Grown Ups 2 Review: What Happened To The Grown-Up Gang?

5 min read Post on May 11, 2025

Grown Ups 2 Review: What Happened To The Grown-Up Gang?

The Return of the Original Gang: A Look at the Cast and Their Performances

Grown Ups 2 reunites the core cast of the original film: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and David Spade, alongside Salma Hayek. But did their return translate into another comedic triumph?

Adam Sandler's Performance and Character Development:

Sandler's Lenny Feder is once again the central figure. His comedic timing, while reliably Sandler-esque, feels somewhat less sharp than in the first film.

Comedic Moments: Many of his jokes rely on physical comedy and slapstick, a staple of his style, but some feel overused.
Character Evolution: Lenny's character arc is minimal; he remains largely the same lovable, yet slightly immature, father from Grown Ups. This lack of growth might disappoint viewers hoping for more depth.
Comparison to Grown Ups: While his performance is consistent with his previous work, it lacks the unexpected freshness that made his Grown Ups character so endearing.

Supporting Cast and their Roles:

The supporting cast provides the usual mix of comedic relief.

Kevin James: His character, Eric Lamonsoff, delivers some laughs, though his contribution feels less significant than in the first movie.
Chris Rock: Kurt McKenzie brings a familiar edge, providing a counterpoint to Sandler's more slapstick humor. His performance is consistently strong.
David Spade: His character, Marcus Higgins, remains a reliably sarcastic presence, adding to the overall comedic mix, although his lines occasionally fall flat.
Salma Hayek: Hayek's Roxanne Chase provides a grounding presence, offering a necessary contrast to the often childish antics of the male leads.

New Additions to the Cast:

Grown Ups 2 introduces new characters, some of whom add fresh comedic energy.

Effectiveness: While some new characters contribute to the overall humor, their integration into the established dynamic feels slightly forced at times.
Contribution to Narrative: Their roles mostly serve to enhance the chaotic energy of the film, rather than significantly advancing the plot.

The Humor: A Hit or a Miss?

The comedic approach in Grown Ups 2 leans heavily on slapstick and crude humor, a departure from the somewhat more nuanced approach of the original.

Analysis of the Comedic Style:

Effectiveness: While some jokes land well, many rely on predictable gags and physical comedy, which, while generating some chuckles, ultimately lack originality.
Examples: The scene with the deer is a prime example of slapstick that works; however, some of the more vulgar jokes feel out of place and unnecessary.
Comparison to Grown Ups: The sequel opts for a more broadly aimed, less subtle comedic approach than its predecessor.

The Target Audience:

Age Appropriateness: The humor is largely geared towards a mature audience, although some jokes might be inappropriate for younger viewers.
Comedic Maturity: The film largely caters to fans of Adam Sandler's brand of humor, relying on physical comedy and often crass jokes.

Comparison to the Original Grown Ups' Humor:

Differences: Grown Ups 2 lacks the surprising wit and heart that made moments in the original film genuinely funny.
Similarities: The core cast's chemistry remains a strong element. However, the sequel’s humor lacks the balance found in the original.

Plot and Storyline: A Coherent Narrative or a Series of Unrelated Sketches?

The plot of Grown Ups 2 revolves around Lenny and his friends dealing with their kids as they navigate adolescence.

The Main Plot Points:

Key Plot Elements: The main storyline focuses on the characters' children and their interactions with each other and their parents.
Crucial Events: The plot unfolds through a series of loosely connected events and comedic situations.
Overall Direction: The story feels more like a collection of unrelated sketches rather than a cohesive narrative.

Pacing and Narrative Structure:

Flow: The movie's pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed.
Storytelling Choices: The narrative structure lacks a strong central conflict, resulting in a lack of tension and engagement.

Character Development and Arc:

Meaningful Growth: The characters experience minimal personal growth throughout the film.
Contribution to Narrative: The lack of character development weakens the overall narrative arc.

Overall Verdict: Is Grown Ups 2 Worth Watching?

Grown Ups 2 offers some laughs, primarily driven by the chemistry of its returning cast. However, it fails to match the charm and originality of the original.

Final Thoughts:

Pros: The cast's camaraderie remains a significant plus, providing some consistently enjoyable moments. The slapstick humor can be effective at times.
Cons: The weak plot, uneven pacing, and reliance on predictable jokes ultimately detract from the overall experience.

Recommendation:

Fans of Adam Sandler’s brand of humor might find some amusement in Grown Ups 2. However, those seeking a well-structured plot and consistently clever humor may find this sequel underwhelming.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Grown Ups 2

Grown Ups 2 ultimately falls short of the original in terms of plot coherence, comedic originality, and character development. While the cast delivers some laughs, the film relies too heavily on predictable jokes and slapstick. The overall experience is enjoyable for fans of Adam Sandler, but newcomers or those looking for a more substantial comedic experience might be disappointed.

What did you think of the Grown Ups 2 sequel? Share your thoughts below! Did it live up to the original Grown Ups, or did it fall short? Let's discuss your favorite (or least favorite) moments!