Grown Ups 2

Hollywood agent Lenny (Adam Sandler) has moved back to his hometown with his family. This also gives him more time to hang out and play pranks with his childhood friends Eric (Kevin James), Kurt (Chris Rock), and Marcus (David Spade). But first and foremost, the four are more or less responsible fathers who only want the best for their children. But as role models, they are not very good because the fathers hardly ever miss an opportunity to make a fool of themselves.

For example, when the quartet visits a locally known swimming spot, they are stalked and humiliated by snooty college boys led by the cool Andy (Taylor Lautner) – in the presence of their kids. Lenny and Co. now want to throw an 80s party to show that they’re still cool. They also want to revive the good old days. But of course, not everything is going according to plan during the preparations and at the celebration itself.

It’s hard to believe, but in his long – for some even nerve-wracking long – career, stupid bard Adam Sandler hasn’t shot a single sequel until recently. With Grown Ups 2 he has now dared, which was actually a matter of course for Sony given the worldwide box office result of 271 million for the first film. So Sandler once again rounded up his buddies (except for Rob Schneider, who couldn’t seem to pull it off) and, under the direction of pal Dennis Dugan, shot this sequel. The result is a film that largely lacks the feel-good vibe of the debut and instead presents more fart and puke jokes.

Grown Ups 2 wants to be innocent family entertainment, but fails with insufficient gag density and stupid toilet humor – at the beginning, a moose is allowed to urinate twice on family members. However, the slapstick works wonderfully, while towards the end it gets a bit corny and good-natured again. Sandler didn’t necessarily do himself a favor, but rather a blessing for Sony. You can clearly see that in the film, even if the comedian keeps trying to cross the PG line with a rougher sense of humor. The result was a half-baked comedy. It’s not necessarily dull – especially since the 80s party at the end invites you to guess the film; compared to the very funny first part, however, the sequel is clearly relegated to second place.

• Grown Ups 2