Grown Ups 2 Review: Is The Reunion Worth Watching?

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.0

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Are you wondering if Grown Ups 2 is worth adding to your movie night lineup? This review dives deep into the sequel's comedic offerings, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if this reunion of comedic giants delivers the laughs. We'll explore the plot, the performances, and the overall comedic impact to answer the burning question: is Grown Ups 2 worth watching?

Plot and Storyline: A Recap of the Grown Ups 2 Story

Grown Ups 2 picks up several years after the first film, with Lenny Feder (Adam Sandler) and his family still residing in the same suburban town. The plot revolves around Lenny navigating the challenges of raising his three sons while dealing with his friends, Eric Lamonsoff (Kevin James), Kurt McKenzie (Chris Rock), and Marcus Higgins (David Spade), who are also grappling with their own family issues and the complexities of adulthood. The storyline centers on the annual town fair and a series of escalating mishaps and comedic situations involving the group's children and their increasingly chaotic antics.

• Key plot points: The town fair preparations, a disastrous school play, escalating pranks between the friends and their kids, and a final, chaotic confrontation that leads to reconciliation and acceptance of the changes in their lives.

• Comparison to the original Grown Ups: While the original Grown Ups focused on a reunion triggered by the death of their basketball coach, Grown Ups 2 centers around everyday family life and the challenges of parenting. The sequel lacks the nostalgic element that drove the first film's narrative.

• Plot Twists (or lack thereof): Grown Ups 2 largely follows a predictable comedic trajectory, lacking any significant surprises or plot twists. The humor relies more on slapstick and situational comedy than unexpected turns. The Grown Ups 2 movie plot is straightforward and easily anticipated.

The Performances: Did the Cast Deliver?

The Grown Ups 2 cast largely reprises their roles from the first film. While the chemistry between Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and David Spade remains evident, the performances feel somewhat phoned-in compared to the original.

• Adam Sandler: Sandler's Lenny Feder is arguably the most developed character, but even his performance lacks the energy and nuance from the first film.

• Kevin James: James' Eric Lamonsoff provides some laughs, but his character remains largely one-dimensional.

• Chris Rock: Rock's Kurt McKenzie offers some of the sharper comedic moments, though his character arc is limited. His Chris Rock Grown Ups 2 performance provides a few memorable lines.

• David Spade: Spade's Marcus Higgins, as always, provides the cynical counterpoint, delivering a few good one-liners.

• Standout moments: A few scenes involving the children's antics, particularly those with Taylor Lautner, provide some genuine comedic relief. However, many scenes rely heavily on slapstick and predictable gags.

Humor and Comedy: Does Grown Ups 2 Deliver the Laughs?

The Grown Ups 2 comedy leans heavily on slapstick, juvenile humor, and crude jokes. While there are a few moments of genuine amusement, the humor often falls flat.

• Comedic Style: The film employs a predictable formula, relying on physical comedy, toilet humor, and repeated gags. This Grown Ups 2 humor is less sophisticated and less consistently funny than the original.

• Best Jokes/Scenes: The interactions between the children and their parents sometimes generate a few laughs. The school play sequence has a few funny moments.

• Worst Jokes/Scenes: Many of the bathroom humor jokes are tired and overused. The reliance on shock value humor often backfires, resulting in forced laughs.

The Grown Ups 2 funny scenes are sporadic rather than consistently funny. The film's comedic style is not refined, using obvious and overused comedic tropes.

Overall Verdict: Is Grown Ups 2 Worth Watching?

Grown Ups 2 is a pale imitation of its predecessor. While the cast possesses undeniable comedic chemistry, the script and direction fail to deliver consistent laughs. The Grown Ups 2 plot is predictable, the Grown Ups 2 jokes often fall flat, and the overall comedic impact is underwhelming.

• Rating: 2 out of 5 stars.

• Recommendation: Only fans of Adam Sandler's raunchier comedies and those who enjoyed the first Grown Ups might find some mild amusement in Grown Ups 2. However, it's not recommended for viewers seeking sophisticated or consistently funny humor. If you're choosing between the two films, the original Grown Ups is the superior choice. The Grown Ups 2 recommendation is a cautious one.

Conclusion

In summary, our Grown Ups 2 review finds the sequel lacking in both plot originality and consistent comedic delivery. While the cast's chemistry provides a few chuckles, the film relies too heavily on tired tropes and juvenile humor. The Grown Ups 2 worth watching question is answered with a largely negative assessment. The Grown Ups 2 final verdict is that it's a largely forgettable sequel.

Have you seen Grown Ups 2? Share your thoughts and opinions on the sequel in the comments below! Let us know if you agree with our Grown Ups 2 review. If you're still unsure, revisit our analysis to help you decide if this comedic reunion is worth your time. Let the Grown Ups 2 debate begin!