Sequel’s sorority twist is smart
There tends to be an unspoken rule about R-rated comedy sequels: The gross-out factor has to double, or triple, from the original.
Which is what makes “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising” interesting; it bucks the trend in a way that doesn’t destroy the original appeal of this film about college coeds battling their adult neighbors.
Now, don’t worry. The revolting gags and anatomical comments have not vanished from this franchise starring Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne as a couple craving residential bliss. It’s just that the direction of “Neighbors 2” follows a path that doesn’t depend on such content.
The film keeps the “let’s be more outrageous” notion at arm’s reach, getting to it when needed. Wisely, it places as much focus on a smart gender twist and sympathetic concerns about how the characters will progress.
This sequel starts with the Radners (Rogen and Byrne) expecting their second kid and trying to sell the home they defended against Zac Efron and his army of frat boys in the first film. They have buyers but have to get through a 30-day escrow window for the sale to be finalized.
And, wouldn’t you know it, a sorority of rebellious college girls moves next door just after the escrow period starts.
The sorority is the smart twist in this script as a trio of outsider freshman coeds form their own sorority after learning “accredited” sororities can’t throw their own parties. Thus, Kappa Nu is formed by Shelby (Chloë Grace Moretz), Beth (Kiersey Clemons) and Nora (Beanie Feldstein) so the sisters can party to their hearts’ content.
Again, the lewdness isn’t gone from these party sequences. But it’s more female-oriented and not as no-holds-barred as it could have been. Not to mention recycled.
Few of the gags and even fewer of the proceedings are novel — air-bag jokes and a less-than-helpful college dean (Lisa Kudrow) return. But hey, if the mindset is “fix not what isn’t broken,” well, the laughs, cringes and “awwws” remain effective.
That said, the film goes even deeper into social commentary.
Wherein the first installment uses frat-boy king Teddy (Efron, shirtless again) to get viewers to relate to the social-life-or-future-building argument youngsters in higher education face, the sequel explores a biased system handicapping the youth and equality of college-age ladies. Plus, there’s the parenthood-economy combo that makes families so dependent on money. It’s such perspective in both films of this franchise that adds layers to the comedy and value to the creative effort.
No surprise, then, that the series’ best element — Efron as Teddy — is even better this time around.
Despite the dimness he displays and the shell of douchery that he proudly embodies, Efron’s character continues to be sympathetic. He’s the guy who after a few talks and drinks will show he has a heart, and that “jerk” label he wears all day is more misguidance than his nature It’s clearly Teddy’s fault that Eric Carmen belts “All by Myself ” during a reflective scene, but, man, does he still deserve a hug.
Which is why it is a shame that viewers have little to invest in his sequel replacement, sorority leader Shelby. Whether through miscasting or bland acting, Moretz’s fight for party rights is admirable but falls short of being compelling. One has to, however, applaud the actress’ willingness to continue her diverse project choices.
Among the Kappa Nu sisters, more interesting is Clemons, the bright spot of last year’s funky coming-of-age film “Dope,” who delivers every dirty line with conviction and liveliness.
Director Nicholas Stoller and his returning scribes, Andrew Jay Cohen and Brendan O’Brien, decree that the ladies can be as crafty, if not more, than the testosterone bearers, but in this outing they don’t stand out as much.
Instead, it’s Byrne carrying the female comedy torch with some strong, laugh-out-loud moments that further establish her as a humor gold mine — the same can be said about Efron.
So, yes, it’s on again in “Neighbors 2” as the residential and generational conflict plays out in a surprising and underwhelming fashion, kind of like a night of drinking when the fun and the hangover go hand in hand.