San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

An epic ‘neighbor’ war between Seth Rogen and Zac Efron

Glen Wilson, Universal Pictures, MCT
Glen Wilson

Frathouse comedies have always been the source of good times and good laughs, from “Animal House” to “Old School.” Now, “Neighbors” is ready to throw its hat in the ring.

“Neighbors” follows newlyweds Mac Radner (Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne) as they adjust to life in a new home with their new baby. The honeymoon period comes crashing to a halt when their newfound neighbors turn out to be a rowdy and raucous fraternity, Delta Sigma Psi, led by their charming president, Teddy (Zac Effron), and VP, Pete (Dave Franco). Mac and Kelly aim to come across as the “cool” neighbors, even welcoming the fraternity with a celebratory joint. The two households share a crazy night and get the first evening off to a good start. But the constant partying and blasting of music isn’t exactly an ideal setting to raise a child, and Mac and Kelly end up calling the cops on Delta Sigma Psi. From that point on, it’s full-on war.

The narrative is passable, at-best. But all is forgiven once the shenanigans start. The pranks begin small and escalate to hilarious extents that keep the film fresh and memorable. Without spoiling too much, “Neighbors” constantly surprised me, juking out the obvious movie tropes for top-notch rivalry banter.

Effron is just as loveable as he is a d—–ag and commands the screen presence as the frat president who’s just not ready to quit the party lifestyle. There are some poignant moments featuring Effron, and though they’re cleverly masked with humor, “Neighbors” is a modern take on the fraternity lifestyle, and featuring those who get lost in all the booze and debauchery. Rogen takes a step out of his typical pot-and-penis personality, and is just as fun to watch in his role as a new concerned father. Paired with Rogen, Byrne’s character ramps up the deviancy and as a scene stealing, sultry and protective mama bear. “Neighbors” is surprisingly full of cameos and characters with few but hilarious scenes. Spoiler alert ahead. The cast of “Workaholics,” The Lonely Island, Lisa Kudrow, and Hannibal Buress are just a few people who pop-up.

Hopefully the film comes out with deleted scenes, gag-reels and unrated featurettes to boot with the DVD release, as it feels like a lot of scenes were cut from the theatrical version.

“Neighbors” is a silly movie with a simple plot. But in the end, that doesn’t really matter when you’re crying from laughter beginning to end.

Also read: Love and villains clash in sequel

Courtesy of Glen Wilson/Universal Pictures/MCT

 

About the Contributor
Alek Sanchez, Staff Writer
Alek is a business administration senior, with an emphasis in management information systems, but don't let his background fool you. He began writing for The Daily Aztec his freshman year, starting out with extensive video game coverage, before branching out to review box-office hits and sold-out concerts. For his last semester at SDSU, he's looking forward to showcasing the many great opportunities available to students here at State.
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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
An epic ‘neighbor’ war between Seth Rogen and Zac Efron