by Robbie Jones
Seth Rogen and Zac Efron are both actors who have had their fair share of detractors. For Rogen, it’s the fact he seemingly plays the same sort of character in every film he makes, with only tiny bits of variation, and Efron has always come under fire for the films that made him famous, the High School Musical trilogy. But last year, Efron effectively hammered the final nail into his Disney coffin with The Paperboy, which came following quite a few serious performances, and now he’s a rising star on the comedy scene. The proof? Well, you’ve got his two comedies from this year: That Awkward Moment, a fairly enjoyable romp starring Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan, and Bad Neighbours, the film that made it clear he was a comedy force to be reckoned with.
Seth Rogen and Zac Efron are both actors who have had their fair share of detractors. For Rogen, it’s the fact he seemingly plays the same sort of character in every film he makes, with only tiny bits of variation, and Efron has always come under fire for the films that made him famous, the High School Musical trilogy. But last year, Efron effectively hammered the final nail into his Disney coffin with The Paperboy, which came following quite a few serious performances, and now he’s a rising star on the comedy scene. The proof? Well, you’ve got his two comedies from this year: That Awkward Moment, a fairly enjoyable romp starring Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan, and Bad Neighbours, the film that made it clear he was a comedy force to be reckoned with.
Bad Neighbours (Or Neighbours, if you’re in the US) stars Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne as Mac and Kelly, a young couple with a newborn daughter who find themselves restricted from normal life after taking on parenthood (I realise this sounds like I’m describing the plot of Sex Tape but bear with me). They aren’t helped by the fact that their new next door neighbours are a fraternity house lead by party animals Teddy (Zac Efron) and Pete (Dave Franco). At first, things are alright, they get along quite well. But soon Delta Psi are throwing wild parties and keeping their child up despite promises not to, and it becomes all out war between the neighbours.
If you don’t like Seth Rogen because his performances are the same, I can’t tell you much different I’m afraid. He still smokes weed, and he’s still kind of stupid. But there’s something different about it. Somehow, being employed and having a family makes the performance so much different. It seems mature when it’s not in the slightest, and it makes it easier to enjoy. Now I’m actually a big fan of Seth Rogen, I love his movies and think he’s hilarious. But even I can see where it gets repetitive Well, I think you Seth haters might be okay with this one. Dave Franco manages to be so much less annoying in this movie than he is usually, and is becoming the more likeable of the Franco brothers. But his performance is hilarious and entertaining.
If you don’t like Seth Rogen because his performances are the same, I can’t tell you much different I’m afraid. He still smokes weed, and he’s still kind of stupid. But there’s something different about it. Somehow, being employed and having a family makes the performance so much different. It seems mature when it’s not in the slightest, and it makes it easier to enjoy. Now I’m actually a big fan of Seth Rogen, I love his movies and think he’s hilarious. But even I can see where it gets repetitive Well, I think you Seth haters might be okay with this one. Dave Franco manages to be so much less annoying in this movie than he is usually, and is becoming the more likeable of the Franco brothers. But his performance is hilarious and entertaining.
But the real stars of the film, without a doubt, are Rose Byrne and Zac Efron. They are both wild, both hilarious, and both making this film as entertaining as it is. Zac Efron gives hands down the funniest performance of the year so far, and hopefully there’s more comedy like this to come. But I feel Zac Efron will never be appreciated like he should. He is a fine actor, serious or funny, but there are just some people out there who will never forget Troy Bolton and always hold him to that. But hopefully one day he can show them what he’s made of.
The film itself isn’t quite as funny as it should be; unfortunately, some of the best jokes are in the trailer, and the film isn’t quite the comedy extravaganza the trailer promises. But there are still some gems in this film, with the “Dicks.....in our hands” moment being a personal favourite.
Overall, if you’re looking for a good time or a way to justify your obsession with Zac Efron to your friends, Bad Neighbours is the film for you.
The film itself isn’t quite as funny as it should be; unfortunately, some of the best jokes are in the trailer, and the film isn’t quite the comedy extravaganza the trailer promises. But there are still some gems in this film, with the “Dicks.....in our hands” moment being a personal favourite.
Overall, if you’re looking for a good time or a way to justify your obsession with Zac Efron to your friends, Bad Neighbours is the film for you.
What Do You Think?
Bad Neighbours is available on DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital Download now.
Did you enjoy it?
Or did it fail to make you laugh?
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