Bad Neighbours Movie Review

Movie poster for the International release

Seth Rogen has had a few hits (The 40 Year-Old Virgin) and misses (The Green Hornet) accredited to his name and Bad Neighbours definitely feels like a hit. Rogen and comedy are really a match made in heaven and once again this film emphasises that. The raunchy and outrageous comedy about a young couple coping with their new found parenthood and suburban lifestyle are unexpectedly thrown into a hazing war against their new neighbours Delta Psi, who happen to be a fraternity, known for their excessive partying.

Bad Neighbours boasts an impressive cast with Seth Rogen and Rose Byne starring as the young couple, contrasted well against the tumultuous fraternity leaders of Dave Franco and the impressively jacked-up Delta Psi president Zac Efron; the latter who really entwines the film together, breaking out of his “Disney” mould and unlocking a new side of his acting potential that he fits into nicely. Other standout members of the cast adding their own personal touches to their characters include Chirstopher Mintz-Plasse, Hannibal Buress, Lisa Kudrow as well as brief cameo appearances from Andy Samberg and the cast of Comedy Central’s hit show Workaholics.

With a solid overall storyline based around the themes of growing up, trust and accepting who you are, the film also allows time for character development for each of its main cast members with ample screen time… which is not wasted!

A comedy that will have you laughing and creasing from start to finish with countless jokes and well executed graphic humour, all constructed in good taste and, this film definitely stands out among the summer hits of huge, dark Hollywood blockbusters. The whole premise of the film feels like a mixture of National Lampoon’s Animal House and American Pie with a sprinkle of Seth Rogen-ness, who only enhances the comedic action. Not only that, Zac Efron and Dave Franco’s pairing is an impressive and organic comedic match, much like Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum’ pairing in 21 Jump Street. With the ending left open with the possibility of a sequel, this would be one sequel that I would happily welcome.

4/5 stars.