Movie Review: Neighbors

Jean-Paul’s Rating: 4/5 stars

Bottom Line: A fun raunchy comedy with some unexpectedly excellent chemistry between the actors.

Now, this may have been one of those movies where you go in with low expectations and it surprises you so much that you give it a better review than you normally would.  And who wouldn’t have low expectations when the plot revolves around a fraternity moving next door to a couple of new parents?  And who wouldn’t be surprised when that flimsy premise actually turns into a very enjoyable movie?

Obviously, with a plot like this, the movie is a bit unbelievable, but it does a really good job of making it as close to believable as possible.  The pranks that are pulled and the schemes that are concocted are all things that you might imagine doing if you were in a similar situation.  In fact, with the exception of the air bags stunt, which was both over the top and hilarious, it only takes a bit of a stretch of the imagination to see this movie happening in real life.

A lot of what makes this movie work is the acting.  What makes good material great material is the chemistry between the actors and there is chemistry aplenty in this film.  Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne play off of each other so well as the new parents next door.  One set of comedic talent is enough to carry any movie, but this movie has two, for Zak Efron and Dave Franco also work off of each other well as the fraternity president and vice president.

Only time will tell if “Neighbors” has any staying power as a classic raunchy comedy.  I can see myself breaking out this movie every few years and laughing all over again.

This movie also contains, perhaps, the cutest baby that was ever created on this planet, played by twins Elsie and Zoey Vargas.  Disgustingly cute applies here.  Be sure to stay for the credits where Elsie and Zoey are dressed up to look like all of the actors as their names scroll by.

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