Neighbors

Release Date: May 09, 2014 
Runtime: 1 hr. 37 min. 
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Cast: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco, Ike Barinholtz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse.

A married couple learns parenthood isn't what it's cracked out to be when a fraternity moves next door in peaceful suburbia. Starring Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne,  and a douchey Zac Efron, it's survival of the young, high and relentless. Coming from Stoller and Rogen, the humor is as expected – unrestricted and immature for laugh out loud moments. But in between takes are lulls of indifference, not enough character development to justify a side. It eventually becomes a repetitious game of juvenility, not very creative or extreme as could be. However, Efron, for his part, is notably entertaining, having long shed his "High School Musical" days. His frat boy persona seems perfectly fitting when up against a 'grown up' Seth Rogen who feels like the exact opposite. Given a premise of such myriad potential, the film is less than fulfilling compared to Stoller's previous work. But consistent or not, "Neighbors" does manage to have some hilarious forays, one particularly dealing with 'junk' and plaster. If we learn anything from this suburban scuffle, it's love thy neighbor but watch your back.

Rating: 2½ stars