Is Grown Ups 2 Worth Watching? A Critical Analysis

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.5

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The Humor: Hit or Miss?

Analysis of the Comedic Style:

Grown Ups 2 relies heavily on slapstick comedy and crude humor, a trademark of Adam Sandler's comedic style. While some viewers find this approach laugh-out-loud funny, others may find it repetitive and juvenile. The humor largely targets a specific demographic – those who appreciate broad, physical comedy and aren't easily offended.

• Successful Jokes/Gags: The scene with the deer in the backyard provides some unexpected laughs, as does the water park sequence. Certain running gags, especially those involving the characters' interactions with their children, resonate with parents.
• Unsuccessful Jokes/Gags: Many jokes rely on toilet humor and predictable scenarios, falling flat for viewers expecting more sophisticated comedy. Some gags feel stretched out and lose their impact due to over-reliance. The humor feels dated at times, relying on tropes that were less fresh even in 2013.
• Target Audience: The film’s humor predominantly appeals to a younger audience and those who enjoy Adam Sandler's signature brand of slapstick comedy.

The Plot: A Coherent Narrative or a String of Gags?

Plot Summary:

Lenny Feder (Adam Sandler) and his friends return to their hometown, facing new challenges as their kids navigate high school. The plot follows the group's attempts to balance their careers, families, and friendships while dealing with various comedic mishaps. There's a loose storyline about a high school reunion, which largely serves as a vehicle for delivering a series of disconnected comedic moments.

• Plot Coherence: The plot is largely episodic; instead of a tightly woven narrative, Grown Ups 2 presents a series of loosely connected scenes designed to elicit laughs.
• Pacing: The pacing is generally brisk, keeping the audience engaged, though the lack of a strong central plot can feel disjointed at times.
• Originality: The plot offers little originality, relying heavily on established comedic tropes and predictable scenarios. Compared to the original Grown Ups, the sequel provides less character development and a weaker overall narrative structure.

The Cast and Performances

Individual Performances:

The film's main strength lies in its cast. Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and David Spade deliver performances consistent with their established comedic styles. However, the performances feel somewhat phoned-in, lacking the depth and nuanced comedy of some of their other work.

• Standout Performances: While no performance stands out as exceptional, the chemistry between the four leads is a consistent source of amusement, though it's more reliant on their established rapport than impressive acting prowess.
• Weak Performances: The supporting cast is largely forgettable, adding little to the overall comedic impact of the film. The portrayal of the children is also inconsistent and often unconvincing.

Overall Production Quality

Technical Aspects:

The production quality is adequate, with the film employing standard cinematography and editing techniques. The music and sound design are unremarkable, effectively serving the film without standing out.

• Impressive Aspects: The film's visuals are competent, though nothing particularly noteworthy stands out in terms of visual effects or camerawork.
• Lacking Aspects: There's nothing technically deficient about the production; however, the lack of visual flair makes the film seem somewhat bland in terms of cinematic impact.

Comparing Grown Ups 2 to the Original

A Direct Comparison:

Grown Ups 2 pales in comparison to the original Grown Ups. While the original film had its flaws, it offered a more cohesive narrative and a slightly more engaging storyline, even if the humor was equally reliant on slapstick.

• Similarities: Both films feature the same core cast and similar comedic styles.
• Differences: The sequel lacks the nostalgic element present in the original. The plot is significantly weaker, and the humor feels less fresh and more formulaic. The original Grown Ups at least had a stronger sense of narrative structure, even if it leaned on broad comedic tropes.

Conclusion: The Verdict – Is Grown Ups 2 Worth Watching?

Grown Ups 2 is a mixed bag. While the cast's chemistry provides some moments of genuine amusement, the film suffers from a weak plot, repetitive humor, and a lack of originality. The production is competent but unremarkable. Ultimately, Grown Ups 2 is a decent option for a light-hearted, undemanding viewing experience if you're a fan of Adam Sandler's brand of comedy. However, viewers looking for a well-crafted, original comedy might find it disappointing. For a superior comedy experience, consider revisiting the original Grown Ups or exploring other films within the Adam Sandler filmography that better showcase his comedic range. Is Grown Ups 2 worth your time? Probably not unless you're a die-hard fan needing a casual viewing experience.

Share your opinions on Grown Ups 2 in the comments below! Let us know: Is Grown Ups 2 worth watching in your opinion?