Grown Ups 2 Review: What Worked And What Didn't

4 min read Post on May 12, 2025

Grown Ups 2 Review: What Worked And What Didn't

Grown Ups 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2010 hit, promised more of the same raucous comedy and star-studded cast. But did it deliver? This Grown Ups 2 review dives deep into what worked and what didn't in this family comedy, exploring its comedic hits and misses, and ultimately deciding whether it's worth a watch. This in-depth Grown Ups 2 movie review will analyze both its strengths and weaknesses.

The Strengths of Grown Ups 2

The Cast's Chemistry: The undeniable magic

The undeniable chemistry between Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and David Spade remains a major strength of Grown Ups 2. Their comedic timing and improvisational skills shine through, generating several genuinely funny moments. This established rapport, honed over years of working together, translates seamlessly to the sequel.

The established rapport between the actors translates seamlessly to the sequel. Their comedic timing is impeccable.
Their playful banter and interactions provide much of the film's comedic core. The audience feels like they're watching old friends reunite.
Their combined star power still draws in a large audience, proving that the appeal of this comedic ensemble remains strong.

Nostalgic Appeal and Childish Humor: A relatable return to simplicity

Grown Ups 2 embraces a certain level of childish humor and nostalgic callbacks, appealing to audiences who enjoyed the original and those who appreciate a good laugh. The scenarios, while often silly, tap into a relatable sense of absurdity – the kind of absurdity that reminds us of our own less-responsible younger selves.

The scenarios, while often silly, tap into a relatable sense of absurdity. Many viewers will find themselves relating to the situations.
Gags involving childhood memories and reminiscing connect with the target audience, evoking a sense of shared experience.
The film doesn't take itself too seriously, which can be refreshing in a world often filled with overly serious cinematic experiences.

Supporting Cast Performances: Adding depth to the laughter

Supporting roles, such as those played by Salma Hayek as Roxanne Feder, Maya Rudolph as Debbie Feder, and even the brief appearances of recurring characters from the first film, provided comedic relief and added depth to the story. These supporting characters enhance the overall comedic experience.

The Weaknesses of Grown Ups 2: Where the sequel stumbles

Over-the-Top Slapstick and Predictable Plot: A formula that wears thin

Grown Ups 2 relies heavily on slapstick humor that can feel over-the-top and repetitive at times. The plot is incredibly predictable, lacking the surprise element that can make comedies more engaging. This reliance on familiar comedic tropes prevents the film from achieving a truly memorable status.

Some jokes fall flat due to their reliance on physical humor rather than clever writing. The humor occasionally feels forced.
The predictable storyline fails to keep the audience fully invested. There are few genuine plot twists.
The film's pacing occasionally feels uneven, with comedic momentum dropping in certain scenes. The narrative meanders at times.

Lack of Originality and Repetitive Gags: A case of déjà vu

Grown Ups 2 suffers from a lack of originality, often repeating jokes and scenarios from the first film. Many gags feel recycled and lack the freshness that a successful sequel needs. This repetition makes the movie feel less inventive and less creative overall.

The reliance on familiar tropes hinders the movie’s ability to surprise or innovate. It plays it too safe.
The repetition of gags makes the movie feel less inventive and less creative. The humor lacks punch.
This contributes to the overall feeling of a predictable and uninspired sequel. It feels more like a retread than a fresh start.

Crude Humor and Occasional Off-Color Jokes: Pushing the boundaries too far?

The film incorporates crude humor that may alienate some viewers. Certain jokes are questionable and could be considered offensive. This inclusion of crude humor is a significant drawback for many viewers.

The crude humor doesn't always land and can disrupt the flow of the movie. It disrupts the rhythm and pacing of the film.
The inclusion of off-color jokes may alienate certain segments of the audience. It narrows the appeal of the movie.
A more refined comedic approach may have resulted in a more broadly appealing film. A more nuanced approach would have been beneficial.

Conclusion: Is Grown Ups 2 worth your time?

Grown Ups 2 delivers moments of genuine laughter thanks to the cast's chemistry and nostalgic appeal. However, its reliance on predictable plotting, repetitive jokes, and excessive slapstick ultimately undermines its potential. While fans of the original might find some amusement, the film struggles to offer anything truly new or innovative. Is it worth a watch? Perhaps for a casual viewing with friends, but don't expect a cinematic masterpiece. For a more refined comedic experience, consider exploring other family comedy options. Ultimately, your enjoyment of this Grown Ups 2 will likely depend on your tolerance for broad, sometimes crude, humor and your expectations for a sequel. Do you agree with this Grown Ups 2 review? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!