Grown Ups 2 Review: What Happened After The First Movie?

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.5

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Recapping the First Film & Setting the Stage for Grown Ups 2

Grown Ups, released in 2010, followed five childhood friends – Lenny, Eric, Kurt, Marcus, and Rob – who reunite after 30 years for a fun-filled weekend following the death of their beloved basketball coach. The film showcased their boisterous personalities, their evolving relationships, and a healthy dose of slapstick comedy. Key relationships included Lenny’s rivalry with Eric, Kurt's more reserved nature, and Marcus's often outlandish behavior. Memorable moments included the hilarious water park scene and the chaotic basketball game.

Grown Ups 2 picks up years later, with the friends now living in the same suburban town. The sequel's premise revolves around the friends navigating the challenges of parenthood and suburban life, all while dealing with a new set of comedic mishaps. The returning cast includes Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider. This time, they're joined by several new characters, including Taylor Lautner, who adds a fresh dynamic to the comedic ensemble.

• Key plot points of Grown Ups: Childhood reunion, death of the coach, rediscovering friendships.
• Introduction of the sequel's central conflict: The friends' struggles with raising their children and dealing with the pressures of suburban life.
• Mention of new characters and their roles: New characters provide fresh conflicts and comedic opportunities, expanding the universe of the film.

A Deeper Dive into the Comedy and Characters in Grown Ups 2

The comedic style in Grown Ups 2 remains largely consistent with the first film, relying heavily on slapstick, physical humor, and crude jokes. However, some critics argue that the sequel lacks the heart and emotional depth of the original. Character development is minimal; the characters largely retain their established personalities from the first film, with little significant growth or change.

While Grown Ups 2 delivers several memorable comedic moments – particularly those involving the escalating rivalry between Lenny and his neighbor – some jokes fall flat, relying too much on shock value rather than genuine wit. Running gags involving the characters' children and their interactions with the adult friends are present, although they don't always land successfully.

• Comparison of the humor in both films: Similar slapstick approach, but Grown Ups 2 leans more heavily on crude humor.
• Analysis of individual character arcs: Minimal character development; characters remain largely unchanged.
• Examples of successful and less successful comedic sequences: The neighbor rivalry is a highlight, while some gags related to the children feel forced.
• Mention of any running gags: Recurring jokes about the children and their interactions with the main characters.

Comparing Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2: A Critical Analysis

Grown Ups received generally positive reviews, praised for its nostalgic appeal and the chemistry between the main cast. Grown Ups 2, however, received mixed to negative reviews, with critics often citing the lack of originality and the overuse of crude humor. While both films were box office successes, Grown Ups 2 didn't match the phenomenal performance of its predecessor.

The Lasting Legacy: Grown Ups 2's Place in Comedy Cinema

Despite the mixed critical reception, Grown Ups 2 cemented its place in Adam Sandler's filmography, albeit as a somewhat controversial entry. The film generated its share of memorable quotes and scenes, contributing to its ongoing presence in popular culture, even if not always for positive reasons. While not a groundbreaking comedy, it fits comfortably within the genre of raunchy ensemble comedies, finding its place in a cinematic landscape filled with similar offerings.

• Mention of any memorable quotes or scenes: Specific moments from the film that remain quotable or widely recognized.
• Discussion of the film's cultural relevance: Its impact on comedy, pop culture references.
• Comparison to other similar comedies: Placement within the larger genre of raunchy comedies.
• Speculation on the possibility of a third film: Highly unlikely given the lukewarm reception of the sequel.

Conclusion:

This Grown Ups 2 Review explores the sequel's attempt to recapture the magic of the original. While it offers some laughs, it ultimately falls short in several key areas, particularly in terms of character development and overall narrative cohesion. Whether you find it a worthy successor or a disappointing follow-up depends on your expectations. Ultimately, Grown Ups 2 remains a part of the Adam Sandler comedic legacy, though perhaps not its finest hour. Have you seen Grown Ups 2? Share your thoughts and opinions on this controversial comedy in the comments below! Let's discuss your Grown Ups 2 review!