“Knock-knock.” “Who’s there?”
You’d better hope it’s not a fraternity moving in next door, especially Delta Psi Beta, even though we all know that president Teddy (played by Zac Efron) looks excellent with his shirt off.
New parents Mac, played by Seth Rogan, and Kelly, played by Rose Byrne, are faced with a lifetime of play dates, PTA meetings, and a nonexistent social life until the house next door gets bought by a fraternity, legendary for their partying.
At first, the two houses seem like they will get along just fine bonding over a night of partying together while the young couple’s baby, Stella, stays at home with a sitter. But when the frat’s escapades resume the very next night, disturbing Stella, Mac and Kelly’s sleep, the couple is forced to call the police.
This starts the battle.
Throughout the movie, the couple and the fraternity, mainly president Teddy, wage a war against one another. Both sides play pranks, commit crimes, and manipulate people in order to win the struggle for power in this suburban neighborhood. With the lead in this struggle passing back and forth between the two sides multiple times, it’s hard to tell who will come out ahead, or how long it may take.
While many of these scenes are hilarious, there are definitely slow times in this movie. It is also littered with curse words, drugs, and scenes that most certainly deserve the movie’s “R” rating.
Although the plot was funny, it is the acting by this hilarious (and attractive) cast that really pulls the movie through. “Neighbors” was spotted with well-known celebrities, many new to comedy. Australian actress Rose Byrne, comedy superstar Seth Rogan, and heartthrobs Zac Efron and Dave Franco are just a few of the familiar faces seen in this movie.
While “Neighbors” had its humorous scenes and great cast, this film could’ve benefited from a slightly deeper plot that didn’t completely rely on curse words and sex appeal. Both of those things are good in moderation, but an hour and a half of it is a little much, at least for me. If you’re going out to have a good laugh with your friends, go for it; but if you’re looking for a comedic classic, you may want to stay at home and watch “Talladega Nights” instead.