
• Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider: The performances of these actors vary in quality. Some shine in their comedic timing, while others are less effective.
• Supporting characters: The supporting cast, including the actors playing the children, contribute to the film's chaotic energy. Some supporting characters generate more laughs than others.
• Comedic chemistry: The chemistry between the main actors remains a strong point of the film, providing some of the most enjoyable comedic moments.

Overall Impression: Worth Watching?

Grown Ups 2 is a mixed bag. While it delivers some genuine laughs and reunites a beloved cast, it also suffers from a predictable plot and some uninspired comedic moments. It's ultimately a familiar formula, played out with varying degrees of success.

• Strengths: The cast's chemistry and the occasionally hilarious set pieces are high points. The film offers some lighthearted entertainment for those looking for a simple, undemanding comedy.
• Weaknesses: The plot is predictable, and some jokes fall flat. The reliance on slapstick and crude humor may not appeal to all viewers.
• Rating: 6/10
• Comparison to the original: Grown Ups 2 is arguably a step down from the original, lacking the same freshness and comedic impact.
• Recommendation: Fans of Adam Sandler's brand of comedy and those looking for a lighthearted family movie may find Grown Ups 2 enjoyable. However, viewers looking for a sophisticated or innovative comedy may be disappointed.

Conclusion

Grown Ups 2 offers a familiar blend of slapstick humor and celebrity camaraderie. While it delivers some laughs and reunites a popular cast, it falls short of the original in terms of originality and comedic brilliance. The predictable plot and inconsistent humor are drawbacks, but the strong cast chemistry occasionally elevates the experience. The movie's strengths lie in its lighthearted nature and the undeniable comedic appeal of the main actors.

So, is Grown Ups 2 worth adding to your watchlist? Read our comprehensive Grown Ups 2 review to make an informed decision before pressing play! Share your own thoughts on the movie in the comments below – did you agree with our assessment of this Adam Sandler comedy? Let's discuss!